Break from active weight loss?

[Guest]

Has anyone taken a month long break from active weight loss? Was it hard restarting the weight loss phase? I had major surgery the first week of December. The week prior I had to stop going to the Y due to Covid concerns. I admit I lost focus when it came to diet while recovering. I've increased my calories, especially carbs, more than I should have. But I didn't gain! I finally got the ok to start exercising again and I'm ready to focus on diet. Prior to surgery I was close to my goal weight but hadn't officially entered the maintenance phase. I'm curious if I can expect my weight loss to resume as prior to surgery or can I expect it to be more challenging since I have been in a 4 week self induced stall? Any insight will be greatly appreciated.

[Betty1971 386]

22 minutes ago, km13118 said:

Has anyone taken a month long break from active weight loss? Was it hard restarting the weight loss phase? I had major surgery the first week of December. The week prior I had to stop going to the Y due to Covid concerns. I admit I lost focus when it came to diet while recovering. I've increased my calories, especially carbs, more than I should have. But I didn't gain! I finally got the ok to start exercising again and I'm ready to focus on diet. Prior to surgery I was close to my goal weight but hadn't officially entered the maintenance phase. I'm curious if I can expect my weight loss to resume as prior to surgery or can I expect it to be more challenging since I have been in a 4 week self induced stall? Any insight will be greatly appreciated.

I guess we are in different places in our weight loss journey. I will not use the word "diet" ever again in the form of calorie restriction. I try to think of food of just plain fuel. I spent almost 50 years using food as a crutch and ate my feelings. I ate when I was happy, bored, sad, glad, mad....any reason I could find to eat I did. Now I think of food as just fuel. I will only use good fuel in my vehicles because cars are expensive and I only have one body so I will just use good fuel in it.

I am almost 6 weeks post VSG, in week two I completely purged my house. I got rid of all garbage food. I boxed up all the unopened foods that I wasn't going to use anymore and took them to the local food bank and trashed all the opened stuff. I went on a grocery haul and filled the cupboards with low carb and high Protein foods. We live about 60 miles from town (in the middle of nowhere in ND) so if we don't have it we don't eat it.

Congrats on not gaining!! That in itself it a huge win!!! I would just focus on protein and Fluid and get back on track with your physical activity and keep your mind and body busy. Your so close to your goal just focus on that and run with it!!! I cannot wait for the day when I can see my goal weigh!!!!! What a feeling that must be!!

[Numbheart 108]

I don't think it would be challenging for you

[California Guy 131]

Five months after my WLS I had an 8 week stall. Zero weight loss in 8 weeks. Then all of the sudden, I lost 5 lbs. You should be fine. Just pick up where you left off.

[Guest]

Thanks for the support. I stayed on track food wise today and I'm heading to the Y in a few minutes. I'm really looking forward to getting back into the Water.

[It's time. 145]

Yes, I am doing exactly that. From Thanksgiving to today I have eaten what I wanted but sensibly, keeping track of my calories about 1/3 of the days. I didn't gain, but I also didn't deprive myself of the foods I enjoy. I also overindulged a handful of times. I don't feel guilty and as of today I am following my program, wanting to lose another 15 pounds. Back to basics and plenty of protein! I haven't entered the maintenance phase either. I did this on purpose. I'm not sure if it was a good idea or not. We will see in the coming weeks.

[Guest]

It's Time. Did you "indulge" because you were sort of burnt out and needed a break from the program? The reason why I ask is because we had surgery about the same time and I was finding myself getting sort of burnt out. Plus I felt it would be way too much to expect my dear hubby to not only have to care of me for 10 days but also to weigh/measure my food. I am just so grateful that he was more than willing to do everything on top of taking excellent care of me. I guess I justed needed a break and now I'm ready to get back on the program. I'm sure we will both succeed.

[Arabesque 7,339]

Congrats on your weight loss so far. Whoo hoo!

There are many reasons why you didn’t put on weight during your sabbatical but the main one that temporarily occurs as a result of our surgery is a faster metabolism.

Mine is still going pretty dang fast but I don’t know how long it will last but it will slow again. The down side is that it lulls you into a false sense of security - that you can eat more & not gain.

I can understand why you upped your intake after your surgery & in a way you were likely consuming enough to maintain. These last few pounds are likely to be the hardest to lose because you’re so close to your goal but you can do it. Focus back on your Protein & fluid goals & Portion Control.

I agree with Betty1971. Don’t think as this as a diet but just how you eat now: highly nutritious, healthy food.

Good luck.