afterthought

Some things to try. Years out, Some go back to bariatric real food plan. Others find a new diet plan (keto, paleo, vegan,whole30 intermittent fasting) Choose a plan that works for you. Log your food in an app. You can dial your calories up or down to find where your weight loss zone is. Weight loss calories are different for each of us. It's not a one size fits all instruction. Do you have a protein and carb ratio to stay in?

Hard to build muscle when you can't consume enough calories to stop weight loss. I agree, exercise (strength training) would be beneficial once the OP can increase calories.

I had the same instructions. I did not worry about calories in the first months. My dietician gave detailed instructions after my third month. Calories, protein, and carbohydrate ratios. Only my opinion. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel. Get solid in your dietitian’s weight loss plan first. When in doubt, call your bariatric office. You paid for them. No need to think about maintenance until you hit goal. Your dietitian’s food plan instructions will change to slow/stop weight loss.

@PolahBeou Sorry that you are having issues. At 5'5" and 114Lbs. Your BMI is 19.0 Low end of normal. One more pound will be underweight. You said "So far, every doctor I've visited has recommended more exercise and protein. " Wow, exercise contradicts weight gain. Who are these Dr's? Seek new Dr.s and pressure them. Advocate for yourself until you get the help you need. Suggestions (not medical professional advice) Sop exercising. You are burning calories that your body needs. If your surgery restriction is tight, Eat small meals all day to stop weight loss and gain weight. The only way you gain weight is eating extra calories. (High carb and fat) Try a medical grade weight gaining shake and a Liquid/powdered carbohydrates. look on Amazon or GNC

Fantastic results. Congratulations on goal.

I agree with weight lifting. Many benefits and transforming.

We can relate, many of us worried about loose skin after surgery. Age and how long you have been obese can be factors. There is no way to predict what skin situation you have until you get to goal. No harm in trying it out. Are you pre op or post op?

@KQA I tried corset training after WLS. Honestly, weight loss did more for my body. Are you asking about gym waist trainers or corset training? Corset waist training is a body modification. The steel rods in the corset move your bones and internal organs over time. Gym waist trainers Are the equivalent of wearing a girdle to the gym.

Some people are $hitty. Negativity and hate says more about them and nothing true about you. I can understand how this made you feel. Don't doubt yourself. You are a healthy BMI. Most people don't know what a healthy BMI looks like. Some comments are less than helpful when you are adjusting to your appearance. Don't let people's behavior, opinion or rejection play with your emotions. Be so confident in who you are that no one can shake you*

My weight loss calories seem to be different as I progressed out from surgery. Calculators don't wok for me. My calorie zone is less. I don't eat Keto - I am back on baritric basic diet to get the weight off. I'm further out from surgery. I can eat more food. If I stay in my weight loss calories,I lose weight. I logged in a food app to find my weight loss calorie zone. Some log food consistently to get the weight off. Others can guess if they are in weight loss range. I was gaining when I guessed. None of this is a one size fits all to get the weight back down. Find what works for you.

You don't sound dumb at all. Pre surgery, I don't think I had a signal for being full. I was starving on previous diet's, It was hard for me to imagine that I could be satisfied on small amounts after bariatric surgery. (It caused some anxiety) I lost and gained weight many times.This has been different than all my past attempt's. It's a game changer. Post surgery, My hunger is manageable and my relationship with food has changed. Dealing with what got me to the point of obesity was key. You deserve having your health back.

Anyone that see's you walk down the street would never believe you weighed 322. You look fantastic.

Follow the advice of your medical professionals. talk with your surgeon/dietitian. What you eat and drink will affect your weight loss outcome. Follow your surgeons meal plan. Is alcohol allowed on your plan? What stage is it allowed? How much is allowed?

Many trainers have no experience with bariatric patients. A suggestion, Start with 1000 cals as a goal. (I personally gain if I eat over 1200) find your own weight loss cal range.. Don't risk your health by eating 600-700 calories. (that is surgery first stage cal range) Eat meals frequently to increase your calories to 900- 1100. Follow your real food stage weight loss instructions. How did you gain 25 pounds on 600-700 calories?

Question. How did you gain 25 pounds eating 600 to 700 calories?