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slight weight gains when you're in or near maintenance are very common, but I'd try to get ahead of that because it could start getting out of control if you're not careful. It's way easier to lose 5 or 10 lbs than it is to lose 50. I've been in maintenance for about five years now, and I allow myself a few lbs of fluctuation, but when my weight gets up to my "oh crap" number, I spring into action. It's all hands on deck until I'm safely back in range. If 172 is comfortable for you, maybe have 180 as your "oh crap" rate? (just a suggestion - you could make it anything). To get back down, just really buckle down and make sure you're following all the rules until you're safely back down to where you want to be. note that a 10% gain (10-20 lbs for most of us) is VERY common after you hit your lowest weight. It usually happens during year 3, but then, you lost your weight very quickly, so you're likely already in maintenance even though it's only been a year (and congrats, by the way!! That's an impressive loss!!). That 10-20 lb gain is not inevitable, but it seems to happen to the vast majority of us without much "effort" on our part. I think it's just your body settling in at a weight it wants to be (not saying that you're doomed to stay there - with effort, you can get lower - but our bodies do seem to want to settle in at some "set point" - unfortunately, my "set point" is about six lbs more than I want to be, so it's a constant struggle!!)
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Well done on the weight you have lost. It's not usual to gain a little weight in the 24 months or so following weight surgery from the lowest weight achieved. If you are trying to gain muscle weight you will gain weight if you don't reduce body fat to the same degree or more. Volume wise muscle is more dense than body fat. So a litre (in volume) will weigh more than body fat. So while you have gained scale weight is it possible (with body recomp) that you have actually reduced physically in size? Are you clothes feeling a bit loose? A dexa scan may be useful to you ( they seem to be much cheaper in the USA than most other places). It would give an idea of excess body fat and help you determine how much lean body mass you need to build as well as how much excess body fat you need to lose. For you at this stage it may be about body recomp vs scale weight loss.
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Any October 2021 Surgeries?
Shrinkingvee replied to devotion's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
You are spot on with what you say, I’m 3 weeks post op and it’s been the toughest journey I’ve ever walked and I’ve been up and down throughout these 3 weeks. it’s not easy. I know it will get easier but I’ve been down every other day as apparently with fat loss your estrogen levels rise and that causes feeling down so that sucks. Im still finding it hard to get my fluid intake in and in turn now today have a migraine probably due to dehydration. im eating soft food and cracker crisp bread with a little cheese or chicken with avocado or yeast extract. Ive gone off eggs, that’s a shame. my sense of smell and taste seems so different, I don’t know if anyone else’s has changed? I’ve lost a total of 17lbs since my op and lost 16 with pre op diet. I feel like it’s slow this week like a quarter of a pound but I’ve been told there is a 3 week stall. I’m really fed up with the down days. Ive not gone back to work yet. Took another week off. Im really struggling today. I’m sorry to be so negative but when I read your insert and though you are so right, people need to know complications can arise as issues and to know you will need support. -
Gallstones after sleeve
Arabesque replied to sal-wa's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Yep. Had my gall removed 2 years after my sleeve. I had a single stone which suddenly decided to stage a riot - worst pain ever. My surgeon used three of the same keyhole incisions from my sleeve plus one new one. He said once you have one stone you’ll develop others & once you’ve experienced a severe attack you’ll have more attacks. Better to remove the gall. Honestly, the recovery was comparatively worse than the sleeve. I had gas pain (never did after the sleeve) & a lot of muscular discomfort across the abdomen like lots of pulled muscles which I didn’t after my sleeve. In saying that, the pain wasn’t bad & I was only taking the odd over the counter pain med from about day 3. It’s all relative. It is pretty common as some have had stones for years & didn’t know - just rumbling symptoms. High cholesterol or significant weight loss can contribute to the development of gall stones as can high bilirubin levels. Some women develop them during menopause. I ticked the boxes for all four possible causes as while I was losing my cholesterol increased (dropped to my usual level once I reached goal). -
