SuzyQ
Posted: Nov. 2 2008, 02:08 ET

In the last 2 weeks I have only lost 3 lbs.  I have been staying strict and they tell me that i am burning ketones.  I never expected to keep losing at the huge loss i had in the first 2 weeks but 3 lbs. in 2 weeks is horribly disheartening.  Because I made my first month goal, no one at the clinic seems concerned at all but I am.  I told them that i would only give it one more week and at that point i was not going to stay on it anymore.  For a loss of 1 1/2 lbs a week i could do that at weight watchers without the huge expense (that i can't really afford) of this program.  I'm so disappointed.  Maybe this diet doesn't work for everyone....maybe i am at that person.  Does anyone out there have any suggestions at all?

Heather7
Posted: Nov. 2 2008, 08:28 ET

Hi Suzy,

Sorry your weight loss has stalled; that really sucks and I totally understand why you would be so frustrated.

I don't think going to WW would make the situation any better.  Just think, if you're loosing 1.5lbs a week on Dr.B diet while eating probably about 600-800 calories, then you'll probably not lose at all or even gain weight if you go on WW and start eating about 1200-1400 calories (which is what the points system breaks down to, approximately).  So as much as that option may look appealing right now, I don't think it would fix your problem, and it might even make you gain back the weight you have lost.

Also, if you're burning then you are losing.  It's probably just not showing up because you're retaining water, or maybe you're a bit constipated. That's what the doctor told me last week during my stall.

It looks like we are in about the same stage of weight loss.  Last week (week 5 on the diet) I only lost 2 pounds, and was also very frustrated.  I think what was happening to me was a couple things:

1.  My body was adjusting from my significant drop during the first month

2.  I was so frustrated by the stall that I was beginning to eat next to nothing-only a few ounces of vegetables, maybe one fruit, and no bread servings.  I think this actually caused my body to hold onto the weight more.

3.  I had gotten into the habbit of eating the same thing all the time.  My protein was almost always tuna, vegetables always salad, fruit always strawberries, and bread always melba toast.  I think my body had become too efficient at using those particular foods.

This weekend, on the advise of my clinic nurses, I went back to eating the full amount I am allowed on the diet.  I also increased my water comsumption to 5L a day, and I ate new foods that I had been avoiding, such as salmon.  

I can tell from my home scales (which are always accurate within 0.5lbs) that I am down 2 pounds from Friday, so I think I have ended the stall.  Maybe some of these suggestions would work for you too?

These are just my ideas.  I am by no means an expert, but I wanted to share since your frustration reminded me a lot of how I was feeling a few days ago.  Best of luck with whatever you decide to do,

-Heather

DonnaN
Posted: Nov. 2 2008, 09:28 ET

this diet is expensive but i have a question for you...aren't you worth every penny?...

i was told i would be done in 9 months...here i am 27 days from it being a full year...with my stalls i had i'm looking at just past christmas now for goal weight...i wouldn't dream of stopping even though with the 3 stalls i had, i got discouraged...the trick is to persevere...

you are worth it and the end results are phenomenal...you are doing great!

i can't add anything else for advice cos heather7 covered it - try changing up your foods...unlike heather though i was told to reduce my water from 4 litres to having only the 2 litres (my edema wasn't getting better and the extra water only contributed to slow loss because of the retention)

good luck and i'll be cheering you on once you pass this stall - you will pass the stall - with you burning your body will decide to let go of the weight

cheers!

DDL
Posted: Nov. 2 2008, 09:46 ET

Suzy,

Hang in.
The doctor at my clinic told me that it is common especially for women to hit a plateau after a significant loss. And for me he seems to be correct. I lose a bit then for a week or so barely anything, then it seems overnight 3 or 4 pounds will be gone. Do I want it to go faster, yeah. But I continue to stay strcit because I know it will happen.
To help with the motivation try something other than just the scale. Take your measurements everywhere (I track more than my waist and hips) and even when I don't see the scale, I am seeing myself shrink.

Reggie
Posted: Nov. 2 2008, 13:52 ET

Hi SuzyQ -- I'm in the same boat... lost about 17 lbs in the first 3 weeks -- and only about 2 in the past 2.  However, several members have told me this is normal, and even the doctor says my body is just adjusting to the big loss so far, so I'm going to hang in there.  It is very expensive, but I'm confident that "big drop" is just around the corner.

The clinic manager suggested I try Benefibre... sugar free.  It's a powder and there's not taste or texture to it.  You can add it to a beverage or soft food.  I just tried it today, so we'll see what happens.  One of the forum members also suggested eating asparagus and cabbage (not necessarily together!) as they are naturally diuretic, so maybe they'll help if you're retaining water.  

Don't quit just yet.

reggie

SuzyQ
Posted: Nov. 2 2008, 16:34 ET

Thank you all for the encouragement and advice!!  It means so much to know that there are people out there that have experienced what I am going through.

Heather, that is all great advice.  I am very much in a rut of eating the same foods daily so I will try and shake it up a little.  Eat more of my portions (i've been stressing so much about this that i haven't been hungry).  

