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We all are able to eat more as we progress. It’s how we get reach the calories & nutrients we need to maintain our weight & for our body to function effectively. Though all because you can eat more doesn’t mean you should. How much you should/need to eat is an question best answered by your dietician. Some need more defined guidelines about eating & food choices. Check with your dietician as to what portion size, caloric goals, etc. are best for you & your needs (age, gender, losing or maintaining weight, activity level, etc.) & to ensure you are on the right track. Do you track your food. If not, it may be an idea to do so for a couple of weeks so you can review it with your dietician. PS Congrats on your weight loss.

yes that seems normal to me. Once I got to around the year mark my weight loss slowed down to a crawl. We're talking maybe two lbs a month. But I kept at it and it eventually came off... also, stalls late in the game seem to be more frequent and last longer. So many times I said "well, this must be it...", and then I'd end up dropping a couple more pounds.

So make 181/size 14 your initial goal weight. This is what my surgeon gave me - a goal weight of about 80kg which would have me wearing an AU size 14 (US size 10). In the past I had gotten down to where I could fit into a large size 12 (US size 8), so instead of 80kg, I made my goal 75kg. I had been close to there before, so I could picture it. When you hit the more familiar intitial goal, then make a new one that's closer to the one suggested to you, and so on. When you're at the start of the process it does feel unattainable and like you'll never get there. I expect this is a universal feeling, especially when there's so much weight to lose (I've literally lost an entire person). But it does come off, and one day you'll weigh yourself and be staring at your goal weight on the scale and needing someone to pinch you. I've passed goal and am about to fit into a size I have not touched since I was a kid. Madness! I'd have absolutely lost that bet, yet here I am. TL:DR - Don't let the length of the process intimidate you, there are so many mini victories along the way. In 12 months time, you'll be living what you may right now have trouble visualising.

To be honest, I don't have a plan. I allow myself to eat until I'm satiated and lately, I've allowed myself to eat mostly whatever I want since I'm fine with maintaining the weight that I'm at now. My concern is that I have the ability to eat four slices in one sitting, not so much the nutrition (however many calories, carbs, etc.). When I first started eating pizza again, I could manage to eat only the toppings off of two slices of pizza and now I'm able to eat four full slices. Because of this, I'm worried I might gain weight in the future because I'm able to eat so much more now

I am 10+ years out. Starting weight 367 current weight 178. Got to 215 or so and dr found thyroid problems. Med change from Synthroid to Citomel. Lost the rest…to 150. Dr changed med…gained Wilbur. So frustrated…. Dr says thyroid normal now! Absolutely NO energy! Anyone have similar problem….how was it addressed?

I'm so glad you posted this @mcipanda. I'm scheduled for gastric bypass on 3/29, and as it gets closer I try to visualize what is coming. Like you, I honestly can't wrap my head around nor visualize myself being significantly smaller. I'm also afraid of self sabotage and failing, you're not alone in that! I have struggled with weight since my teen years and am currently 46 years old. It's so hard to believe things could change for me and this is real! I keep reading posts on this forum and take comfort in knowing so many not only felt this same doubt, but they overcame it to reach their goals! Thanks again for sharing this, and I wish you well in your journey!

Great topic! I've been thinking about this too. I heard the surgeon say that people can remember how small they were in their wedding day, or in high school, and I was like "nope!" I vaguely remember doing weight watchers in high school and getting to around 158, and when I got married my wedding dress was a 14 and I was excited it wasn't a 16 (probably around 185). So trying to imagine life, imagine my body and perception of self at 140-150 is just very strange. I think I'd be pretty psyched to maintain around 160... I also don't want to self-sabotage, but there is absolutely no frame of reference and I'm afraid to set too low of a goal and fail. It's tough!

Had gastric bypass 10/3. Down 77 pounds total. 19 of that was before surgery. Anyway, I am barely getting in 600 calories a day at this point and can only handle about an ounce and a half of protein with a couple bites of veggies at meals. I have a very clear full signal and don’t eat past it. I haven’t had sugar or carbs since surgery and I intend to stick with that. I cannot tolerate cheese, nuts, butter, basically anything but lean proteins and some vegetables. I even struggle with fruit. I don’t have a dietician so I have no idea if I am on track or not with my eating so I just take each day as it comes. I am happy with my weight loss. As most everyone I wish it was faster. But I have only stalled once and that was at the 3 week mark. I am exercising some but with the low amount of calories I am eating it is hard to have a lot of stamina. If anyone has any pointers let me know. I also still rely on 1-2 protein shakes a day to get protein up to around 80 grams.