Endless waiting.. Starting to get discouraged - Mini Rant
ShoppGirl replied to greenwitch17's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Try not to be too discouraged. These are the hurdles that your insurance company hopes will make you give up so they don’t have to pay for your surgery. Keep getting treatment for your depression and do the best you can with your weight. I bet once you have a surgery date you will be able to lose a bit if you want to. Be kind to yourself though. Depression is real and weight gain or loss is not at all uncommon. I have actually had it present both ways in myself. When I was younger I would lose weight during bouts of depression but now that I am older and also on medication it makes me gain (not sure if it’s age or the meds that cause it but I can’t change either so I just accept it). I have my fingers crossed for you that your consult appointment goes on as planned and you are able to officially start this journey. Once you are on the other side of surgery looking back you will realize it goes faster than you think. But definitely keep getting treatment for that depression because you want that under control before surgery to give yourself the best chance at losing all your weight post surgery. Keep posting on here too. This is a pretty special community. It’s been very helpful for me. Congratulations on your decision to pursue WLS and best of luck on the next few hurdles. You’ve got this. -
Food Before and After Photos
Arancini replied to GreenTealael's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
5 weeks post op vsg 3/4 Sour dough bread 1 1/2 Tbsp. Camembert Cheese 30lb weight loss post op This was my first time since getting the surgery that I ate out and that I ate anything else than moosh. I was so anxious and even thought about not going but it was a mandatory work event that I couldn’t just cancel. I was genuinely surprised how well it went. I feel like I ate quite a lot. I’m okay with that though because my primary goal isnt maximum weight loss but an end to excessive yoyo dieting. I will most likely transition to more normal foods now given how well tonight went. I’ve been eating 400-500kcal and should be getting 800kcal after week five. -
I am The Most Unlikely CrossFitter (started at my heaviest weight) and also mourned the enforced detention from the barbell. I was told absolutely no weight at all for two weeks, walk only. After my two-week visit, I was cleared to for running, jumping rope, and biking (but not rowing, just because of the mechanics of it) and given a 10-lb. restriction which I will freely admit I stretched to 15 lbs so I could use a training bar. I went back to the gym and modified things heavily. I was cleared to return to the gym fully at 6 weeks which was last week. I strongly, strongly suggest you plan to go slow as you return. If you used to go five days a week, go 2-3. If you went 3 days a week, go 1-2. Scale. Absolutely. Everything. Your body will hurt just like it did when you started, and after the gyms reopened post-quarantine. We are finishing a strength cycle that I wasn't here for, so I'll just be kind of doing moderate weight and seeing how my mechanics have changed (cleans feel TOTALLY different), and will start the next strength cycle. I will say that my running got better IMMEDIATELY. I went from a 14-minute mile where I had to stop and use an inhaler, to an 11-minute mile in just four weeks, and my inhaler is in a drawer. I ran an 800 m in under 5 minutes and didn't die. I actually can't wait to see how much closer I can get to a pull-up or a toes-to-bar with the increased mobility and less of a leaden weight in my @$$. Oh, and for what it's worth, I was able to pull 60% of my heavy deadlift for 5 reps absolutely cold the week I returned. Will there be strength loss? Probably. But it's not as bad as I feared.
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It is normal to feel nervous, surgery is a big step. I'm sure your likely to be experiencing many different feelings. Hope, excitement, fears, etc. This surgery can help you reach your weight loss goals & get you on a path to a healthier lifestyle. I was nervous about the surgery also, especially since I have two young children. The morning of surgery I was mostly excited & hopeful more than any other feelings. My surgery was smooth & recovery was fairly easy. I was mostly tired, in fact, very tired for the first 2 days. I had mild soreness & it was an adjustment learning to sip fluid slowly. Things continue to get easier, and I have lost close to 60 pounds since I started my pre-op diet about 3 months ago. There may be some challenges along the way, but for me, it has been totally worth it. Hopefully, you will soon be on the other side of your surgery & starting to see the weight come off. I wish you a successful surgery, speedy recovery, & amazing results. You got this! Cheryl O- I hope everything went well, wishing you well on your weight loss goals.
