Plateau for 3 months?

MrsDrk

I have opened my diary- so please, suggestions?

A bit of history- I have Gastroparesis and have figured out how to eat well in spite of it. If you see days that are sub 1200 calories- those are the days I am not feeling well enough to eat.

I have lost almost 60 lbs since late last May but as of December, it has just stalled. I am not gaining weight - althought a few lbs came back on when I upped my intake, but it's not coming off either and I have about 50 or so left to go. I do a meal replacement shake every day. It helps me to get the nutrients that I need and may or may not absorb from solid foods. I am exercising daily (except rest days)- I do the hasfit.com 90 day warrior challenge at this point. I have done just straight cardio with some weight days, I've mixed up my workouts every so often.

I try to eat well. I have had a few "bad" foods here and there but for the most part, I try to stick to easily digested foods, veggies I can cook to death and things I can cook at home.

I don't sleep overly well- I have 2 teenage boys and a 2year old. The 2 year old doesn't sleep well, so Mama doesn't sleep well. I work full time from home, care for the lil one and run after the older ones. I'm not sedentary but not on my feet ALL day either.

I started at the 1200 cals that mfp suggests, but raised it when things stopped moving in the right direction. I went TDEE- 20% and that got me nowhere. I even put a few lbs on. I dropped down to 1395 and still- nada. I am leary of going back to 1200 again, but I am confused as to what to try next.


Is it possible that my metabolism is low due to the GP? 2007-2008, I stayed at around 500-700calories/day most coming from cream of wheat. I lost 80lbs. I gained some back in 09, and in 2010 I got pregnant. I had the sweetie in 2011 and gained a ton of weight AFTER I had her (stayed pretty much the same during the pregnancy- gained 14lbs total). I haven't been the healthiest but mostly not by total choice. Processed foods digest faster and easier and leave me with less pain and nausea, so I would always go to those first. Things like rice and pasta were my diet. I never eat them now.

That was all very long and rambling- my question is how do I break through this? I did make an appointment to see a nutritionist. The last one I saw basically told me to eat what didn't hurt my stomach and keep to a low fiber, low fat diet etc etc. Not overly helpful.

MrsDrk

Going once?

GamerLady

Have you been exercising as well as keeping within your daily calories?

amann1976

i didnt lose a pound for a 2.5 months but over that time i could see changes in my body thighs got smaller pants got looser and my arms were tighter...

just remember that number on the scale is not the be all end all

fluffyfoxx

exercise more and maybe change some of your food choices? maybe eat less sugar....that always works for me!

bodiva88

Is diet your only treatment for the GP? I have it and take Reglan. So I can eat pretty normally except for no deep fried foods and can't eat large quantities at a time. Just wondering if feeling better at any weight would be a good thing for you. I'm almost never symptomatic unless I've gone of the reservation and had onion rings or something else deep fried. I'd also recommend you see an endocrinologist about possible thyroid or other endocrine problems. (I have Hashimoto's Thyroid, which is under control, and have had episodes of Cushings that really confused my poor system...they seem to be in the past though)

jess6741

When you were set a 1200 calories were you eating back your exercise calories? If not, then you should. And how long did you try TDEE-20%? If it was less than 2 months then you didn't give it enough time. When you up your intake you are initially going to gain weight as your body adjusts but over time you will start to lose. 1200+exercise calories and TDEE-20% are probably pretty close calories wise. And I don't know if this has anything to do with the plateau but you seem to be eating a lot of shakes and bars. Can you try to switch over to real food?

777Gemma888

I would recommend you join: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/10118-eat-train-progress

Reading their advice and perspectives on weight loss and body re-composition has positively affected my efforts. 91 lbs is directly attributed to me attempting to follow the directions and cautions of the members of this group, primarily SideSteel, SaraUk and Acg67. Naturally, interpretation is left to the individual. And I plateaued 3 times too, so I do understand your plight. Following their wisdom broke the stagnation/slump for me. Good luck!

MrsDrk

When you were set a 1200 calories were you eating back your exercise calories? If not, then you should. And how long did you try TDEE-20%? If it was less than 2 months then you didn't give it enough time. When you up your intake you are initially going to gain weight as your body adjusts but over time you will start to lose. 1200+exercise calories and TDEE-20% are probably pretty close calories wise. And I don't know if this has anything to do with the plateau but you seem to be eating a lot of shakes and bars. Can you try to switch over to real food?

I sure didn't at 1200 calories, and I don't now (eat back exercise calories). I tried TDEE- 20% for about 8 weeks, I believe- though it could have been less.

The shakes are for nutrients and the bars are mostly homemade- except for luna bars the last two days. There are times I am out and about with the kids and need something on the go- the homemade granola bars (oats, applesauce, molasses, spices) and luna bars seemed like a decent option.

MrsDrk

Is diet your only treatment for the GP? I have it and take Reglan. So I can eat pretty normally except for no deep fried foods and can't eat large quantities at a time. Just wondering if feeling better at any weight would be a good thing for you. I'm almost never symptomatic unless I've gone of the reservation and had onion rings or something else deep fried. I'd also recommend you see an endocrinologist about possible thyroid or other endocrine problems. (I have Hashimoto's Thyroid, which is under control, and have had episodes of Cushings that really confused my poor system...they seem to be in the past though)

It isn't- I take some medication for it as well, but mostly to treat symptoms. Reglan was a nightmare, I had the tics and racing heartbeat that tend to occur. I mostly treat with zofran/vistaril when a flare happens. I am due to have my thyroid tested - maybe there's something there. It has been tested in the past and been normal. I do avoid all fried and highly fatty foods and can eat more than some with this but less than others?

MrsDrk

I would recommend you join: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/10118-eat-train-progress

Reading their advice and perspectives on weight loss and body re-composition has positively affected my efforts. 91 lbs is directly attributed to me attempting to follow the directions and cautions of the members of this group, primarily SideSteel, SaraUk and Acg67. Naturally, interpretation is left to the individual. And I plateaued 3 times too, so I do understand your plight. Following their wisdom broke the stagnation/slump for me. Good luck!

Thanks! I will do that.