"I am eating around 900 calories per day with 30 minutes of exercise. Is this enough or do I need to revamp my calories down?" You might be experiencing an extended stall. Often when a person loses a substantial amount of weight in a relatively short period of time, we have reached a set point and our bodies need to catch up to the loss before restarting the next losing phase. If the stall continues much longer, I would definitely talk your doctor.

Hi all, I am about 1 year and 1 month post-op and I'm wondering if what I'm experiencing is normal or if there is reason to be concerned. So far, I've lost about 90 lbs in the year that I've been post-op and I'm happy about that. However, I'm concerned that I'm able to eat more than I should in one sitting. For example, I was able to eat four slices of pizza (minus the crust) and it was shocking that I was able to do that. Granted, the slices were pretty thin, but I still feel like I shouldn't be able to do that. Another example: I was able to eat two boneless skinless chicken thighs and about two cups of spring mix no problem and that also somewhat concerned me. My weight has remained relatively stable and I'm okay with that. With how much I've been able to eat, should I contact my physician about it? My physician said before I got my surgery that my stomach wouldn't "stretch" back to a larger size, but sometimes it does feel that way. What's the typical action to take at this point?

I know this doesn’t answer your question directly but, are you doing much strength training? Adding muscle is a sure fire way to increase your daily caloric burn rate. We inevitably lose muscle during the weight loss phase and adding some of it back will facilitate further weight loss if that’s what you are interested in.

So I have been around the same weight for a little over a month. Sometimes gaining a pound or two then losing it back. My question is once your weight loss really starts to slow way down like mine did will you continue to lose weight? I am eating around 900 calories per day with 30 minutes of exercise. Is this enough or do I need to revamp my calories down? Thanks

Checking in on how everyone is doing 2 - 2.5 months out. I’m finally getting my energy back. I had bloodwork done last week ahead of my 3 month checkin with my surgeon and just got the results back. All my blood panel and nutritional numbers are in the optimal range! In such a short time period I went from: - 6.2 A1C (prediabetic) to 5.1 (non-diabetic) -194 to 75 mg/dL triglycerides -134 to 96 LDL Cholesterol - 214 to 158 mg/dL overall cholesterol My protein, calcium, and all other nutrients are where they should beAnd I’m honestly just so grateful I’ve followed the advisement of my team and hadthe support of the folks here. Since my December 5 surgery I’ve dropped 2-3 sizes (3 top, 2 bottom) and 38lbs! Since I started this process on August 6 (my first consult) I’ve dropped 60lbs. Really excited for my appointment with my surgeon next week to use the InBody machine and see how that translates to body fat percentage across various regions of my body. A month into 2x/week personal training I am seeing huge gains in my strength and pulmonary capacity for HIIT. My one a day swims are back to my pre-surgery speed when I was swimming twice a day 5x week. I’m still tired most evening after 6pm and only halfway to my goal. I get frustrated with stalls and am not always perfect, but overall my only regret is not taking this step sooner. Hope everyone is doing well and sending some December surgery love.

