Ok - so I am not quite two months out from surgery. I had my first fill and obviously I'm not at good restriction, yet. I'm able to eat a lot LESS than I was, but I have been battling the same number on the scale for almost two weeks now. I'll lose three, then gain them back. Today - get up - back to where I was last Monday even though it was coming off by Friday last week.

I know I'm eating out too much. We've just had a lot going on - but I still eat kids' portions, leave food on my plate, protein first, etc.

Please tell me it's just a small plateau that will probably go away next week when I have a fill. I'm annoyed by it. LOL! (I know - quit griping right?) But, truthfully - I need something to kick me back into the groove to get this off.

HELP!

I have had a handful of 2-3 week periods when I've battled the same couple of pounds, up and down, up and down. I've always sort of chalked it up to my body getting used to changes. And it's always "decided" to let the weight go, ultimately. So I do try not to sweat little plateaus.

That said, your post gives the impression that there is room for improvement in what you're eating. Do you journal? If you were to use a program like Fitday--even just for a short time---you would see whether eating kids' portions in restaurants is something that is going to help you reach your goals, or whether it's something that is unwittingly sabotaging you.

I know that a restaurant meal (and I eat out with some regularity) really throws a wrench into the day, because it invariably involves ...well, pretty much a whole day's calories, unless I order very, very carefully (and pack up most to take home).

I'd choose a nice appetizer before I'd choose from the kid's menu---kids' menus tend to be laden with fatty junk.

(And I'd try to break away from the "eating out 'cause we're busy" mold, too. Eating out some is fine---but really, it takes MORE time to go to a restaurant, sit down, wait to order, get your order, eat, and pay than it does to make a meal at home. I'm not saying this to be critical; I am the former Queen of I'm Too Busy to Cook---and now that I actually do it, I am amazed at how much more time I have!)

A lot of the past two weeks have been just going out with friends or family for various get-togethers or celebrations. I already told hubby that we're eating at home this week. Usually that's when we go out. When we have someone that's invited us, etc. Or, I haven't been to the grocery, but I try to avoid that.

From the Kid's menu, I tend to pick the fresher items and always go for chicken first. (not fried, but the grilled portion) The one thing that I do is take the bun off of any sandwich I'm eating. It works because my 4 year old loves to eat buns - it's almost comical. She's pretty excited that mom no longer wants a bun. I eat everything with a knife and fork so that I don't eat too fast or overeat.

I do agree - I am going to go back to journaling more. I use Lose It on my iPod touch, and I haven't been as vigilant but I'm getting back into it. Normally throughout the week, it's not as bad. It's the weekends when everyone wants to do things that it gets hairy. Ugh.

It's a slow road, right? I do know I'm eating WAY less than I used to, so I have to give it time. It's just that sometimes I get so down. I think it's normal.

It is a slow road, but you know what, Ginger? You're doing really, really great. I know that stalls are frustrating beyond belief, but your loss has been greater than average, and your body likely is just thinking, "What the...?!" and regrouping before getting ready to drop a bunch more.

I miss having a four-year-old! That is such a great age.