Hello all,

I used to go to LA Weight Loss before they were shut down and I lost almost 50 pounds.  Unfortunately, I fell into a bad habit of eating pretty large portions of meals - my boyfriend is Italian and that just doesn't help when everything revolves around food - all social occasions, family get togethers, etc.  I know I can lose the weight on my own, and I'm used to being able to lose weight quickly if I truly put my mind to it because my body likes the althletic lifestyle.  However, for the past two weeks I have had a seriously changed diet - I've been eating very balanced and healthy meals (very much like when I was with the LA plan) - probably close to a 1200 calorie diet.  I work out every day - burning approximately 500-600+ calories on the elliptical (in about 45 minutes - I do it HARD) and I also weight train at least every other day, do hot yoga and am a tennis player and rollerblader.   I have lost perhaps two pounds.  After ALL OF THAT - TWO POUNDS.  I began taking alli five days ago and am hopeful that it will help, even though my diet isn't too fatty to begin with.

Any ideas as to why the weight isn't literally falling off of my body?  It seems like I'm missing something - perhaps not enough protein in my diet to support all the exercise?  I also drink anywhere between 70-100 fluid oz. of water a day and have minimized caffeine and sodium to maintain the benefits of water. 

I need some help, ideas, or perhaps just some encouragement. 

Thanks for cyber-listening :)

Laura

Congratulations on the 50 pounds!  That definitely shows you're able to lose weight, and you've gotten into a good rigorous activity pattern.  However, if the total time you've started the new plan is two weeks and you've lost two pounds that's pretty good.

That said, there's a few reasons people may not lose weight.  First, it sounds like you're not eating enough calories for all the calories that you burn.  Did you get the 1,200 from the alli Personal Calculator or did you choose that number yourself?  It's important to do the Nutrition and Activity Logs along with the weekly check-in, and follow the calories and fat for your level.

You may not be eating enough fat.  If the diet doesn't contain 30% total calories from fat weight loss will be slow.  There are two great posts at the top of this message board about why calories and fat are so important for best results with alli.  Take a look; it's great information.

I'm not sure how much weight you have to lose, but generally speaking the more weight people have to lose the faster they lose it - at least in the beginning and then it tapers off to a slower, more steady rate.

You may also have an underlying medical issue that is preventing you from losing weight.  If you haven't had a complete physical - with labs - in the last 6 months you should definitely check it out.

I hope this helps.

Pat Baird, MA, RD, registered dietitian

 Thanks so much for the input.  Perhaps my meals are just not substantial enough.  I had been curious about that and added an extra protein kick to my morning routing - a scoop of whey protein (no carbs or sugar or fat in it).  It seems to give me more energy.  I have about 35 pounds to lose, and when I was with LA Weight Loss it came off so quickly - 3-4, sometimes even 5 pounds a week (I also had about 60 pounds to lose - almost twice as much as now). 

I came up with the 1200 calories a day from when I was in a serious weight loss mode with LAWL.  I believe I initially started at 1800 calories - the alli plan seemed so high that I didn't see how I could possibly lose weight by eating that much - and I couldn't eat that much - I was too full (don't get me wrong, I can eat an entire pizza at one sitting, but those days are behind me!). 

I know I'm physically healthy.  In fact, most people can't imagine that I weight what I do.  It's like a big secret that my number is so high.  It's a compliment to me, but when they do find out, the look of shock just makes me feel worse. 

Anyway, 30% of the calories I eat should come from fat - I eat so many fat free and low fat foods that I wondered how alli was going to help me really.  I'll try re-vamping my diet and see what happens.  I appreciate your help very much.

Best,

Laura