Hey everyone, surgery was 10/24 and I’m down from 215 to 167. The last 4 weekly weigh ins the scale has bounced between 168-171 so I may be in a stall. I was in one after the first 4 weeks for almost 6 weeks. It’s annoying but I’m happy with my progress as I’m officially the smallest I have been in 20 years with all my yo yo dieting. I also know that I may be getting closer to my new size my body wants to be so the weight loss may stop. I’ve been trying to focus more on working out now. Before my surgery I lifted weights regularly. I know I’ve lost a lot of muscle these last couple months and I feel much weaker. So I’m trying to get back into that. Clothing wise I’m down from a size 18 to a 10. I haven’t really had to buy new clothes yet as I kept clothes from all my previous lose and regain episodes. I also wear uniforms to work every day which are provided so being that it’s winter my non-work clothes is mostly hoodies and sweat pants anyway 😁 Food wise it’s hit or miss. I have started to feel hunger signals again but my portions are still pretty small. My doctor never told me to track my food intake which I’m grateful for because I don’t want to feel like I’m on a diet. But I would rough guess my intake to be about 1000 calories a day. I still try to prioritize protein first which doesn’t leave much room for anything else. But I do try to snack on fruit or veggies throughout the day to get my nutrients in. Sugar free sweets and cookies have helped with any sweet tooth cravings I get. I have ate plenty of things with sugar at this point as I really don’t restrict anything, but I do try to limit it to just occasionally. I also struggle with feeling like I have to clean my plate, even when I start to feel full. So I try to start with a small amount to begin with. Then wait a couple minutes before deciding if I want more, and usually I don’t. I still eat really fast so pausing for a few minutes helps my stomach to catch up. I’ve been out to eat several times. Usually I just split a meal with my wife and it works out great. She’s not going to eat the entire dish and I only need a few bites. The weirdest part with food for me is that my tastes have changed. Foods I used to enjoy don’t sit well or taste as good. I used to drink black coffee every day, now it hurts my stomach so I’ve just quit it. I thought the lack of caffeine would be an issue but it really hasn’t been. I do occasionally drink instant sugar free cappuccino but not daily. Also hot wings used to be a favorite of mine and now they taste off. Same thing with a lot of spicy food actually. So while I wouldn’t say I restrict food, at least for weight loss purposes, I’m trying to learn how different things make me feel and structure my eating like that. Just like with overeating I tell myself while something might sound appealing, is it worth me feeling kinda crappy for the next 30-45 minutes? That helps to think of it like that. I have definitely overdone portions and regretted it. Hence why I try to start smaller to begin with. It’s hard when you have one bite left not to just eat it, but that one bite will cost you and it’s just not worth the discomfort for me. All in all I would say I’m feeling good and I’m happy. I’m starting to see myself as smaller for the first time. I’ll catch my reflection in a window or something and be like damn, is that how skinny I am? It’s a crazy feeling I’ve never felt before. I knew I was getting smaller because my clothes sizes were going down. But I’m just now really seeing it. I have more work to do, more so in the gym now than the scale, but I’m feeling accomplished and motivated.

I struggle a bit with this too, I originally said 180 because even though it seemed impossible to be that weight after 5 years, it still looked attainable with the surgery based on average results I saw online. Then I changed it to 160 because it's the lowest I remember being after puberty and I felt good, not toned at all but weight wise it felt comfortable. I just had my 3-month appointment, and I asked about goal weight, the RN suggested to wait until I'm at 6 months and see how I will feel if I were to choose my goal to be 30lbs from that weigh in, since from her experience that is what most patients say, but she did stress that the body can choose its weight and it can be lower or around what I chose. This goes on hand with my sister's experience where she is still losing past her goal weight even though she has increased her calories.

I waited for my 1 week follow up and then my 2nd week follow up to weight myself. Then I was weighing myself daily but was getting obsessive so switch to once or twice a week since.

Hi , I had my daughters wedding to attend 10 days post surgery , and I had gained half a stone .I was the heaviest I've ever been in my life .But , it will drop ,you just have to be patient and resist the urge to weigh yourself too often .Good luck !

Hi everyone, I’m new to the forums and WLS with VSG scheduled for 3/13. I’m currently 41, 5’3” and 213lbs. I’ve always been one to envision my goals for success. It works for me, but I’m genuinely struggling with picturing myself at the suggested goal weight of 125-135. I can’t recall a time where I was ever that small. Even at 13, I was 177lbs. The lightest I’ve ever been in my adult life was 181 at size 14. I can picture myself there, but trying to picture myself at a size 12 or lower feels like imagining myself getting accepted into the NASA space program. Not impossible but seriously (seriously) unlikely. When my bariatric team asked about a personal goal weight, I said 170. I didn’t want them to look at me like, “uh, you need to be realistic here.” Beyond that, I can only recall 177 in my mind from middle school so 170 sounds possible. I tried making a goal board with images of the clothes I’d like to wear and things I want to do, but it feels.. unrealistic? Ugh. I’m actually annoyed with myself if you can believe it. Did (or have) you ever felt this way? I want to succeed but I know I need to believe I can do it before I can make it happen. Thoughts welcome!

swelling will go away. as far as weight, most of us "gain" a few lbs while at the hospital (some people have reported "gaining" up to 10 lbs!). It's because you're pumped up with IV fluids while you're there, which is essentially salt water, which some people retain. It takes a few days for it to work its way out of your system. I don't think I weighed myself until about the second week, because I was afraid I'd see a higher number on my scale then when I entered the hospital and freak out about it, even though in my mind I knew what was going on..