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Hi all! I’m schedule for bypass Dec.13 and already wondering about post op exercise. I started CrossFit when I started my pre-op weight loss in June. I absolutely love it and it has helped me in so many ways already. I’m kind of feeling bummed that I know I won’t get to go for a while. I have read at least 6 weeks post op for more intense exercise other than walking. What kind of time frame or restrictions did you all experience? I know it is based on my surgeons recommendations but I’m just trying to prepare myself. I don’t want to lose all my strength progress but don’t want to hurt myself either. Thanks!
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I'm on my second stall in five weeks of post-op. I've had exactly two weeks of weight loss out of five. It sucks, even though it's just part of the process. Just have to stay off the scales and soldier on.
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Too much weight loss? Is that really possible?
Arabesque replied to mae7365's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
Oh yeah, I’ve been where you are @mae7365. I had trouble stabilising my weight. And my surgeon & GP wanted me to gain a couple of kilograms. My dietician wasn’t too concerned as she felt I was making sensible food choices & was increasing my food intake. My weight did finally stabilise just took 11 months post goal. Now they’re all happy with my weight. When my surgeon removed my gall, 2 yrs post sleeve, he told me I’d done very well yet I weigh a good 4 kg less then when he was telling me I needed to gain. I got those comments from family & friends too but not anymore. It takes time for their vision of you to catch up with the reality of you now. Plus we can look a bit gaunt. Once you start adding some good carbs into your diet & your remaining fat sort of resettles the gauntness disappears. To slow my loss, I increased my calories by adding more snacks because I couldn’t physically eat more in a meal. I worked up to 4 or 5 snacks.My meal portions are larger now (about a recommended serving size) & so I usually only have 3 snacks. Gotta reach that balance of calories consumed equaling calories burnt to maintain. Are you healthy? Are you happy? Do you enjoy your life? They’re the important considerations. As long as your diet & exercise regime doesn’t restrict you doing things you’re golden. Good luck. -
Sleeve vs Bypass concerns
Arabesque replied to ht1976's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I had a sleeve gastrectomy too & had some reflux before surgery. I was also a lot like you in that I spent years not eating & skipping meals so my metabolism was pretty shot & I enjoyed a large glass of wine or two at night. I eat more now than I did before surgery (smaller portions but more frequently) & I’m making better food choices. My metabolism is much faster - I feed it all day long. Only have a drink about once a month, occasionally more often or an extra glass & I don’t really miss it or look for it. I still have reflux but it manifests differently but is generally managed by 20mg esomeprazole everyday. The average weight loss across sleeve & bypass is about the same at around 65% at the five year point. That is 65% of the weight you need to lose to put you at a healthy bmi. This takes in bounce back regain, complacency weight gain, lifestyle choices, medical conditions, etc. As with all statistical data some stabilise at a higher point others at a lower point. The surgery will get you so far. There may be physiological & psychological factors which influence your success but ultimately it is up to you. I lost all the weight I wanted to lose plus more - 137% loss. Wasn’t intending to lose more but it took me while to sort out my maintenance. Been stable for a year now. I made sustainable changes to what I eat & when I eat & came to terms with why I ate. I still have odd days or times I’m not hungry but I still try to eat because I recognise I need to eat for my body to function. Eating because I need to not because I want to was an important realisation & contributing factor to my weight loss & now in maintaining my weight. Not perfect about this though because I do enjoy the odd treat but I’m careful about what the treat is, the portion size & why I’m eating it. Good luck with whichever surgery you have. -
Sleeve vs Bypass concerns
Jaelzion replied to ht1976's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I was exactly in your shoes two and a half years ago. I researched both surgeries and I had decided on the bypass because I read that bypass patients tend to lose more of their excess weight. But the bypass turned out to be medically contraindicated for me and I had to have the sleeve. Like you, I was never one to eat large volumes of food, so I wasn't sure the sleeve would be effective. But it was. I was one of the lucky ones who completely lost my appetite for the first year so it was possible for me to eat 600-800 calories a day for months. As my appetite slowly returned in year 2, my calories increased to 800-900. My weight loss slowed down but it continued and almost two years from my surgery date, I hit my goal of 130 pounds for a normal BMI. I continued losing and at this point my weight stays between 120 and 125. When I see it creep up to 127, I find myself immediately cutting back until I get it back down to under 122. It wasn't just the restriction of the sleeve that helped me lose. The surgery changed my relationship with food (I'm guessing due to the hormonal changes from having most of your stomach removed). Even today, my appetite is about 65% of what it was presurgery and I don't have unmanageable cravings. I still like sweets but I eat mostly sugar-free things like popsicles and pudding, yogurt, etc. Once in a while I'll have a treat of some kind, like cake or pie or Bailey's Irish Cream, but it's rare and it's always one treat and then back on plan. I feel like I still have the capacity to be a sugar/carb addict, so I'm careful with those foods. I also keep my carbs relatively low (although not keto-low) because that helps me maintain. So, statistically, bypassers do lose more on average. But your individual results can vary a lot. -
I also had the three week stall. As well as a couple others along the way so don’t be discouraged if this isn’t the only one. I am almost 8 months out now and while the loss has slowed I am still losing. Just stick to your plan and the weight will just start dropping again.
