When do you contact your doctor?

kkstill

When do you decide to contact a physician about weight loss platuea? I am currently at 206.5 lbs after losing 51 lbs before end of March. Since March I have only lost 2.5 lbs. With advise from a personal trainer. I upped my calorie count from 1495 calories a day to 1600 calories a day and quit eating my exercise calories. On the exercise level I went from only walking and High Intensity Running to putting a variety of activities. I added cycling, elliptical, a machine like the elliptical but much harder and strength training. The first week of doing this is when I lost the 2.5 lbs. After that for 2 weeks nothing and that is where I stand. Since I am 5'1 and 206.5 lbs I know I am not enough close to where I need to be. At this point would you contact physican to see if something medical is preventing the further weight loss?

RealWomenLovePitbulls

a doctor could do some tests and make sure something isnt preventing you from losing the weight.
Do you take a daily multi-vitamin?? If not, this could really help. A daily vitamin will help regulate your thyroid and other organs to make them flush out the toxins more efficiently. Low iron can also stunt your weight loss, a vitamin will help with that as well.

mcarter99

I've experienced long plateaus like that from starting a new exercise program. I have no idea what it's from but I did eventually start losing again, and I do think the exercise was making positive changes in my body, albeit not measurable by the scale or even tape measure always. Water retention in muscle? I don't know.

I think someone here said an endo told them 19 out of 20 people he sees don't have thyroid problems (or any problems). But you could be in that 5%. So it might feel good to rule it out.

Good luck!

nxd10

Are you being hard on yourself?

If I understand your time line . . .

You were incredibly successful at losing 58 pounds.

Then you plateaued.

Three weeks ago you changed your routine and have lost 2.5 pounds.

If you are on a pound a week schedule, you're more or less on track, aren't you? Especially as you probably gained a bit of muscle and there are normal ups and downs in weight during the month due to hormones?

If I've got your timeline correct, it sounds like you're getting back on track. I'd give it another month before I worried too much. Weight loss is frustratingly slow, but it sounds like you're moving again.

cramernh

Are you being hard on yourself?

If I understand your time line . . .

You were incredibly successful at losing 58 pounds.

Then you plateaued.

Three weeks ago you changed your routine and have lost 2.5 pounds.

If you are on a pound a week schedule, you're more or less on track, aren't you? Especially as you probably gained a bit of muscle and there are normal ups and downs in weight during the month due to hormones?

If I've got your timeline correct, it sounds like you're getting back on track. I'd give it another month before I worried too much. Weight loss is frustratingly slow, but it sounds like you're moving again.

I second this... any change from one method to an upgraded method will mean the body needs time to adapt to the changes... you probably have shook it up a bit (for the right reasons)..

Stick with it for another four weeks and see how you do...

OHHHHHH do yourself a favor - dont rely on the scale.... Crack out the measuring tape....

kkstill

Thyroid was checked on last physical in November. It was fine. I dont take Multi-Vitamins because they make me nauseous., My sodium count could be lower but I try to combat that with water. I dont know about Iron count.

kkstill

I actually look at the scale and measurements and unfortunately measurements arent changing either.

stylistchik

A doctor won't really be able to help you unless there is a medical issue. If you're concerned you could consult a dietician or a weight loss specialist.

SeasideOasis

Are you being hard on yourself?

If I understand your time line . . .

You were incredibly successful at losing 58 pounds.

Then you plateaued.

Three weeks ago you changed your routine and have lost 2.5 pounds.

If you are on a pound a week schedule, you're more or less on track, aren't you? Especially as you probably gained a bit of muscle and there are normal ups and downs in weight during the month due to hormones?

If I've got your timeline correct, it sounds like you're getting back on track. I'd give it another month before I worried too much. Weight loss is frustratingly slow, but it sounds like you're moving again.

I with this as well. While you have more to do, you have lost a TON and the closer you get to your goal, the harder it is.

Last summer (before I fell off the wagon big time), my weight didn't budge, but my muscles eventually moved. Scales dont show the real truth as something as simple as bloating can mess with your scale.

seeled

I read an article the other day that said vitamin D deficiancy could make you not lose weight to. When I had all my blood work done, my vitamin D was wayyyyyyyyy low! Dr. adviced me to take 5,000 iUa day which is A LOT. Might want to look at that too. The article said most people have a deficiancy. Worth a shot! Hope it helps me. I have been taking them about a little over 3 weeks now. Been exercising and watching what I eat better and have lost 9 lbs. Good luck!

