The Three Stages of Recovery from Gastric Bypass Surgery (RNY)

[James Marusek 5,244]

I had a RNY on 16 May 2013. I recently came to understand that there is one more phase of recovery that I must transition through. So I have a few questions from those that have made this transition.

In the first phase, I lost a lot of weight. My meal size was extremely small and my body burned up my fat. I was consuming around 700 calories per day.

Then I reached my bottom weight and I entered the first maintenance phase. This occurred at 7 months after surgery. This was a happy phase. My meal size increased and I could experiment with different foods again. I was consuming between 1000-1500 calories per day and my weight stayed off. I used an accurate scale to measure my weight each morning and I kept it within 2.0 pounds each day.

But I understand there is a second maintenance phase that occurs at 18 months after surgery. In this phase the body heals and the stomach is able to absorb more of the calories from food. The body goes from a 70% absorption to 100%. So what can you tell me about this transition.

Does it occur abruptly or over several months or years?

Since it is absorbing more of the food, does my stomach also begin manufacturing some of the Vitamins my body needs. Does it affect my Vitamin regime?

Several individuals regain the weight they lost after surgery. Is this the phase primarily responsible?

Does your taste of food change during this phase?

[esskay77 785]

I don't have answers and have only had my surgery this past January 2014. However, first, I am very interested in the responses. Second, my doctor and others have said that I have a window of about 1 - 1 1/2 years to lose the weight. After that, which sounds like what you are talking about, your body adjusts or something (can't remember the right words). You can still lose weight but it is much more difficult. That's why they want you to go all out and exercise like crazy at the beginning to lose as much as you can in that window of time. This could be similar to what you are talking about.

Can't wait to hear other responses.

[Mommabird 367]

James, Maybe you should try posting this on the Veterans forum. You might get more responses. As someone who hasn't had my RNY yet, I'm very interested in the responses you might get. Another tool for my weight loss toolbox!

[Baconville 578]

I too am very interested in this. I am at my low weight and have entered maintenance. My maintenance plan is to keep my calories between 900 - 1000 and my Protein between 60 - 80 grams a day. I was really given no other guidance, which I am finding very disappointing. I am very afraid of regaining my weight. I seem able to eat much more than they told me I should be able to eat, much more than the one cup at a meal. On top of that, I have yet to have experience dumping, even when I have cheated with sweets or fatty food. I don't seem to have the deturants that normally come with RNY.

My RNY was on 6/25/13, so I am a bit over 13 months out. I have lost 205 pounds, 92% of my excess weight. I have a normal BMI for the first time in my life. I want to keep my weight where it is now. I track everything I eat on MFP. So far, I am maintaining, but I really fear if this is something I can do forever. What will happen if I have a couple of weak days in a row!? I too need help in this phase. I want to be confident that this new healthy lifestyle is one I can live for decades to come. I need to learn the skills to do this.

Carol

[CTRose1160 136]

I had my surgery 10 years ago, so I might be able to answer some of your questions based on my experiences. Keep in mind, these are my experiences....I am not a doctor and I am not a nutritionist.

For the first two years, I was able to maintain all of the weight I lost after surgery. I basically ranged from 129-132 during the first two years. Soon into the 3 rd year my weight settled out and I was staying between 132-135 or so. I believe at this point this is the weight my body was suppose to be at. Unfortunately, I was learning to take in more calories, and began snacking. So naturally into the 5th year or so, I began to regain weight. Without going into my year to year weights, I have learned that you just stay proactive with your weight and diet. This is something that u must monitor for the rest of your life.

As time goes on you will begin to tolerate a wider range of foods...this is all too tempting, so I suggest you stick to your diet.

Into my 11th year now since surgery and I have gained 40 pounds back since my initial surgery. I am in the process of getting back on track. Much like pulling up your GPA in school, its much harder to do this once u get off track. I basically have started over with monitoring my Protein, Vitamins and exercise.

Hope this helps some...

[Baconville 578]

CTRose,

Thank you so much for your post. Hearing from people like you, with your life experiences, is so helpful. I am sure 40 pounds seems like a insurmountable number, but you can do it. Just like you can help all of us, we are here to help and support you. I have found together we can do ANYTHING!

Carol

[Dee_RNY 43]

Yes this is great info. Thanks a lot.

[CTRose1160 136]

Don't hesitate to ask me questions, I will do my best to answer them. If you are more private, then just send a private message....I will respond as soon as I can.