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Hey There! Any December 2021 Surgery Friends?
Angelina1210 replied to armartin98's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Hi! I am scheduled for my bariatric sleeve on December 10th. I will be traveling to Mexico because my insurance does not cover weight loss surgery. I’m nervous and excited too. I’m so sick of the up and downs and I’m looking forward to stability, being healthy and looking and feeling good. I provided the clinic with my information and based on the information they suggested the sleeve. -
WHERE ARE MY AUGUST 2021 PEEPS?
ColieCallwell replied to phenomenally_me's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Congratulations!!! I'm 9 weeks post op too! I've lost 47 pounds. It is AMAZING! I had my 2 month post op at my surgeon's last week and they were happy with my progress. I was a little discouraged because I stalled out for about a week, but my nutritionist reminded me of all the NSVs...I've stopped having to use my cpap, my feet don't ache anymore, I'm down from a size 18 to a size 12. I still want to lose about another 40 lbs, and the weight loss is moving much slower now. I really have to be more diligent. We had a Halloween party to go to yesterday, and it is HARD to navigate the food (and drink) table at a party! My husband and I were the only sober people there, lol. But it was still fun! I'm learning you don't need food and alcohol to have a good time. Sent from my SM-N976V using BariatricPal mobile app -
Dr. Vuong needs to get current on research. It's fat we're losing. There is SOME muscle catabolism during the process because there has to be, but no, the point is not muscle catabolism, otherwise people who succeeded in losing their excess weight would be weak blobs of fat. 🙄 Weight training helps get rid of fat. It revs your metabolic engine. I did increase my calories (in concert with my new NUT) in order to get my protein consumption up, but I'm not hungrier than I was. And my weight loss actually accelerated by about a pound (0.45 kg) a week. I weight train 3-4 times a week and I do some kind of cardio (running, biking, rowing, skipping rope) 3-4 times a week. And you don't need to be a gym rat. You can go to a store and buy a few dumbbells (buy them in pairs) or a kettlebell. Nick Urankar, who's a CrossFit athlete, has a whole program called "Just a Bar" where you use a barbell (25, 35, or 45 lbs.) for strength training.
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So I started working out with a trainer at 2.5 months post-op (would have started at 2 months but wanted to wait until I was fully vaccinated). I am doing both cardio and weight training and I will tell you that has been a huge part of my success. I am up to 1200-1300 calories a day now (9.5 months post op) but I am usually working out 7-8 hours a week (strength training 3-4 times a week, cardio on the other days). I am doing my next “bod pod” scan Friday but I did one when I started with the trainer and 1 in mid-July. From end of March to mid-July I lost 35 lbs on the scale, but it was really 41.5 lbs of fat as I gained 6.6 lbs of muscle. I know I am going to need plastic surgery but at least I am seeing the benefits of doing the weight training. As you can see from my progress, this certainly hasn’t inhibited my weight loss. And bonus - the more muscle you have, the more effective your body is at burning calories. So it’s a win-win.
