Ok not sure where I heard this from...but..

when losing weight, do you tend to plateau or stall at weight's that you held for a long time?

For instance say you had been at 218 for 5 years sometime in the past, now that you are losing weight again, you end up plateauing at 218 and it takes quite a while for it to budge..

Anyone else ever heard this before?

Definitely. I spend ages trying to find some info on it but I stalled at EVERY weight I'd held for a long time. I stalled at 104kg, 97kg, 91kg, 84kg and 79kg - not for terribly long, but maybe six weeks or so. I thought I'd have to call 79kg goal as its right at the top of my healthy weight range, but I did contine to drop VERY slowly after that point.

O thank god. lol . I've been stuck at precisely 183 for the last 2 months...and I was only at 183 for a few months in the past lol. I'm sure it has to do with fat cell "memory" or something...

It just happened to me. I was stuck in the 215-223 range for 3 very long months, barely losing anything at all. Suddenly, in the past week, I've lost 5 pounds and am well below 215. So now, I'm thinking it may happen again at 185, which I weighed for several years (long ago and far away, LOL).

So glad I saw this thread! I've been hovering at 205-210 for 2 months and it has been driving me crazy! A month ago I had to have a complete unfill (was too tight and my doc's policy is to unfill all the way and build back up to the sweet spot), then a small fill two weeks ago--heading in today for another fill. Glad I haven't gained but geez, I've been exercising like crazy and really digging deep into my willpower with eating since I have little restriction, and still that scale won't budge.

This may not be the reason, of course, but it definitely gives me some peace of mind. Thanks ladies!

Val

I just had this happen to me as well. I always was around 215-220 and I stayed there for about 2 months. It was so hard. I did a lot of research and what I found talked about a “Set Point” and the “Survival Mood”. I finally got past it and just like Cathy dropped 5 really fast. Now I am going back and forth for this last two weeks. It will pass but it is still so frustrating.

Click on my ticker at the bottom and see the plateau from hell. From April until August:unsure:. It was a pain in the behind. Once August came, my weight slowly started dropping again. Slowly, but at least it is dropping. I remember being this weight about two years after my son was born and stayed there for a year.

Oh, and at least I didn't gain any. Prior to banding, the plateau would have sent me on a "forget it then" eating frenzy and I would've packed on the pounds. So, my band is my friend.

I to have reached what I think is my first plateau. I have lost about 60 lbs pretty steady since the dreaded liquid diet and surgery last March now im stuck. I missed my last fill appointment because I didnt think I needed a fill but got another appointment made and am going to make it. I still purge almost daily mostly after trying to eat breakfast. Breakfast is my nemisis. I can not do it. Does any one else have that problem?

I to have reached what I think is my first plateau. I have lost about 60 lbs pretty steady since the dreaded liquid diet and surgery last March now im stuck. I missed my last fill appointment because I didnt think I needed a fill but got another appointment made and am going to make it. I still purge almost daily mostly after trying to eat breakfast. Breakfast is my nemisis. I can not do it. Does any one else have that problem?

Breakfast is the most difficult, but I can eat it. I can not eat scrambled eggs, but I can eat them fried. I like grits and sausage. If you like coffee, try drinking coffee before you try to eat. The hot beverage may loosen your band. I have also heard that being slightly dehydrated can cause tightness and sometimes we may wake up needing extra fluids. I am not sure, but on days when I drink extra Water, I can eat some foods easier.

If you cant find anything you can eat in the morning, you can always do a Protein drink or just have some skim milk. Also, be sure you really need that fill before you get it. You don't want to become too tight. The plateau will eventually play itself out. Mine lasted a while, but it did finally break.

Edited September 27, 200916 yr by crzytchr

I haven't had a plateau since I started this Journey last year, but I am on one now with a vengence. I journal my food and and work out 5-6 days a week. I am a bit frustrated. This thread helped me feel better and more optimistic. My PT says she will "ramp up" our work out for me....OMG she will KILL me, LOL!!

Mimi

I to have reached what I think is my first plateau. I have lost about 60 lbs pretty steady since the dreaded liquid diet and surgery last March now im stuck. I missed my last fill appointment because I didnt think I needed a fill but got another appointment made and am going to make it. I still purge almost daily mostly after trying to eat Breakfast. Breakfast is my nemisis. I can not do it. Does any one else have that problem?

honestly i very rarely eat breakfast.... i usually grab a protie drink/shake or yogurt ad on my way i go.. i learned not to fight it and am used to ot eating breakfast anymore:tongue:

I've read that somewhere too, not sure where. But I have plateau at every weight I stayed out for any period of time. For instance, for years I was at 195, so when I got down to 195 I just stayed there for about 2 months. I kept pushing and finally broke it, I flew past the 180's and then got stuck in the 170's, which was a weight I was at for a time too.