Donna, DDL and Reggie thanks for sharing your stories.

I am worth it and I will hang in there!

Shannon_grl
Posted: Nov. 2 2008, 19:27 ET

Hi SuzyQ et al

I too have met the stall wall.  And I agree with what everyone has raised regarding what to do get past it.

The only other thing that works for me is the E word...meaning exercise.  I know there are varying opinions on this one.  But for me, I exercise everyday nothing too crazy just running with the dog or sometimes I hit the treadmill/elliptical for an hour or so.  I exercise mostly to keep my stress level in check (hectic work blah blah blah).  But sometimes I increase my intensity level during stalls (run a few hills or incline the treadmill), which seem to help, at least me, move past those stalls.

I am not sure if this helps you but thought I would share.  I wish you every success...you will get there!

Kimmir
Posted: Nov. 4 2008, 10:51 ET

I am at the same point as you, don't make my mistake and self sabotage! My loss slowed and so I made the mistake of feeling pity and that lead to cheating. Although I did not make weigh-in yesterday I KNOW I am up and out of ketosis but I have determined to get right back at it. You have probably done more in that one month than on any other program before so don't throw it away yet. I have taken a look at my diet sheet to see what I have changed in case that is the cause to the slow down. You may want to check yours too. Are you still weighing foods and eating them all? I wasn't!

DaveD
Posted: Nov. 4 2008, 19:31 ET

There is a great topic in the FAQ that outlines this exact situation.  In summary...as long a you are strict and burning you are doing great.  Have a read and keep at it!

NPacheco
Posted: Nov. 5 2008, 14:16 ET

Hi SusyQ,
I can't really add anymore to this topic -- but just to let you know that I was a slow loser the entire time I was on the program.  I never lost as much as they said I should and I never made the month goals.  It was very discouraging but I stuck with it because it was so much more about just losing weight.  It was about gaining control of my eating habits and saying no to foods because they were not for me and not letting myself be sidetracked by the loss on the scale.  If you are burning, you are losing and you will see it.  Stick with it and you will be rewarded.

JessieThe3rd
Posted: Nov. 9 2008, 18:13 ET

Water... lots more water... drink more than you usually do - try drinking 12-15 glasses plus - try drinking just at or slightly below 1 gallon a day...  add a lemon wedge to it as well.   I bet you start losing again.

SuzyQ
Posted: Nov. 11 2008, 01:02 ET

Thanks guys!!!
Well, I weighed in today and had gained 1.2 lbs over the weekend...burning ketones all the way.  I have not cheated for a second.  I weigh everything religiously, drink over my water minimum every day.  I can't tell you how awful I feel right now.  I'm stressed out to the max and the clinic can't seem to help me.  They had put on that diuretic last week to jump start the stall (which it did - I went down 3lbs. between visits).  They got pretty snarly with me today at the clinic.  I was so disheartened about the gain and they gave me a lecture about how i had wanted results so they put me on the diuretic but that the water loss usually comes back right away (that was something that they did not tell me when they were giving me the diuretic).  The nurse told me now to make sure that i eat absolutely all of my portions everyday.  She also said that although i am well below the norm, I have still lost weight and I am fitting into their projection on the absolute lowest end.  So do they just keep spinning the number and how many weeks do i go before they admit that perhaps i need help or guidance?  I had a doctors appointment later on and he told me that i was indeed going to be a slow loser.  He also said that if i wanted to speed it up that i needed to eliminate my breads and my fruits even though I am still burning ketones.  I told him that the nurse told me to eat everything and he said that she did not know what she was talking about.  I am happy to cut out fruit and bread to try and jump start myself but to eat only the protein and veggies every day for the rest of the program....as committed as i am, i am not sure that i can do that!  So here I sit, weighing more than i did at the end of last week, not cheating with absolutely no idea what to do anymore.  
You only hear about the success stories on this program....I wish that they had been less optimistic and perhaps a little more brutally honest about the percentages...I'm sorry to be so negative....it was pretty mean there today....i felt pretty crappy by the time they were done with me....

ShelleyV
Posted: Nov. 11 2008, 12:44 ET

Wow Suzy that must have really really sucked! I go to the Delta clinic and they have been very supportive and kind but although I have had the odd very small weight gain (2 .2lb gains) I have lost pretty steadily. They were quite supportive when that happened and just told me to be patient. I only burn at trace though, very rarely do I go to even +1, again they said not to worry that burning is burning. Over all they've been really good. Do you go to a clinic in Vancouver?
Don't let them discourage you. You have lost 19.4 lbs in little over 5 weeks? Thats pretty good and sometimes when it goes really slow you'll get a big drop from out of nowhere. Please don't let them get to you as this program does work better than anything else. Maybe you can switch clinics or talk to them about how you felt? Let them know that they ended up discouraging you rather than helping you. I mean they are there to help you!
You're doing great Suzy, and even if you drop down to a 10lb loss every month it is better than other diet and you'd still be finished by sometime in April, in time for the summer!