Bobby_Clerici

Yesterday:bigsmile:
Seriously, you should have a complete physical BEFORE you begin any new program geared toward weight loss and fitness.
And any issues you confront, check the symptoms and communicate that to your Doc.
Good Luck!

cramernh

A doctor won't really be able to help you unless there is a medical issue. If you're concerned you could consult a dietician or a weight loss specialist.

A primary care physician can get the initial blood tests ordered. Once the labs come in, the PCP can determine whether or not he/she can treat the patient or if the patient needs to be referred to the Specialty Physician that holds the license to treat said-problems that are out of the licensure of a PCP...

Sorry, but a PCP can definitely get things started.

morkiemama

Are you being hard on yourself?

If I understand your time line . . .

You were incredibly successful at losing 58 pounds.

Then you plateaued.

Three weeks ago you changed your routine and have lost 2.5 pounds.

If you are on a pound a week schedule, you're more or less on track, aren't you? Especially as you probably gained a bit of muscle and there are normal ups and downs in weight during the month due to hormones?

If I've got your timeline correct, it sounds like you're getting back on track. I'd give it another month before I worried too much. Weight loss is frustratingly slow, but it sounds like you're moving again.

This. Your body needs time to adjust to the new routine. Give it some more time. Another month sounds right. Then re-evaluate.

heatherterp

Are you getting enough fiber in your diet and are you drinking enough water? Those 2 things could help a lot. good job with changing up the work out. Maybe try eating fewer calories for a week say 1200 and then back up to whatever is recommended.
you need to find what is best for you. Or call your doc and ask. Save the copay on a phone call

DataBased

Personally, I asked my Dr. to do a blood panel on me before I started trying to lose weight. I had reason, because my oldest daughter was diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease, which tends to run in families. I just wanted to be certain that anything that might be lurking in my blood was factored in before I began losing weight and getting healthy. That way, I would know if my efforts were successful (or not) because of my own efforts or a medical condition.

My blood panel came through clean and I've plateau'd a number of times, as well. So I've been modifying my macros - mostly trying to find the right balance of carbs, protein, etc. The advice you've gotten here is good - give your new strategy a few weeks and be patient. Keep doing what you're doing. Don't get too discouraged and definitely do not quit.

But it never hurts to get a blood panel done. IMHO. :flowerforyou:

mcarter99

If it's not thyroid, what other medical issues make weight loss slow? Or is the idea to consult your doctor just to have him sign off on your weight loss plan, to confirm it's sensible?

stylistchik

A doctor won't really be able to help you unless there is a medical issue. If you're concerned you could consult a dietician or a weight loss specialist.

A primary care physician can get the initial blood tests ordered. Once the labs come in, the PCP can determine whether or not he/she can treat the patient or if the patient needs to be referred to the Specialty Physician that holds the license to treat said-problems that are out of the licensure of a PCP...

Sorry, but a PCP can definitely get things started.

She said she already had blood work done...

vjrose

Plateau's come and go, that said, did you see a doctor before you started and have you seen one recently? Always good to get monitored, my blood work at the beginning was good, tests at 50 lbs were better but she had to up my thyroid med. So yeah, maybe there has been a change in your metabolism and it might be time for some bloodwork. After about 40lbs though my weight loss ceased to be even and started to come in fits and starts, 2 lbs, then 3 weeks then another lb, however over a month is still seems to average out to around a lb a week.

1234567kate9

Thought this article about plateaus was interesting
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/11/weight-loss-plateau_n_1004197.html

pinuplove

I had a complete physical and bloodwork done before I started to check thyroid, hormone levels, iron, vit/min levels, cholesterol/trig, etc, to have a good starting baseline. Everything was normal, so I knew it was all up to me to make a lifestyle change. I did start an anti-depressant, as I was coming out of a very rough few years. Even so, it took me six months to really get serious about making the changes I needed to make.

If I hit a plateau now, I would probably go ahead and schedule a recheck of my blood work since it's been a year now. Otherwise, just stay the course. It's frustrating, but plateaus are par for the course unfortunately.

lciupa

Thyroid was checked on last physical in November. It was fine. I dont take Multi-Vitamins because they make me nauseous., My sodium count could be lower but I try to combat that with water. I dont know about Iron count.

Have you tried taking the vitamins at night? I cant take them in the morning for the same reason. I find right before I go to bed is the best time.

seeled

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/vitamin-d-weight-loss?cm_mmc=Newsletter-_-954686-_-06212012-_-VitaminDBenefitsWeighLessSmileMore

sarahrbraun

I took a look at your diary, and honestly , your carb level is RIGHT at where MFP suggests that it be...however...I find it to be too high for ME to lose weight. For several weeks, try to cut down the high carbs foods such as cereal and chips/snack mix, potatoes, etc. I would bet money that if you cut your carbs down to 100-150g per day, you would start losing pounds again.