I'm currently stuck in the 160's which is where I was at 20 years ago for a time. This is my longest plateau yet! Of course, I keep not making the best choices too. I know once I can break out of the 160's, the 150's will be a peace of cake. My weight before I got married and I was maintaing was in the 140's so I expect to get there and stay there. I don't think I will ever be smaller than that, and I'm okay with that.

I actually talked to my primary care dr about this... he said that he believes in the "setpoint" theory. I have been plateaued for a year. its sucks.

Setpoint theory?

I totally agree with this theory. Although I have also not read any data or research regarding it, it makes TOTAL sense.

My body somehow feels "good" at a weight were I was for awhile in previous years..drives me CRAZY!!

Worse for me is that I have been nearly EVERY weight imaginable and find these plateau's often. I'm on the losing side right now, but lemme' tell ya..it ain't easy )

I thought this was an interesting read, speaking of “Set Point”, so I thought I would share:

Change Your Weight "Set Point"

By Kathleen Goodwin, RD

As if it’s not hard enough to lose weight and keep it off, now we know that many of us must contend with battling our "set point" too. The set point theory was introduced by a group of researchers in 1982. The basic premise of the theory is that the body has a built in weight regulating mechanism, largely genetically determined, that will tend to keep your weight in a physiologically established comfortable range. Many dieters contend with trying to drop weight beyond their bodies’ set point after following a important healthy diet and exercise regimen for a time. Initially, for most, body weight will come off steadily and easily when following a reduced calorie diet and exercise program. However, for those of us with genetically determined set points beyond our desired weight goal, losing beyond this weight plateau can be quite challenging.

How the weight set point works

One premise of set point theory is that after the onset of adulthood the body will maintain a constant level of body fat. This involves a complex set of interactions between the brain, nervous system and the fat cells. This communication can cause a reduction in metabolism when the fat cells signal that too much fat has been lost during a period of dieting and/or exercising. On the converse side, the brain can also be signaled to minimize hunger and eating when the fat cell build up extends beyond the comfortable set point level.

Following a weight loss diet for a period of time can also trigger the body to cling to its set point. After dieting, the body’s metabolism—or daily rate of calorie burning—can decrease, particularly when a dieter chooses the “no exercise” route. Once the body reaches this point, the same amount of calories that initially led to weight loss, can now lead to weight maintenance and/or gain. Much of this has to do with the fact that the now smaller body size (due to weight loss) requires less calories per day to maintain.

With these two factors working together, it can be difficult to reach a goal weight that is lower than what our genetically inherited set point would like.

3 ways to defeat your weight set point

While it’s true that many inherit some genetic predispositions that can make it more difficult to either lose weight or attain a goal weight than others, your set point is not in control of your destiny. Rather, there are many things you can do to combat and defeat your set point.

1. Keep a food record before cutting more calories

First of all, do not cut more calories from your diet than the level you used to lose weight initially. Cutting back on calories too drastically can put your body in “starvation mode” and significantly reduce your metabolism even further. Try keeping a food record instead. Evaluate the nutritional value of your current diet. Even though it may be reduced in calories, you may not be eating healthily. Perhaps you need to cut back on the refined, processed foods you have in your diet. Perhaps you need to limit your fat intake or drink more Water or add more fruits and vegetables. Another good idea to give your body a metabolic boost is to try 6 light meals or Snacks daily instead of 3 large meals. Every time you eat your body increases its metabolic rate.

2. Continue to exercise regularly

Secondly, you absolutely cannot omit exercise and expect to lower your set point. Exercise is the only mechanism proven to help lower set point. You must get into the habit of exercising for at least an hour several days a week in order to lower your set point. Use your large muscles as much as possible—that is, the thighs and buttocks. Try walking, jogging, swimming, and biking. Weight training using the large muscles in the legs and buttocks is a must too. The more muscle you add to your body, the higher your metabolism and calorie burning potential will become.

3. Vary and intensify your exercise routine - your body gets "used" to your workout

If you are already working out regularly, you must begin to vary your routine. Perhaps your body has gotten “used” to your workout and the benefits of exercise to your metabolism have slackened. A great way to boost your metabolism is to begin to include increases in intensity to your workout. For example, if you have been running 3 miles at a steady 30 minute pace, try adding a few periods of one minute sprints in transit. If your workout has become too “easy,” it is imperative that you find ways to make it moderately difficult again if you want to drop your set point.

Your weight set point can be overcome

In conclusion, there is a strong body of evidence that suggests that each individual has a predetermined weight set point. Your individual set point may be difficult to overcome. However, the majority of people who continue to eat healthily, increase exercise intensity and not give up, eventually press past their set point closer to their desired weight. The actions you take and the level of persistence you demonstrate will determine whether you can conquer your set point.

Edited October 1, 200916 yr by Sunshine2