Have you reached a plateau in your weight loss efforts?  Plateaus occur when the weight we are losing after bariatric surgery seems to stall.  While plateaus are normal for all bariatric surgery patients, they can be frustrating and defeating.  The key to overcoming plateaus is to realize that they are a normal occurrence and to combat the frustration with a call to action.

If you have reached a plateau, the first step is to conduct a thorough self-review.  Step back and examine what you might be doing or what might be occurring in your life that has caused you to stray from healthier habits.  Do you need to focus on stress reduction or removing a stressful situation from your life?  Have you found yourself snacking between meals?  Are you indulging on high-calorie, sugary, or high-fat foods?  Do you need to regain your motivation to exercise?  Or perhaps you need to return your focus to high-protein foods?

Remember that plateaus are merely bumps along the road and not roadblocks.  Below are a few tips to help you get over those bumps and get back to obtaining your weight loss goals:

·         Make sure you are following up with your surgeon as instructed.

·         Reach out to a buddy who has also had bariatric surgery.

·         Keep a food and exercise diary.

·         Change the way you are exercising.

·         Hire a personal trainer.

·         Remove snacks from the home and office.

·         Meal prep.

·         Eat three meals a day.

You have the power within you to reach the top of your mountain!  Now get out there and climb!