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Thanks Cat! I guess its just a matter of watching even the small things. Not used to thinking about food in that way. From not caring at all, to not being able to eat. I guess this is the first phase where I have to actually think carefully about food choices and be cognizant of every calorie choice. Appreciate the feedback and support! I think I am realizing that the training wheels fell off and now I am panicking a bit. Time to buck up?!?!

the closer you get to a normal BMI, the slower it goes. Those last 20 lbs were a BEAR for me to get off. Took forever. We're talking like 2 lbs a month the last three or four months. But I hung in there and finally made it. The reason being, your calorie requirements at that weight are MUCH lower than they were when you started. It takes about 1600 calories for me to maintain my current weight. I would have lost weight like CRAZY if I ate 1600 calories when I weighed over 300 lbs. For me to lose 2 lbs a week (which I could have done NO PROBLEM when I weighed 300 + lbs), I would have to eat 7000 fewer calories that week (well, I would have when I weighed 300+ lbs, too). That's 1000 fewer calories a day. When I was scarfing up 3500 kcal/day, that means I would have had to cut back to 2500 kcal/day. Now I would have to cut back to 600 per day. Ah...no. I could do that the first couple months out of surgery, but 600 calories a day at seven years out? No way. Plus it wouldn't have even been healthy. So I basically lose a couple lbs a month when I'm trying to lose weight. 8-10 oz portions - would depend on what it is. Greek yogurt, yes. Steak - no. Stretching your stomach - probably not. You'd have to really overeat, day after day, every day, to do that. you are hungry because physical hunger does come back for the vast majority of us sometime during the first year. And that's when things get a lot harder. I've never counted fats. And I wasn't on an ultra-low carb plan (mine was balanced), but the first few months, I rarely ate over 80 carbs a day since I had to get in so much protein. There wasn't room for more than about 80 carbs. Now i probably get double that - but I limit the "bad" ones. Mine mostly come from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. exercise isn't that effective in helping you lose a bunch of weight unless you're talking swimming mega laps or running marathons. But it's great for your overall health, and you should do it regularly if you can. It CAN help you maintain once you get to goal, though.

In the early days of the surgery the scale has no relation to your body's reality. My advice - ignore it for a bit. While you are on liquids and basically minimal calories, you are losing weight. Nothing more you can do. For reasons I cant explain (and it seems no one else really can either) weight loss is not linear at all. Days will pass where the scale doesnt move - then one day three pounds disappear. We all go through the same anxiety from time to time (I am in the midst of another stall now). Other than having this group tell you its all going to be alright, there is nothing to do but be patient, and know that its just a matter of time. Wishing you good luck!

Awesome! Glad you are having success with it. I have made chia pudding with, added it to coffee, and more - love that product. Also, their skim milk is great and lactose free which may be helpful for your dairy sensitivity. Its higher protein, lower sugar, lower calorie than regular milk. Good luck!

Hey all - So like many of you, I am still trying to figure out what normal means, six months post surgery. First off, I am so happy I did the VSG - no complaints, I feel great, surgeon was fantastic, their office is responsive and follows up and I am down from an all-time high of 305, 261 on Surgery Day, and 195 Today. Hoping to get to 185. That's where my difficulty is: In the past 10 weeks, I have lost maybe 5 pounds. I find my weight fluctuates daily +/- 5 pounds, so I only track the lows as benchmarks. (IDK: water retention, lack of BM, salt...). My low was 194, today 196, the other day 200 (which is a number I hate!). I think I am spoiled by the rapidity of weight loss early on and feeling a little discouraged now that things are slower. More than that though, my fear is that my portion size is starting to feel almost normal person normal... not my pre VSG by any stretch, but not terribly restricted. I also am getting hungry again... and craving things like sweets again. After a filling dinner at 6, by 9 I think about dessert - and sometimes succumb. Thus far, I havent done anything too terrible, but the idea of making a batch of chocolate chip cookies has been on my mind for weeks. I feel like I could fall off the wagon at any time. And now that I can eat almost normal amounts again, its not like the little cheats along the way that didnt matter due to space restrictions - I COULD DO DAMAGE! (BTW- still dont understand the "2nd stomach" when it comes to dessert. If I think about having another piece of grilled chicken, I know I am full, but a bowl of iced cream, suddenly I am starving!) With slow weight loss, which I understand is normal as I am getting close to goal weight, and growing portions (8-10 oz at a time), cravings for sweets, and inter-meal hunger, I am terrified that I am a few months from seeing an uptick on the scale. Ten pounds from the finish line - which I might hit, but for how long? So, for my version of the "is this normal" questions: 1. 5 lbs in 10 weeks? 2. 8-10 oz portions 6 months out? 3. How long till 8-10oz becomes, 12, 14... 4. Is this in my control (am I stretching), or is this healing and normal? 5. Why am I hungry - is it psychological bad habits or physical healing and ok? 6. I have no problem getting enough protein, but are carbs still the enemy, or calories, or fat? 7. Macros, Keto, Calorie counting - academically I understand them all. I cant reconcile the conflicting info. Even my Doc and my nutritionist seems to differ (though they obfuscate to be respectful of one another). Anyone in a similar phase of this process with insight on this part? And tips: 1. Least harmful desserts that have worked for you? Mathing things our has been getting me a little crazy. I have gotten back to espresso/lattes lately, which I find to be a filling snack, but even with skim milk: 100 calories x 2/day x 7 days per week = 1400 calories = almost half a pound a week. Same with the 100 calorie dessert. Thus, if the I'm doing the math right: I am basically eating a neutral calorie amount at this point - evidenced by lack of meaningful weight loss. Avg 1/2 a pound a week for the past 10 = 1750 calorie deficit per week = 250 calorie deficit per day. Does that mean I am a skim milk latte and an apple a way from not losing weight. Then any excess is gain!?!? I think all I have left in my arsenal is more exercise, which frankly, doesnt seem that probable. If I liked the treadmill, I would be on this forum now would I? Welcome thoughts & feedback! Thanks all!