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Too much weight loss? Is that really possible?
WishMeSmaller replied to mae7365's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
I had a difficult time stopping the weight loss. I ended up cutting back just a little on my exercise regimen (I also refused to give up my new, healthy addiction), and focused on eating more. I still eat plenty of protein, but I eat a lot more carbs now. My weight is stable and my friends/family have stopped hassling me about my weight. I eat around 2000 calories a day and exercise about 6 days a week, including running and weight training along with other cardio, and yoga. I feel great and I like how my body looks. Good luck! -
Too much weight loss? Is that really possible?
mae7365 posted a topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
I have a call with the Bariatric Dietician on Tuesday to discuss my continued weight loss. My primary care doctor is concerned that I continue to loose weight (8 pounds in 5 weeks) this far out from surgery. I've lost 60 pounds since RNY last year and 97 pounds since my pre-op weight pre-sleeve. The dietician thinks I'm in calorie deficit because I'm very active - I walk 5 miles 4-5 days/week and do Zumba 3 days/week. But I refuse to give up my healthy exercise habits! At 64, I never expected to look athletic and have muscle definition vs. sagging skin. (I still have sagging skin, but the muscle has really helped minimize the flabbiness!) My husband and children are concerned - "Are you sure you don't have cancer?" "You need to gain some weight, you look too skinny" "Are you sure you are ok?"...… If it was just petty people commenting vs. my family, I'd blow it off. I keep assuring them that I'm the healthiest I've been since my 20's. I'm hoping that talking to the dietician will give me the tools I need to level out the weight loss without giving up my healthy lifestyle. I guess I'm just looking to see if there are others in this forum that have experienced the same thing. I refuse to call it a problem, I'd rather call it a challenge. -
Thank you for this post. Today, my birthday, I was having a big pity party. Your post helped relieve it a bit. I feel great but not seeing the rapid weight loss kinda makes me sad. I have been eating less than 500 calories a day & exercising. It good thing is I’m not hungry all the time. Plus read your post and see in time it will happen.
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May Surgeries - check in!
SummerTimeGirl replied to ChunkyCali's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
So I'm down 69 lbs since surgery (may 19th), 87 lbs total since March 1st. Feel like things are slowing down for some reason. Could be lack of protein and/or water periodically. I try to be good every day and do what I need to but it doesn't always go as planned but at least I know the WHY when this happens. Just have to get better at doing the right thing. I am, however, still ahead of where my surgeon said I should be for this far in. He said at 9 months out I should weight between 217 & 245. So far my lowest has been 241. So yeah, ahead some so I think I'm doing ok. I still walk every day but have been slacking in the lifting weights department. I really need to get my butt in gear again with that. Otherwise, all is well. Still no aversions to any foods I have tried. And no issues otherwise. I have my 6 month check up next month and another full blood work up so that will be interesting. Oh, one last thing. I was put on metformin like 10 years ago to help with my insulin resistance and PCOS. My endocrinologist said that it would help greatly with keeping me regular when it came to my period. Something that was never regularly before that. And it did. Well, during my last doc appointment he halved my metformin and now it's been 44 days since I last had a period. It's really disappointing because I loved knowing when it was coming and it always did between day 28 and 33 and it would be gone in like 4 days. So, not sure if that too is having an affect on my slowed down weight loss either (hormones being out of whack?). Who knows. But that's really the only odd or off thing that has happened to me since surgery. Glad to hear everyone is doing well. -
The three week stall others mentioned is very common. Just stick to your plan and the weight loss will pickup. I never had any problem drinking liquids either. I tried to slow down but if I drink without thinking about it I realize I can drink as much as i did pre surgery.
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I’m officially 80lbs down 6 months out. I feel pretty great. I wonder if I’m the only one who doesn’t feel like a smaller person yet even after all the weight loss. It’s been a strange but good experience.
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I think these are the best wins; when we can go do "real life" and still remain aware and make good choices. Great weight loss and congratulations!
