Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Weight gain predisposition because of WLS?



Recommended Posts

I wrote this question in the veterans forum only to find I do not have enough posts to post in the Veterans Forum! So I hope a veteran can help me out here....

Ok, I get it....i think....Is regain more of a probabilty or just a possibility? I am 3 months post surgery and lurking in the Veterans Forum searching for any scrap of information and inspiration that will help me in this fight for life. (Down 40 lbs, so far)

My question is this: After weight loss surgery, does 3500 calories still equal a 1-pound weight gain? Or do we gain weight more easily, like looking at a chocolate bar equals a three pound gain!? I understand salt impacts Water weight. I get that once started down the slippery slope of one bad choice, it is tough to stop. But scientifically (?), why do we put on weight so easily?

Am I doomed to some sort of a new physical curse whereby 500 extra calories equals a pound gained?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I don't think WLS causes us to gain weight, pretty sure we already had that problem! I think we are each individual, and I don't think it's ever as simple as 3500 calories = 1 pound. I've learned over the course of my weight loss that I need to eat around 800 calories a day to lose weight, and I can maintain at somewhere around 1100-1200. Before I had surgery, I couldn't get below 1400 calories intake a day without being miserable, so now I know why I couldn't lose weight. You'll need to find your personal sweet spot.

As far as the slippery slope, you'll need to figure that one out for yourself. For me, I have to watch what I eat and count every calorie. If I had to pick the number one reason I've been successful, it is that I count every single calorie. I force myself to be honest about what I'm eating and drinking. I don't consume any calories that I don't write down, Sometime I consume more than I want to, and seeing it in writing is a big reality check for me. Without that, I have no compass.

My sleeve is a tool that helps keep me from going off the rails. I will get full before I can do too much damage. Hunger is much decreased, and so in that way, I'm much more "normal", though I do get hungry. I still have to fight bad habits, though. I tend to be a grazer by nature, which can be the kiss of death for success with a sleeve. Grazing makes it possible to consume thousands of calories without restriction.

I don't think I'm doomed. I think I've been given a gift that gives me a fighting chance that I didn't have without surgery. It's what I do with it that determines my success.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Okay Michiganchik, thanks. So if you exceed your 1000-1100 calorie maintenance, then you gain weight? I was so hoping this was not true, but alas, I am doomed! Lol!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The math remains the same. 3500 equals 1 lbs gain or loss. I think the answer you are looking for is, for example one weights 300 lbs it takes approx 3000 calories a day to maintain that weight. As one looses weight the amount of calories to maintain also decreases. When you down to 200 lbs it will take about 2200 calories. The amount of calories needed is also dependent on other factors such as exercise.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Par1959...i love you!! So if I want to weigh 150, I should figure how many calories it takes to maintain that number, based on my metabolism, exercise, and consumption. And as long as I stick to that formula, I should not regain?? I know it is not quite that simple but that means I am not subject to some perverse law of physics caused by WLS, cursing me to a higher than normal predisposition to regain??

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The math remains the same. 3500 equals 1 lbs gain or loss. I think the answer you are looking for is, for example one weights 300 lbs it takes approx 3000 calories a day to maintain that weight. As one looses weight the amount of calories to maintain also decreases. When you down to 200 lbs it will take about 2200 calories. The amount of calories needed is also dependent on other factors such as exercise.

THIS!!!

It is possible to get your Resting Metabolic Rate tested - my partner and I were able to do this (for a fee) through our gym. This helped us really see how our activity makes a difference. :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • cryoder22

      Day 1 of pre-op liquid diet (3 weeks) and I'm having a hard time already. I feel hungry and just want to eat. I got the protein and supplements recommend by my program and having a hard time getting 1 down. My doctor / nutritionist has me on the following:
      1 protein shake (bariatric advantage chocolate) with 8 oz of fat free milk 1 snack = 1 unjury protein shake (root beer) 1 protein shake (bariatric advantage orange cream) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein bar 1 protein shake (bariatric advantace orange cream or chocolate) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein soup (chicken) 3 servings of sugar free jello and popsicles throughout the day. 64 oz of water (I have flavor packets). Hot tea and coffee with splenda has been approved as well. Does anyone recommend anything for the next 3 weeks?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • buildabetteranna

      I have my final approval from my insurance, only thing holding up things is one last x-ray needed, which I have scheduled for the fourth of next month, which is my birthday.

      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BetterLeah

      Woohoo! I have 7 more days till surgery, So far I am already down a total of 20lbs since I started this journey. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Well done! I'm 9 days away from surgery! Keep us updated!

    • Ladiva04

      Hello,
      I had my surgery on the 25th of June of this year. Starting off at 117 kilos.😒
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Congrats on the surgery!

    • Sandra Austin Tx

      I’m 6 days post op as of today. I had the gastric bypass 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×