...because I've hit a wall. In the last week and a half to two weeks, I haven't lost a single pound! I cut my calories down to around 1200-1300 and am still exercising 5x's/week and nothing!!!! I was losing roughly 2-3 lbs a week and now, nothing.
I've been trying to read posts everyday for encouragement but I'm just getting so frustrated. Someone said to take measurements as a way to boost your confidence when the scale doesn't move, so I did. And guess what, I've actually gained in some areas even though I haven't gained on the scale. So now I'm freaking and I just want things to turn around.
I initially got on this kick about 2 months ago as a bet with my husband for our anniversary trip to Vegas next month. We had to lose at least 20 lbs and whoever lost the most by 6/12/09, would get what they wanted.
Well, even though I put my nose to the grind and have been hustling waaaaaaay more than he has, it looks like he's just passed me up because of this stall. I know that probably sounds bad, and I am so happy that he's getting healthy too, but darn it... I'm just so frustrated!!!!!

oh dear, I'm so sorry. I do not have experience with plateus, so I do not have any advice.
but why would u ever bet a man anything related to weightloss! It is so unfair to you. Men lose weight faster than girls!
but oh well... it may just be water weight! u never know! keep going dear, I'm sure you'll get to your goal weight.

I feel your frustration!

Have you changed your routine up lately? Do some sort of new exercise or anything? You may hit a plateau if you do the same things all the time! You could try changing things up! Good luck!

Sometimes our bodies just need to catch up with our progress. I know it may be tough and discouraging when the numbers on the scale aren't moving, but don't give up. Just keep going. Maybe try a new exercise or a new food!

Perhaps you should eat more. If you're consuming 1200 calories a day and working out, your body could very well be holding on to the calories you eat because it thinks it's going to need them. Maybe a few days of a bit more calories will bust you out of your plateau.

I agree, try to kick it up a bit, maybe 1500 or 1600 calories if you are exercising that much.

I have gone months on a plateau...it is hard. But when you hit a plateau the only way to get through it is to change up your routine or wait it out. You need to shake up your calories and activity level/the activities you do. Increase intensity, do interval training, add in weight training, etc. Sometimes our bodies just adjust to a routine and get comfortable. I think the other ladies are on to something suggesting you try eating more, but another option is to try calorie cycling where you eat high one day and lower another (like say, 1400, 1200, 1300, 1500, 1200, 1400, 1200)....something like that. You're avg isn't going up that much but your body doesn't get used to the amt and has to think about what its doing again.

You will get through this. And believe me, a real plateau lasts a whole lot longer than just a couple of weeks! Good luck!

Yes, men do lose at a faster rate than women. Unfair but true, they can lose a pound just walking to the refrigerator. You are short, too, like me and it seems to just be tougher for us shorties. I do not know of any reason for this,but would just tell you . do not give up. it will happen, you have already proved you can lose weight.

Why don't you have one day where you treat yourself and eat the calories you could have for your weight... 2000 maybe? Trust me you won't gain (except maybe temporary water weight at most)... I've read about calorie cycling over and over again and I hear it's a great thing for busting through plateaus.

Let us know how it goes!

I agree here...... 1200 calories a day is borderline starvation mode for most ppl... try eating a little more, and change your routine as well, up the intensity, if you've been weight training, go with slightly heavier loads, if not, start

Thanks everyone, it's so nice to hear the words of encouragement and suggs. I will try them all. You guys are awesome!

so it seems that you got on this stall after you cut your calories, so i'd recommend eating more, and going back to what you were eating before.

don't worry!!! I'm sure your body is just in this sort of mode right now..but you'll get out of it soon. Just don't stop doing what you're doing, or rather ..kick it up a notch. Change it up a bit. I'm sure you'll see results soon, just don't stop. Good luck~

That really sucks, I know just how you feel. I stopped losing weight for like, 4 months. Keep it up, it will start up again when it's ready.