Good point...no need to start creating NEW bad habits. I will keep that in mind and will try to either find low calorie/sugar versions of things or make my own.

Cook it in an instant pot/slow cooker with it's own juices. You can add some vegetable or meat broth and then whatever flavorings you like. You'll end up with really soft meat that's easy to get down. I would be wary of getting used to adding lots of sauces as a lot can be pretty high in calories or sugar.

I have a schedule. I eat breakfast, lunch and dinner at 9-12-6 and snacks at 3 and 9. Basically I eat every 3 hours between 9 and 9. When I stick to that plan I do great. If I were you I would track the calories in what you have been eating for a couple weeks then reduce that by just a bit if you want to continue to lose.

Try eating things like cheese, fruit, nuts, etc. These are all calorically dense but "healthy" (although the saturated fat in cheese is debatable). And yogurt (with artificial sweetener or plain) is easy to eat. I can't eat more than about 500 calories unless I eat snacks.

My trainer told me I was eating too little at 1100 calories/day with working out two hours a day so I started increasing my calories and the scale is starting to move again. Seems wrong, but it isn't.

I hadn't heard that before. My surgeon said to avoid things like sour cream and sauces that make more food go down more easily to avoid eating too much and getting in added sugars and calories from the sauces. I haven't had any trouble eating meat.

Its is terrible that this surgery is done without giving the patient adequate information, I am guessing the constipation is from lack of fibre in your diet. Currently I have a poop every 2-3 days or so as I am not eating that much, I guess that's the reason maybe that's why for you too when I add things like benefit it tends to make me have runny poops so I avoid it. if your schedule was working for you before I would stick to it as long as your blood work comes back good and you are getting your protein and water in its ok. Just because your family member never seen anyone have a schedule doesn't mean its not right .Most people who watch their weight eat to a schedule even if they haven't had surgery. I use my fitness pal to get an idea of how many calories how much protien etc i am getting each day it helps to give you an idea of what portion sizes should be too. Its very easy to use at first you might need to weigh stuff etc but it has loads of already pre added foods in there for example if i am making a snack i will search cruskits, sliced cheese, sliced tomato and find the right one and add it lots of stuff you just scan the bar code its so easy. its has options for 3 meals , snacks and water intake and breaks it down into calories, protein, carbs, fat etc. say if you eat something regularly you can save it too as a meal or snack so it makes it quicker to add it. The amount of calories you should be consuming varies on who you talk to and how much you want to loose per week. I sit around the 1200-1400 per day mark and I am loosing about half a kilo a week sometimes more as some days I might eat less some days a little more. Hope this helps

Thank you so much my doctor says I should be working up to eat in the 1000-1200 calorie range but it’s kind of hard for me to eat that much still. It’s either I eat and don’t get enough fluids or get the fluids and not enough food. I also still don’t eat many of the food I cut out like starch and breads and snacks

you're right - Keto isn't the best idea for RNY people. We have a high protein requirement (well, as do sleevers), and many can't handle large amounts of fat. Plus it isn't sustainable for a lot of folks. not sure if you were sort of responding to my comment above yours, but I meant I could handle MCT oil or butter in my coffee - NOT a complete Keto diet. For one thing, my protein requirements are even higher than most WLS patients' - 100+ grams a day. It'd be hard to do that - plus Keto - while staying within my calorie range. Plus my pouch doesn't like fat-laden meals.

you're probably just in a stall. They typically last 1-3 weeks. I had several on my journey, especially as I got closer to my goal. Frustrating - but as long as you stick to your plan, they eventually break. the above poster is correct - exercise doesn't really help that much with weight loss (it's helpful for weight maintenance, though), but it's great for your general health. I wouldn't give it up, even if it seems it's not doing anything. Because it most likely is. you're where a lot of people are calorie-wise at the six-month mark - although some are a little higher. Depends on your program.

