How long can one be stalled?!

[fetcher]

I started induction on Feb. 15th. The first week I lost 6.5 lbs - yeah! Since then it has been a struggle to lose anything. The 2nd week I lost 1 lb. The 3rd week also 1 lb. I calculate weight loss, by weighing in every day, then take a total of the week and divide by 7. Today I'm at the same weight as I was on day 8. I have not "cheated" and count my carbs everyday. I eat lot's of vegetables, don't drink diet soda, don't eat the bars. I don't get it and am getting very discouraged. How can I possibley continue to the next stage of Atkins at this rate? I am older (55) and have 50 lbs to lose. Anyone else experience similar results and then all of a sudden kick up the weight loss?

[Tril]

I once went 17 weeks without a loss. I'm not saying YOU will... or that it's common for a plateau to last that long. But it happened to me. It's quite common for wt loss to slow WAY down after the first two weeks. As long as you're losing anything you're not in a "stall". Also, it's really not considered a stall until you've been on plan with no loss for 4 weeks. So technically, you're not stalled yet... just in a period of little to no loss.

Suggestion...

Show us your food journal. You might be eating something or missing somethng. We stand a chance of helping if we know what and how much you're eating.

Averaging your wt loss an excellent practice, btw!

[FlorayG]

"There is one interesting phenomenon - at any given time, we usually lose either pounds or inches, rarely both at the same time. So maybe you should try on some clothes that were too tight recently? You might be at the inches losing phase, rather than pounds."
That is interesting, any idea why that is? I'm asking because I've PUT ON a pound this week by my scales, yet I suddenly find I'm comfortable in a smaller pair of jeans that 3 weeks ago were tight. So don't stress too much, fetcher!

[fetcher]

Thanks for the input. I think I've picked up on some ideas to try. I always ate a very high fiber diet before, so I think I will add some kind of fiber pills. I do drink lot's of water. I have another question. You said that 1 lb is about right for post induction. But I'm still eating like I am on induction. I don't see how I can increase my carb count and still lose 1lb a week. I guess that was more of a statement than a question! A typical day for me is:
2 egg omlet with salsa (1carb), cheddar (1 oz or less), mushrooms and 3 strips of bacon
3 slices of swiss cheese wrapped around deli turkey with a little mayo
1/2 cucumber w/ranch dressing
Dinner is meat, salad, and cauliflower either mashed or like fake mac and cheese.
sgr free jello w/ redi whip.
If I need a snack it's a cheese stick, or 1 sq of very dark (85%) chocolate.
I realize stall was not the right word to use, I guess I just thought that for the first few weeks I'd lose more.
Thanks Again

[maggiemay22]

I am having the same problem, so More water and be satisfied with the little loss. and yes my clothes are looser. I plan to sell these fat clothes and buy a really nice pair of jeans when i reach goal

[ceejay]

Fletcher,
It's now October...are you still Atkinsing? How is your weightloss going? I'm 53, and struggling to lose. I've been on and off Atkins since I was 30, and the weight loss just doesn't come off like it used to! In my 30s, I'd lose a pound a day. I could get to goal FAST! Of course, then I'd go back to eating carbs, and within a few years the fat would be back. In my late 30s/ early 40s I lost well, too. 1/2 lb. a day! It was great, and I lost about 100 lbs living that way. Then, I got married (again), and gained 70 back. I've managed to lose 40 lbs, but I'm on plan/off plan/on plan/off plan...my body;s so confused it's just decided to hang on to every morsel I eat, I guess.

I got back "seriously" to the Atkins plan, and have gained 2 lbs this week. I think it's the "bathroon" situation, so I'm hoping the loss will pick up soon. Your menu looks alot like mine, so I think we're doing it right. Is your loss still sluggish? Did it pick up steam? I'm just wondering how you're doing, since we're in the same age category.

The one thing I'm NOT good at is the water; so, after reading this thread, I'm going to uptake my intake. Hope you're doing well!

[maggiemay22]

hate to say my daughter is so concerned about all the fat on the Atkins she has me trying the Dakan diet, still loosing on it and am enjoying the no fat dairy products. but is is nearly the same...just shut our mouths i guess. i went back to gorging carbs for 2 weeks and gained 9 pounds. taught me a lesson and lots of water or fluids is what should be said,those no cal single packages of koolaid and such are a great way to get your extra fluids if you don't like plain water.