Hugs to you
Shelley

NPacheco
Posted: Nov. 11 2008, 13:34 ET

Hi Suzy,
First off, I'm going to add my hugs to the ones that Shelley already gave....  I can only imagine how frustrated and discouraged that you must feel.. and for that I am sorry.  I do want to congratulate you for sticking strong all weekend -- and even though you had a slight gain -- hang in there because if you fall off the wagon the rebound weight will come on strong and fast....  I don't know what you are eating but I'll give you some suggestions that worked for me and may help you....
1) Even though they are delicious -- don't have a protein bar very often -- limit it to once a week
2) Have only fresh proteins -- by this I mean eliminate any of the M&M Meats protein as they do contain a lot of sodium and so can be contributing to a slow weight loss -- so buy all your fish and meats fresh, and either grill or bake them
3) Cut back on any seasonings that you have been using -- again the sodium issue -- use lemon juice instead
4) Cut back or eliminate any garnishes
5) Make sure that 80-90% of your liquid intake is water and not the other liquids

Hopefully this will help.  As I've said before, I was a slow loser the entire time on the diet but a nurse suggested these changes to me and they did seem to help me experience a greater loss.

Take care... and hang in there.....

Ada
Posted: Nov. 11 2008, 16:57 ET

Hi Suzy,

Please don't despair over a slightly higher number on the scale which could be caused by any number of things such as regularity (or lack thereof...constipation is a problem on this diet), being close to TOM or mid month ovulation (which in some causes water retention), the clothes you were wearing, the last time you ate or drank and what it was etc. etc.  

To give us a better sense of your pattern of losing, can you tell us what your weekly losses have been?

How about your measurements?  How have they changed over the weeks you are on the diet?

If you are showing ketones then you are burning fat....that is a given.  If you are burning fat then your fat cells are shrinking....also a given.  If your fat cells are shrinking then YOU will become smaller....another given.  So....the way I see it, the number on the scale is incidental.....the goal is not a number, but to lose fat and to become smaller.  

So keep that chin up and know you are doing great.  We are here to cheer you on !  

SuzyQ
Posted: Nov. 13 2008, 03:45 ET

Shelley, NPacheo and Ada...thank you so much for the encouragement!!  I can't tell you how much it means to have people out there to talk to.  At my weigh in today I was exactly what i had been on friday so at least I didn't gain any more weight.  I am still burning +2 so hopefully it will all catch up with me eventually.  I'm just trying to take in everyone's advice and not give up.  It's strange, they measured me today and i have only lost an inch off my hips but my pants are super loose.  So, I may not see it on the scale or on the measurements but somehow everything is getting baggy.  I figure that the first person that measured my probably didn't pull the tape as tight or something....who knows.  
NPacheo, thanks so much for sharing the great tips.  I'll definitely give them a try.

And again, thank you all so much for the support!!!

Kimmir
Posted: Nov. 13 2008, 11:53 ET

Suzy,  Yep don't totally rely on their measurements either. I have lost 25 lbs and yet my measurments for my hips went up 3 inches. I do believe somebody made a BooBoo. I measure myself at home so I use the same spot each time. Pants don't lie!! Keep up the great work

Heather7
Posted: Nov. 13 2008, 12:12 ET

My measurements also went up after I lost 20 pounds!  At my last measurement they went down again, but according to their records I have only lost 2 inches off my waist and 1 inch off my hips, and I know it's a lot more than that.  I've lost 31 pounds, and like you, I feel the difference in my clothes, so I know I'm getting smaller.  I wouldn't pay attention to it.  Best of luck this week,

-Heather

ShelleyV
Posted: Nov. 13 2008, 12:38 ET

Npacheco - thanks for those tips as I am going to try them myself. I went up .8lb on Wed and although I'm burning at trace and the clinic didn't seemed overconcerned, I was! They felt it was probably only a water retention issue or bowel issue and told me to try and drink more water and a little less coffee (small cup rather than large cup).
Hopefully by Friday the .8 will be gone as well as a bit more. I have lost 12 lbs this month and I'm OK with that. I just hope it doesn't slow down any more.

NPacheco
Posted: Nov. 14 2008, 11:12 ET

You are very welcome Shelley -- that's why I love this forum we all get to share what we have discovered and I think it makes the diet more effective!

Hi Suzy,
Glad to hear that you are staying strong and your postive attitude will get you through this little stall.   Just remember variety is the spice of life -- so as much as possible mix up what you eat and keep it fresh, fresh, fresh -- your body will get very good and extracting every possible nutrient if you eat the same thing every day so mix it up.  

Trust me -- I had that problem as I'm a creature of habit -- but on the weekends because it was easier to make different things --- I always found my biggest drops were on Mondays.  Also watch the type of clothes that you are wearing to the clinic -- try and always wear the same type of clothes as sweaters and such do contribute to the number on the scale -- since I started the diet in the warm weather, I was always in a short-sleeved shirt and slacks -- well even when the weather turned colder, I would wear the same type of slacks and come in with my short-sleeved shirt and put my sweater on after the weigh-in.

And I agree with what others have said -- every nurse will measure you differently -- so I always gauged it by how loose my pants were....

Great work on your will power -- don't let this set you back -- that next weight drop is just around the corner...