One month in, lost 5lbs in first two weeks, then NOTHING. What is wrong??

I am trying to drop my post baby weight, and I got very serious about it about a month ago.  I started the couch to 5k running program and upped my workouts with a trainer to 3X a week.  I am counting my calories (1200-1300/day), and just being more active in general.  I lost 5lbs in the first two weeks, but I haven't lost an ounce since.  What am I doing wrong? 

I was able to drop the weight quite easily with the first two babies, but this time it just wants to stay around.  Right now I am 5'5" and 136lbs and, according to my trainer, 26% body fat.  I would like to get into the 120's. 

Is it normal to lose for a couple of weeks then nothing for a couple?  What suggestions do you have for me?  Thanks in advance

I've had the odd week where I've not lost anything despite eating very strictly to my reduced calorie plan. I think it's quite normal. If you are already exercising and eating within your set amount of calories per day I wouldn't worry about it as the weight will soon start coming off again.

I found the weight slow to shift in the first month, really quick in the last 10 pounds, but it's slowing down again now I only have about 6 pounds left to lose. I don't worry about it though :)

Hello,

It had happened to me too, and I was told that it is normal. You first changed everything so your body got "chocked" and he started losing, but then he got used to the amount of calories you eat/day and how much sport you do. You just need to be patient and to keep doing what you are doing ( because it's great ) and very soon you are going to lose again.

Good luck anyway, don't give up !!!

Also for some people the weight comes off in chunks not as a steady slope. So you might just have 3 weeks with no weight loss n then the next week see 4 pounds drop. It just depends on how your body adjusts.

The first couple weeks after I started I lost a few pounds then suddenly went UP a pound and stayed there for another 2.5 weeks.  Then seemingly overnight I went down 2-3 pounds.  It was a pretty steady loss for a month after that and then the past month I hadn't lost a thing but suddenly I am below my first goal!  LOL  My weight loss has been weird but I've stuck to my exercise and diet and it is coming off nicely.  :)

these messages make me feel a whole lot better. i lost 18pounds in 3.5 weeks. and all of a sudden.. nothing. even up 1 or 2lbs.. but have maintained in for another 2 weeks almost. i eat 1200 calories a day.. and walk 5km, plus working on my feet 8 hours DAILY. but i just guess that the body is adjusing? hopefully it starts to come off again soon.. i hate waiting. :( especially when ur working so hard....

acid_rain it sounds like u've gone into starvation mode 1200 is not enough for you. 1200 is good for an older woman who sits all day n watches tv not for someone who has a lot of activity. UP ur cals n u'll see better results

Maybe it's just the muscle taking over the fat. Give your body time to tone up and then you'll probably see more loss. 

A five pound loss in one month is very good, very healthy. It's too soon for "muscle taking over fat" but this is just the beginning of your weight-loss, so be patient. Our bodies don't tick off the weight in timed, exact integars, it ebbs and flows - it's how weight is lost. Keep up the good work, stay consistent, and you'll get where you want to be. Good luck!

Thanks for the replies.  It is nice to know that I'm not doing anything wrong.  I will just have to be patient, it seems. 

you start building muscle when you start working out, so you will immediately see some difference.  When people want to bulk up, they, in fact, usually experience a very quick initial gain. Maybe i phrased it unclearly... I meant that you are building muscle, which weighs more.

ok.. FINALLY. after 2 weeks of nothing.. i checked today.. and am down another 8.5lbs.. thank god! that means ive lost 25lbs so far.. wow. im so trilled!

So you've lost 25 lbs in 6 weeks???

I have lost 28lbs now since May 6th. but please note, I use to eat a lot of take out and not move. Now I have cut my food a lot. I use to probably take in 6 or 7000 calories a day. now im lucky to get 1500. Also, since school ended in April, I now work everyday for 8hour shifts on my feet.. and also walk 6km (4miles) everyday.. so ya.. 28lbs since May 6th.. Im really proud of myself....

Oh dang, then that explains it! I know most people lose a lot more per week during their first couple of weeks, and if you were eating that much previously then went downt o 1500, that's completely logical that you'd lose that much at first. Congrats, by the way, and here's to staying motivated! :-)

thanks. tomorrow is my weigh in day.. eek. im nervous.. but i had a really good week, ate great, got lots of rest and done loads of walking.. so ya, hopefully things will be on the good side! hopefully ill be down another 3 or 4 lbs... we'll see! Can't wait to meet that 30lbs mark! that will be awesome...  Besides wanting to reach that 30lbs weight loss (which is only 2lbs away), my next personal goal of weight loss will be met in 12lbs.. i'm excited. I think that it is very important to set small goals! That way, its easier to meet them.. and believe me.. when u do, u get sooooo motivated and actually *want* to stick with it! So ya.. hopfully ill have another 3 or 4lb weight loss by tomorrow evening.. :) I'll let ya know!

hey. I hope that your weight loss is still going well! As of last night.. I had managed to lose a total of 34.5lbs. Wonderful. Only another 6.5lbs until I reach my next mini goal.. which will also mark my 40lbs weight loss... im really excited. how is everything going on your end??