I am similar in height/weight to you ( 5'2", CW 208.8, SW 228.4)...I spent 3 months busting butt in the gym and struggled HARD to lose 7lbs following the MFP suggested macros. May 7th I started cutting my carbs down to 100g NET per day ( loosely following the Atkins guidelines...) and working out the same as I had before--the first week I lost 4.8 pounds, and I have averaged about 1.25lbs a week for the last 7 weeks. Tuesday I expect the scale to show that I have lost 13lbs in 8 weeks!

nxd10

Thought this article about plateaus was interesting
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/11/weight-loss-plateau_n_1004197.html

Numbers Kate is right - this is a really interesting article.

Depressing, but interesting.

A friend of mine was part of this research team. They found people lost weight easily, but then plateaued. The REASON they plateaued is that they thought they were still dieting, but they got sloppy and slipped back into old habits - they ate too much and didn't realize it.

It takes a LONG time to lose weight and a long time to break old habits. If you really went back to being super careful about logging everything for two weeks, would you make some progress?

MissKTMc

I took a look at your diary, and honestly , your carb level is RIGHT at where MFP suggests that it be...however...I find it to be too high for ME to lose weight. For several weeks, try to cut down the high carbs foods such as cereal and chips/snack mix, potatoes, etc. I would bet money that if you cut your carbs down to 100-150g per day, you would start losing pounds again.

I am similar in height/weight to you ( 5'2", CW 208.8, SW 228.4)...I spent 3 months busting butt in the gym and struggled HARD to lose 7lbs following the MFP suggested macros. May 7th I started cutting my carbs down to 100g NET per day ( loosely following the Atkins guidelines...) and working out the same as I had before--the first week I lost 4.8 pounds, and I have averaged about 1.25lbs a week for the last 7 weeks. Tuesday I expect the scale to show that I have lost 13lbs in 8 weeks!

Please be careful about reducing your carb intake!! Yes, it will cause you to lose weight but as soon as you start to reintroduce carbs into your diet again, you will gain weight! You have to be patient about weight loss and do it with a balanced diet. You are probably already deficient in Vitamin D (as most of us are since we don't get enough sunshine!) The majority of carb sources are also rich in Vitamin C which is vital for weight loss as it boosts your metabolism and immune system and will decrease your fat storage mechanism. Speak to your doctor about Vitamin D and see what he/she recommends. In the meantime, continue with what your doing but try and boost your fruit intake. Don't get hung on up on the sugars figure from fruit as it is refined sugars and excess glucose that you need to be careful about not fructose which is the naturally occurring sugar in fruit.

sarahrbraun

I took a look at your diary, and honestly , your carb level is RIGHT at where MFP suggests that it be...however...I find it to be too high for ME to lose weight. For several weeks, try to cut down the high carbs foods such as cereal and chips/snack mix, potatoes, etc. I would bet money that if you cut your carbs down to 100-150g per day, you would start losing pounds again.

I am similar in height/weight to you ( 5'2", CW 208.8, SW 228.4)...I spent 3 months busting butt in the gym and struggled HARD to lose 7lbs following the MFP suggested macros. May 7th I started cutting my carbs down to 100g NET per day ( loosely following the Atkins guidelines...) and working out the same as I had before--the first week I lost 4.8 pounds, and I have averaged about 1.25lbs a week for the last 7 weeks. Tuesday I expect the scale to show that I have lost 13lbs in 8 weeks!

Please be careful about reducing your carb intake!! Yes, it will cause you to lose weight but as soon as you start to reintroduce carbs into your diet again, you will gain weight! You have to be patient about weight loss and do it with a balanced diet. You are probably already deficient in Vitamin D (as most of us are since we don't get enough sunshine!) The majority of carb sources are also rich in Vitamin C which is vital for weight loss as it boosts your metabolism and immune system and will decrease your fat storage mechanism. Speak to your doctor about Vitamin D and see what he/she recommends. In the meantime, continue with what your doing but try and boost your fruit intake. Don't get hung on up on the sugars figure from fruit as it is refined sugars and excess glucose that you need to be careful about not fructose which is the naturally occurring sugar in fruit.

I am being careful....Actually, about 8 years ago my doctor told me to cut my carbs down to 50g net per day to treat a metabolic issue I had. I had to stop eating that way as I got pregnant and restricting carbs was not healthy for the baby.

