Total Posts: 101
5.1 Years Ago

Been there, done that, got the Tee shirt (in several sizes!)

I have been struggling with a year long plateau after losing 85 lbs. I have about 20 to go and have gained and lost the same ten pounds repeatedly.

I recognize how frustrated you must be! What always bugs me is that it is so darn hard to lose weight and so darn easy to gain it!

Firstly, give yourself credit for the great changes you have made! These new habits will stand you in good stead for years to come.

Secondly, the weight loss will tend to come in spurts I find. My weight loss graph is a series of losses and plateaus.

Thirdly, the 2 " loss in the waist means you have lost belly fat which is the important stuff to lose.

Finally, you seem to be doing it right so it is possible fluid shifts are parts of the reason, and if this is the case you will probably notice in a week or so a bigger loss.

So, no concrete suggestions beyond you are doing a great job and the rewards of feeling great will follow!

Ingrid

Total Posts: 214
5.1 Years Ago

Loretta

Total Posts: 28
5.0 Years Ago

2 inches from your waist is GREAT! You've made the committment and are here on FJ....definite ingredients for success! The people here are fantastic!

But...I know you're frustrated! My situation was VERY similar and I was going out of my mind! I had the same amount of weight to lose and I was basically doing the exact same things. A few suggestions....

I am a nurse, so let's start there. Have you been to a doctor for a physical before starting your weight loss program? One of the biggest obstacles to weight less is an underactive thyroid. It is very under-diagnosed and very often inadequately treated. If you haven't done it, get your thyroid tested. There is a range for "acceptable" and many times doctors will just make sure it's "somewhere" in the range and leave it alone. Studies have shown that a woman's thyroid should be right about 0.9. I fought this battle for YEARS until I found the right doctor -- she got me on track and basically gave me my life back!

If there is a thyroid issue, I can help you understand it better and get the numbers where they should be -- just don't want to overwhelm you with info if that's not a problem

I would suggest (for right now) that you stop any weight training and use that time to double or triple your cardio. If your schedule allows, do some cardio in the morning and at night (I bike and do the elliptical in the morning and walk in the evening). When I added the additional cardio, the weight immediately began dropping.

And with the low fat...your body actually needs some fat intake to function. Many foods that are "low fat" are actually very high in other things. Cut out your refined sugars and breads, etc. before you cut the fat.

Hope this helps! Please don't hesitate to write if you have any questions or need encouragement or just an ear! I know it's HARD, but YOU CAN DO IT!!!!

Total Posts: 11
5.0 Years Ago

Don't expect or worry about immedate results. It's a lifestyle change and the results will occur over time. Keep eating well and working out and over the coming months and years you will feel and look great. Be consistent and methodical about it and have fun. Think long term and you'll be fine. You already made the most important first step - you care and you're doing something about it.

c2