Excellent link, thank you for sharing! You may be at the "right" weight for your body. I know that you can still lose weight after one year post surgery, but it may be VERY slow. Also, you want whatever you're doing to be sustainable. I think the goal should be on maintaining weight as well, which requires having a diet you can live with for the long haul. If you are determined to lose weight, you could TRY counting calories for a few weeks, but that might not be something you're willing to commit to. Anyway, congratulations on your success!

It sounds like you're tracking your food. I'm at 5 months out at I'm eating between 800-1200 calories a day, and still losing weight, but not every day. Maybe try going up to 1200 for a day every few days? Sometimes that can "shock" your system into more weight loss, but not sure if that really works. Also, working out isn't really for weight loss; it's for general health and also to reduce muscle loss. it's also good to help keep weight from coming back. You don't have to do too much, but it's good to do something most days of the week. Finally, the closer you are to a "healthy" weight, the harder weight loss gets. Good luck!

Hey it’s me back with questions lol. im at my 6 month mark. I went from 253 before surgery to 184 but I’m at 190 for the last week with no budge or change. I’m not sure if I’m not eating enough or eating too much. I eat around 800-900 calories a day some days a little over 900 i stopped working out because I wasn’t seeing a difference but idk . My goal was 180 and I was so close but I’m back up 6 pounds and it won’t go away. Any advice ?

Just because someone is in the medical field doesn't mean they know anything about bariatric surgery or even nutrition. Most doctors are given very little, if any, training in nutrition. If the schedule was working for you, you should keep it. In fact, most of the nutritionists I've seen in my life (including for weight loss surgery) have suggested I keep a schedule as well as tracking my food. It's hard to say how many calories you need; it depends on your height, weight, age, gender, and how active you are. There are calorie calculators on the web (try this one: https://www.calculator.net/calorie-calculator.html although I have no idea how accurate it is). We are told after surgery to get at least 60 grams of protein; I am for 80. I try to minimize carbs, but I don't have a precise number, as long as my carbs are not coming from added sugar. As far as constipation, it's an ongoing battle for many people. I find that coffee does the trick for me usually, but sometimes I need Miralax, especially after traveling for a few days. Many people like magnesium citrate. Eating and drinking more fluid, as well as more exercise, should also help. At least that's what my surgery center told me.

You will probably get better advice here on post-op diet, calories, macros, etc. than in your surgeon's office it sounds like. Go through the threads here and you'll find lots of info. Feel free to ask any questions and we're here to help, support and encourage you. You sound like you've done fine weight-wise. Don't know why you're still having constipation issues. I was lucky and never had those problems.

You could blend your soup, I lived on KFC mash potatoe and gravy, kids yoghurt pouches and soups mainly. These stages are hard but it gets better. Don't worry so much about the calories ATM cause seriously you are eating so little something higher in calories is probably better anyway, but get your protein in I drank protein waters and hydralite products. I didn't cook at home much either but I do now I actually enjoy the food I make better than take out these days

Hi, I had VSG 2/10/2020.. since then I have been on the journey alone.. SW 228 CW 169. I have no clue how to eat, what to eat, how many calories etc... My surgeons office is no help, Saw him Feb 1 2022, sent a message to the dietician Feb 2 2022, still no response. I will be having my 3rd CT scan tomorrow the 15th as I had some massive pains at the largest incision that started July last yr 2021.. The pain feels like hernia but was told there isn't one there.. will see what this CT shows if anything. When I asked my surgeon about the constipation *coffee 1st thing in the AM has helped A LOT* My surgeon told me not his specialty and to talk to my PCP! Thankfully she has had the same surgery and told me to do Collace, did that for a week but it upset my intestines, Miralax gave me horrible cramps after 1 year of use.. Maybe I will figure out what I am supposed to do one day lol. I haven't regained but maybe 4ish lbs.. I dislike food, it consists of eggs, deli turkey or chicken, spinach.. veggies.. sugar free everything & fat free as well.. thank you all for listening

Agree with everyone else. As long as you're tracking your intake and it isn't a bigger portion every time you shouldn't feel remotely guilty. I have one square of 90% chocolate most days - it's about 50 calories and OMG I enjoy every one of them.

Was sooooo hungry when i decided to make this gorgeous (if i say so myself!) salad, but once again, when i was done, decided I wasn’t so hungry after all. Going back into the fridge for later: 422 calories for the bowl. And yep, thats the some of the overcooked sesame-crusted tuna i made the other day (still really mad about it, btw)

Why are you worried about a tablespoon of sugar free ice cream? I assure you this will not affect your weight loss. It has almost no calories. If you start eating the whole carton, then you might reconsider. I have a serving (about 2/3 cup, 79 g) of Breyer's sugar free ice cream every few days as a treat. I don't feel like I need it every day, but I certainly want more than 1 tablespoon when I want it. Everyone's weight will drop and plateau; that's just how weight loss is, whether with surgery or without. This has to be a life-long sustainable journey; you have to enjoy your life or you might just go overboard in reaction to being super strict.