I'm two days post op and feel mostly good. Any time I transition up or down, it's like incisions burn. Also, my whole body feels swollen and puffy, and I think I have gained a pound since my surgery, even though I've had practically nothing in the hospital and now at home I'm drinking about an ounce every 15 minutes. How long should I wait before attempting to measure my weight again? Will all this swelling go away? Sent from my SM-G996U using BariatricPal mobile app

I had this when I was not drinking enough, and eating enough calories because of a swollen suture line in my new tummy. Then I had it again when I had dropped a lot of weight and needed to come off my blood pressure medication, I just didn't need it anymore. I had it randomly yesterday morning when I got out of bed too quickly and got busy. I ate some yogurt and had a large milky coffee and I was fine. When I am out I always take a protein bar in case this happens when I have skipped a meal

I just had gastric bypass on 2/14 and have had weight problems all my life just like you. I was extremely self conscious for a long time about mentioning that I was considering wls to anyone for a long time because I was afraid of the judgment and stigma that surround it. Having support is invaluable. I would particularly point out your comorbitidies and how this surgery could help them. There are many patients that have completely stopped having to take any medications for diabetes and even put it into remission. Also if you look into the history of the gastric bypass it was originally a procedure that was used to assist people with gerd and gastric reflux to get rid of these issues and it just happened to have the side effect of weight loss. The more informed and logical on your approach would be the route I would go in getting her on board. Good luck! Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

Your body has had major surgery. Your body doesn't know that this was any different than being stabbed in multiple places. Our bodies are a wonderful thing. They protect us from dying from stab wounds. Your body is trying to heal itself. And it is very confused. Long before I had weight loss surgery I had an emergency abdominal surgery, and had a huge vertical surgical site from pelvic base to past my belly button. Full hysterectomy. I couldn't eat anything for a week. NOTHING BY MOUTH . I gained 10 pounds. It didn't go away for weeks and weeks. My doctors explained what I said above to me. One doc explained it as I might as well have been a soldier in Mid-evil times who survived a long sword wound. Our body does not know the difference. You need to sip constantly. Try adding a spoonful of juice to your water, or some other flavoring, try sucking ice cubes, make yourself healthy popsicles out of half juice and water, and suck on those. Don't want cold ? Try warm decaf flavored teas. I love coffee... but like tea. I drank a lot of peach herbal tea. Iced and hot. Sip all the time. Wake up at night ? Sip. Your body WILL at some point (and fairly soon, I will bet) let go of all that fluid... but you have to keep putting more liquid into you.

I'm glad to hear you are happy with the results. If I ever decide to do plastic surgery, I might consider removing the loose skin on my belly. I'm not too concerned about my forearms and thighs. I still need to loose some weight

I am so glad that you are working with a therapist and have a great working relationship with them. I had a sleeve a dozen years ago in my mid 50's. I am now (well - next month !) 67 years old. I struggled with my weight my entire life. Had this been an option years before, I would have done it ! I am also a mental health professional. The problem with depression and/or anxiety is that you can be those things when you are obese, and losing weight .... well... you may weigh a lot less, but you can still be depressed/anxious. If you are using medication to help modulate your mental health symptoms, you might check how those medications work with your specific surgery. Weight loss surgery will not "make anyone happy" - but it will help you to lose weight ! Personally, I have panic attacks. They started about 20 years ago for no good reason. My weight before, during and after weight loss has had absolutely NO effect on them. Some years are better than others. If you have weight re-gain, you have to get to a emotional/mental place where you can concentrate on going back to basics of how you lost the weight in the first place after surgery. I did experience weight gain at about 6 to 7 years post sleeve. I lost my mother, brother and father in a few year's time. I did not pay attention to what I was eating. I became a caregiver and mourned those losses. I had too much on my mind to "see" myself. When I got myself back together, and could see past all those events; I made a conscious decision to re lose the 40 pounds I put on. ( I had lost 140 ) I took a couple years to lose the weight. I realized I did not know how to maintain my weight. So each time I lost 10 pounds or so I would stop losing weight and work on maintaining THAT weight for a couple months. Once I had that down, I would lose some more. I needed to be INTENTIONAL. And make the way I eat work for me. I got back to where I was, and then kept it stable for another year. A few months back I decided to lose some more. My thought was 10 more pounds. I have lost 12. I am at one of my maintenance phases right now. Try not to let your weight define who you are, who you want to be, and know that there is NO time line for being your best self ! Congratulations on saving up that money to give yourself the BEST way to lose weight, and to be successful.