5 months out...

[christina1979 16]

I had surgery 10/2014 so I'm not quite at 6 mths yet. I've lost 96 lbs which I am SUPER PROUD of so in no way is my question meant to negate that. I was just wondering though, at what point are you out of the rapid weight loss phase and really need to push? Even given the dramatic weight loss, I'm still 50 lbs from my recommended/goal weight but I've pretty much kinda plateaued the last few weeks and no matter what I do, it doesn't really budge.

[AlanaRN 419]

I'm in the same boat. Will be 6 months out on the 30th and I'm down about 86 lbs. however, the scale has not been moving much the past few weeks. It's frustrating. I still have 40 more lbs to hit my personal goal.

[Bruce Peter 39]

Increase calories and increase exercise. Both will increase your body's metabolism and rester the weight loss

Edited March 20, 2015 by Bruce Peter

[LumpySpacePrincess 594]

Try lowering your calories. As you lose weight, your body requires less to live on, so you need to reduce how much you are taking in per day to make sure your deficit is big enough for weight loss.

[CE24 23]

Try lowering your calories. As you lose weight, your body requires less to live on, so you need to reduce how much you are taking in per day to make sure your deficit is big enough for weight loss.

That's not necessarily true, and you could be putting your body into starvation mode.

You should be talking with your nutritionist and or your surgeon about what you can do to drop your last bit of weight. Good luck!

[Bruce Peter 39]

Try lowering your calories. As you lose weight, your body requires less to live on, so you need to reduce how much you are taking in per day to make sure your deficit is big enough for weight loss.

That's not necessarily true, and you could be putting your body into starvation mode.

You should be talking with your nutritionist and or your surgeon about what you can do to drop your last bit of weight. Good luck!

Exactly. That why I said to increase both intake and exercise. I know it's counter intuitive, but it triggers the metabolism to speed up which burns calories. But I agree, speak to your nutritionist first.

[LumpySpacePrincess 594]

Try lowering your calories. As you lose weight, your body requires less to live on, so you need to reduce how much you are taking in per day to make sure your deficit is big enough for weight loss.

That's not necessarily true, and you could be putting your body into starvation mode.

You should be talking with your nutritionist and or your surgeon about what you can do to drop your last bit of weight. Good luck!

Starvation mode doesn't apply to people who have extra fat on their bodies, and certainly not for people who are obese. Its a weight loss myth that has been beat to death. I know giving up our food is hard psychologically, but you need to give up control of it at least a little bit to make this surgery work.

I got to my goal weight because I kept my calories low for the whole first year (around 650 to 800 per day), while those in my cohort (support group) who were of the "starvation mode" mindset and increased calories and exercise are still considered overweight, and not by a narrow margin. You will not die, you will not starve to death. Your fat is there to feed your body in times of famine. If you want it to come off your body, you have to decrease intake and force your body to use its energy stores. Your calories need to come from your body, not from your plate.

[Big_Mama 511]

Could it be possible you're not drinking enough fluids? Not drinking enough can make your metabolism sluggish, as you're not proudly flushing out your system. If you're not drinking enough, up your intake and see if that helps.

[Bruce Peter 39]

Try lowering your calories. As you lose weight, your body requires less to live on, so you need to reduce how much you are taking in per day to make sure your deficit is big enough for weight loss.

That's not necessarily true, and you could be putting your body into starvation mode.

You should be talking with your nutritionist and or your surgeon about what you can do to drop your last bit of weight. Good luck!

Starvation mode doesn't apply to people who have extra fat on their bodies, and certainly not for people who are obese. Its a weight loss myth that has been beat to death. I know giving up our food is hard psychologically, but you need to give up control of it at least a little bit to make this surgery work.

I got to my goal weight because I kept my calories low for the whole first year (around 650 to 800 per day), while those in my cohort (support group) who were of the "starvation mode" mindset and increased calories and exercise are still considered overweight, and not by a narrow margin. You will not die, you will not starve to death. Your fat is there to feed your body in times of famine. If you want it to come off your body, you have to decrease intake and force your body to use its energy stores. Your calories need to come from your body, not from your plate.

Actually science backs up my assertion that when stalled temporarily increasing calories and exercise will trigger a metabolic boost which burns calories. You're cohorts may still be considered overweight, but there may also be other factors. 600-800 calories a day is just not feasible for everyone. I'm taking in ~1200 and losing steadily. I'm happy that you met your goal. That's wonderful, but not everyone is you

[Shadow427 272]

I am at 5 months, too. I was at a steady and fairly rapid weight loss. But, it has now been 4 weeks of a stall.

I have substantially increased my exercise, drank my Water, kept my calories and Proteins in tact. My doctor said a variety of things may be happening. I am building muscles which weigh more than fat. My body is adjusting to the 75 pound loss (30 before surgery, 45 after).

But, I can tell you this IT IS FRUSTRATING!!!!

Everyone says to stay the course and it will jump-start again soon.

[robga999 129]

I cant say ive been at a complete stall in the past month but I will be 6 mon out april 6 and ive been unable to budge past the 2 lbs that ive lost.grrrrst kind of stall since surgery.it is frustrating.

[laceykp 2]

I am 5 months out. I am 70 lbs down.. I am happy with my weight. 262 down to 187. Now, I want to lose the rest slow! If I want a cookie. I eat a cookie.. Because I feel if I never allow my self a treat I will fall off the wagon and binge.

[Riz2006 242]

Try lowering your calories. As you lose weight, your body requires less to live on, so you need to reduce how much you are taking in per day to make sure your deficit is big enough for weight loss.

That's not necessarily true, and you could be putting your body into starvation mode.

You should be talking with your nutritionist and or your surgeon about what you can do to drop your last bit of weight. Good luck!

Starvation mode doesn't apply to people who have extra fat on their bodies, and certainly not for people who are obese. Its a weight loss myth that has been beat to death. I know giving up our food is hard psychologically, but you need to give up control of it at least a little bit to make this surgery work.

I got to my goal weight because I kept my calories low for the whole first year (around 650 to 800 per day), while those in my cohort (support group) who were of the "starvation mode" mindset and increased calories and exercise are still considered overweight, and not by a narrow margin. You will not die, you will not starve to death. Your fat is there to feed your body in times of famine. If you want it to come off your body, you have to decrease intake and force your body to use its energy stores. Your calories need to come from your body, not from your plate.

I'm going to have to disagree. At my two week post op my DR asked how much I was eating/day and he assured me if I didn't eat more my body would go into starvation mode.

[glitter eyes 1,398]

In my humble opinion, try tracking all your food intake; paying attention to the calories and carbs. After weeks of this you can look back and see what combo works for you.

Everyone's body is different. Some people stall on lesser calories and some stall with increasing calories or carbs.

I have found since I track all my food I can look at trends that happen when I lose weight. For me, the "happy place" is about 20 carbs, 90-100 grams Protein, and 600-800 calories. Some days I eat more if I exercise. Also, as I get closer to goal I do allow myself an occasional treat.

However, it does get harder to lose as you get closer to goal. Just try to find what works for you- you can do it!!!

[VSGmary 418]

Could it be possible you're not drinking enough fluids? Not drinking enough can make your metabolism sluggish, as you're not proudly flushing out your system. If you're not drinking enough, up your intake and see if that helps.

Im in a very similar situation as the OP, and yes i am definitely not drinking enough fluids! I will be trying to force myself to drink more. Also my surgeon wouldn't classify this as starvation mode for me personally as i still have a lot of fat on my body to burn off as im only half way done, and i know its due to lack of Water intake.

Edited March 30, 2015 by VSGmary