maintenanceman

What's your current daily calorie count? Around 6 months, I started to need more. It was hard to sustain a very low calorie diet at that point.

Since you pulled this back up, I can circle back and report that in retrospect my problem was that I wasn't eating enough so I was ravenously hungry by the end of the day. In my case, I was new to maintenance and underestimated how many calories I could eat and still maintain. I probably should cut down on a snacking a bit and replace with more "real" food, but so far so good!

You might be surprised by how little you can eat when you dine out. I don't think I was able to eat more than a few chopped up grilled shrimp or chicken for the first 2 or 3 months. I started eating small portions of Sweetgreen salads at about 4 months post-op. Even now, at 15 months post-op, I can't really eat a full meal. Charcuterie and appetizers are my go-to when I eat out because I can eat in bits and pieces.

Sorry... I realize I read wrong. I thought this was a revision surgery. But you were quoting someone else in your earlier posts.

I think you'll find that the surgery will resolve most of these habits... except #7. Now, I produce more gas than a refinery.

I found that I needed more and more calories to be satiated as the months passed. By 6 mo post-op, I just couldn't maintain a very low calorie diet without becoming ravenously hungry. And, my weight loss progressively slowed down each month until the weight loss petered out at 9 months post-op. I reached my goal weight, losing 100% of my excess weight. I currently eat 1800-2000 calories a day and have maintained my final weight for five months so far. While my hunger has returned, it is nothing like it was pre-op. I feel very much in control of my hunger, and I find it difficult to overeat... even when I want to. And my body generally craves healthier, cleaner foods vs. the garbage fast/junk food that was the staple of my diet pre-op. I suspect the reason people regain is they increasingly indulge in slider foods... crackers, chips, cookies, etc... and start drinking their calories... sugary drinks, alcohol, ice cream and such. I think it would be very hard for me to eat enough "real" food to regain. My restriction is still very present, but it's easy to defeat it by "eating around" my sleeve.

I did three treatments of MorpheusX and 4 treatments of Evolve. Very little change. Waste of money. Don't do it.

General anasthesia is rather miraculous. They have you count down from 10 to 1, and before you get to 1 you are completely knocked out. Next thing you know, they're wheeling you out of the operating room. You have absolutely no memory of what has happened for the past 90 minutes or so. You're right. Among the things to worry about, the anesthesia is among the least of your worries.

Same. So. many. selifes.

Stomach stretching is NOT a thing. Total myth:

My weight loss progressively slowed down each month post-op. Over time, I needed more calories to be satiated. Finally, at 9 months post-op, the weight loss stopped right at my Ideal Body Weight. I'm currently 14 mo post-op, and I'm still experimenting with how much and what to eat to maintain. I currently eat about 1800-2000 calories a day. I don't follow a specific diet now, but I try to stay focused on protein, eating clean, limited (and healthy) snacking. My biggest challenge is grazing. My restriction makes it hard to eat actual meals, so I find myself eating "pieces" of food throughout the day... some cheese here, an apple there, a piece of ham, some greek yogurt, a protein bar, etc. It's working ok for now, but it's something I'm monitoring. Initially, I was tracking everything I ate, but I don't do that now. I keep a running tab in my head, and I'm trying to get to the point that I can regulate intuitively. I weigh myself every morning. I've regained about a pound from my lowest weight.

I spent all day outside today, kayaking and walking. I never once fell close to being winded, didn't need to sit down. Pre-op, I couldn't have done any of what I did today. It's so wonderful not to have to worry about whether or not my body will cooperate with my desire to be active. So freeing.

These are expensive but SO GOOD: https://drinkkoia.com/

The first three months are key. Many people lose 50% (or more) of their eventual total during the first three months. Take full advantage of this "honeymoon" period by strictly adhering to your diet. The weight drops off quickly during the first three months and then slows progressively each month following. You get one "honeymoon" period, and that's it.

Whether or not you get loose skin and how much is such a crap shoot. I started with a low BMI and lost about 80 lbs... a relatively small amount for WLS patients... but I ended up with so much loose skin. I'm at my Ideal Body Weight with 18.2% body fat, and I still look like I have a tummy because it's all loose skin. Even after losing all the weight, I'm still not comfortable going without a shirt. I look terrific in clothes, but naked... oh my. I might get surgery. I don't know. It's expensive, painful, and carries risk. And for me, the only reason would be cosmetic. The loose skin doesn't affect me in any other way. Still... I will take loose skin over being fat all day every day!

Pictures speak for themselves ❤️

Thank you! This is so helpful. To be honest, I would probably look better with another 10 pounds… so if I do regain a bit, that’s ok. I will try to hold the line, though.

Thanks @catwoman7. Is there science behind the 2-3 year rebound or is it a case of "backsliding" on the post-op diet/lifestyle?

Quest Bars are my go to... 20 g protein, loads of fiber, 200 calories, not a lot of garbage ingredients. Look at the nutrition facts for protein bars carefully. A lot of them are just candy bars in disguise... high in calories, saturated fat, and carbs, little protein.

I'm 13 mo post-op and have been in maintenance for 4 months. I'm surprised by how much I can eat and find that no matter what I eat (within reason), my weight is locked between 146 and 149, with an average of 147(ish). I would say I average between 1800 and 2000 calories/day. Pre-surgery, my weight was remarkably stable @ 235(ish) for 20+ years, regardless of what I ate. I wonder if my body is unusually good at regulating weight? I'm curious. What are experiences of others who are in maintenance? Did the surgery create a new set point for you?

Amazing! So proud of you.

There are some great resources on YouTube. Good luck! Dr. Weiner - https://www.youtube.com/@DrMatthewWeiner Dr. Alvarez - https://www.youtube.com/@Endobariatric Dr. Pilcher - https://www.youtube.com/@DoctorJP

You're less than 2 weeks out from major surgery. You're eating almost nothing. Be gentle with yourself and patient with your new stomach. You're healing. You'll be fine.

You started at a relatively low BMI. Many low BMI folks, including me, lose all or almost all of their excess weight. You're going to do great. Just stay focused and follow the plan.

Yes. I love how my sleeve won't let me cheat. I occasionally give in to temptation and try to eat too much, and my sleeve be like "What we're not going to do today..." LOL