I disagree with the comment about not needing to limit fructose. My body does not know WHERE the sugar comes from. I DO eat fruit, but it is lower carb berries vs melon or apples. Pretty sure my diet is OK since I eat a HUGE salad most days for lunch ( that way I get my veggies in).

cramernh

I took a look at your diary, and honestly , your carb level is RIGHT at where MFP suggests that it be...however...I find it to be too high for ME to lose weight. For several weeks, try to cut down the high carbs foods such as cereal and chips/snack mix, potatoes, etc. I would bet money that if you cut your carbs down to 100-150g per day, you would start losing pounds again.

I am similar in height/weight to you ( 5'2", CW 208.8, SW 228.4)...I spent 3 months busting butt in the gym and struggled HARD to lose 7lbs following the MFP suggested macros. May 7th I started cutting my carbs down to 100g NET per day ( loosely following the Atkins guidelines...) and working out the same as I had before--the first week I lost 4.8 pounds, and I have averaged about 1.25lbs a week for the last 7 weeks. Tuesday I expect the scale to show that I have lost 13lbs in 8 weeks!

Please be careful about reducing your carb intake!! Yes, it will cause you to lose weight but as soon as you start to reintroduce carbs into your diet again, you will gain weight! You have to be patient about weight loss and do it with a balanced diet. You are probably already deficient in Vitamin D (as most of us are since we don't get enough sunshine!) The majority of carb sources are also rich in Vitamin C which is vital for weight loss as it boosts your metabolism and immune system and will decrease your fat storage mechanism. Speak to your doctor about Vitamin D and see what he/she recommends. In the meantime, continue with what your doing but try and boost your fruit intake. Don't get hung on up on the sugars figure from fruit as it is refined sugars and excess glucose that you need to be careful about not fructose which is the naturally occurring sugar in fruit.

I am being careful....Actually, about 8 years ago my doctor told me to cut my carbs down to 50g net per day to treat a metabolic issue I had. I had to stop eating that way as I got pregnant and restricting carbs was not healthy for the baby.

I disagree with the comment about not needing to limit fructose. My body does not know WHERE the sugar comes from. I DO eat fruit, but it is lower carb berries vs melon or apples. Pretty sure my diet is OK since I eat a HUGE salad most days for lunch ( that way I get my veggies in).

Agreed - your doctor's order of 50g net is actually a very safe level to maintain. Also on the fruit as well. I can only have one serving per day of the berry group of fruits (I use them in my protein smoothies) which I freeze and then use as the 'Ice" in my drink to make it a nice frozen treat!

rjlam326

I would suggest you keep doing what your doing with the exception of your carb intake. I myself have only carbs like bread, potatoes,rice once per day. Do remember that there are carbs in other foods as well. The other thing that I watch is my protein intake. If I do not get enough protein I do not lose. I would also look at consulting a nutritionist/dietician. You may require a referral from you family physician for this and also keeping your family physician up to date with your progress is also a good idea. The best is being accountable for what you do on a daily basis. If you feel your doing everything you can to lose then keep doing what your doing and it will come off. Your are doing awesome so don't get discouraged. It will all even out in the end.

peony1001

I found fruit made me think I was being healthy when I was actually taking in too much sugar (and didn't lose weight). Those portion sizes really matter. Try having veggies for a snack instead (carrot sticks, peppers, cucumber) or even protein (boiled egg, lean turkey breast) and always exercise til you are out of breath and sweaty. It doesn't matter if it's for only 5 minutes, but working to exhaustion is the way to get your body to burn calories.

Sabine_Stroehm

I read an article the other day that said vitamin D deficiancy could make you not lose weight to. When I had all my blood work done, my vitamin D was wayyyyyyyyy low! Dr. adviced me to take 5,000 iUa day which is A LOT. Might want to look at that too. The article said most people have a deficiancy. Worth a shot! Hope it helps me. I have been taking them about a little over 3 weeks now. Been exercising and watching what I eat better and have lost 9 lbs. Good luck!

My vitamin D was at "untraceable", so was my sister's. Our indoor lifestyles, coupled with our use of sunscreens have created an epidemic of vitamin D deficiency. My doc put me on mega doses for 5 weeks, now I take Cal/Mag/D daily. I've kept mine up for a year or two now.
And yes, they say it does make it hard to lose weight.

If it were me? I'd try to eat about 1/3 less carbs, and focus on the complex cards, and up my protein. That might make things budge.

Shrinking_Moody

Thyroid was checked on last physical in November. It was fine. I dont take Multi-Vitamins because they make me nauseous., My sodium count could be lower but I try to combat that with water. I dont know about Iron count.

I have that problem w/ vitamins too - so I've started taking One a Day Gummies w/ Immune Support and they work well for me. I don't have to eat with them and there is no nausea. You can find them basically anywhere on the vitamin isle.