Question:
How long can a plateau after 3 months last, or am I done?

I lost 50 pounds on my three month anniversary, and that was on March 13th. Since then, despite adding the gym, upping protein and water, zilch. Am I done? I had really hoped to make it to goal. 5'4", 247 at surgery, feeling concerned. Those with similiar experiences who "made it", please respond. Many thanks.    — elaine27 (posted on March 25, 2003)

March 25, 2003
Relax. Many of us go through plateaus. Have you taken your measurements? If you are getting some exercise, you are probably building muscle. Muscle does NOT weigh more than fat, but a pound of muscle takes up less room than a pound of fat, so you could be losing inches even if the scale isn't moving. If you haven't taken your measurements, do it now. When the scale isn't moving, the tape measure probably will. You'll be fine!
   — garw

March 26, 2003
Hi Darlene- congrats on losing that much weight in 3 months. You sound quite similar to me, I lost 50 lbs. the first 3 months, and have lost 10 lbs. consistently each additional month. Now at 10 months post-op, I am only 5 lbs. away from goal. You are exercising more, so sometimes that can make your loss stop, just because your body may be getting used to everything. Since you've upped protein and water already- you will probably just have to wait this plateau out. I've probably hit one every single month, it is frustrating- but they do go away. Goodluck to you!
   — Lezlie Y.

March 26, 2003
I can't believe you could even ask the question "am I done" at just 3 months post-op! You haven't hung out here long have you? March 13th is what, 13 days ago? Sweetie, plateaus can last for much longer, so don't despair. You just continue todo what you are supposed to do-eating right, exercising and lots of water and the weight will continue to drop off. I started at 5'3 and 249 and at almost 14 months post-op, I am down to 152 and 7 pounds from goal. Many others who started out around our same heights and weights are even lower at the end of a year. You have lots of time to continue losing, and absolutely no reason to feel concern. Plateaus happen, but they also move on. Go to my profile for a month by month weight loss.
   — Cindy R.

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