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Here’s the thing…the smaller u get the less your caloric needs get. If you want to lose more weight, you are going to need to cut your calories. I don’t know what ur cal level is now, but 1500 cals on a 300 lbs frame will lose weight faster and more consistently than the same amount of cals on a 145 lbs frame. (Not counting activity level, of course) I originally set a goal of 120. I revised that to 127 as I wasn’t liking how i was looking (think: Skelator). I ended up losing a bit more in my attempts to adjust to maintenance calories, and this was due to the fact that I just wasn’t eating enough to sustain 127 lbs. I got to 127 in 7 months, and stabilized at 115 around 9-10 months post op. Im still 115 now at 3 yrs out (and actually happy with it as my skeletal look has more or less gone away…thanks carbs, lol), and i average 1800-2000 cals a day, with moderate to slightly high exercise. Edited to add: im boringly “average” in the sense that i have no medical conditions that would impede weight loss nor do i have an abnormal metabolism given my size or activity levels.

Exactly what he said. You're taking in maybe 400-450 calories a day. It WILL come off. They pump you absolutely chock full of fluids and gas and it takes a while to pee and burp it all out. Honestly half the reason to take time off work is so your coworkers don't have to deal with your disgusting personal noises! Just keep doing what you're doing and only weigh in once a week. Tony B - NJ... congrats on reaching the halfway point!! (I looked at your ticker.)

I tolerate it just fine but I avoid it. I just recently got a mini airfryer (for 2 people) and am love with it. I love the crispy but I don't want the extra wasted calories.

I did not have heartburn prior to surgery and I still don’t. I didn’t have much pain with recovery at all and I can eat anything I ate before surgery at this point (I am 6 months out). I have lost 55 pounds. I am about 20 from goal (17 from normal BMI) and I have stalled for a month. I am hoping I haven’t put myself into maintenance cause I can see myself easily cutting my calories further but I would still consider the surgery a success if the loss stopped there as long as I can maintain it. I am currently in a size medium/ large and I haven’t been able to maintain this size in years. I am hopeful I am just stalled and the loss will pick up but like I said. I couldn’t do this on my own. I am so glad I did the surgery.

we get rebates from our health insurance if we do something like approved three activities a year. One choice was having a handful of telehealth appts with a dietitian (note this was not the dietitian I usually see annually at my bariatric clinic - this was just a regular dietitian who works for the insurance company). She suggested I cut 1000 calories a day from my diet to lose the weight I wanted to. I maintain my current weight on about 1700 calories a day. So cut 1000 calories from that? Is she f***ing kidding? So I cut 200-ish calories, knowing it'll take months to lose some microscopic amount of weight. But that's how it goes when you're at or close to a normal BMI. You're pretty much equilibrium as far as calories in/calories out, so there's not much to cut - and that weight loss is going to be S-L-O-W! (note that 700 kcal/day is fine during the first months post-op -- but not when you're as far out as I am..)

I'm in the same boat as you right now (and just posted about it in my own thread that I started and use for my own updates). I am about 4 months out. Watching my protein and calories too and yet the last time I had a loss was Aug 28th!!! Since then my weight has even gone up from 251.6 to fluctuating between 256 and 258!! Not sure why. Now I have had my period the last week and I also had my Metformin dose cut down in half so who knows what the heck is going on! If one or both things may be contributing.......or not. Frustrating nonetheless especially when you know you're doing all the right things.

Just keep doing what you’re doing. Sounds like you’re doing fine. Maybe only weigh once a month or every two weeks, just so you won’t get disappointed every time. If you do want to add some exercise on your days off, I would suggest something like swimming. But mostly I would suggest weight training. By adding more muscle, you’ll burn more calories and it’s just better for your overall health. Maybe start with your upper body?

Hello, I am almost 5 months out from surgery. I have been steadily losing every week. Up until about 3 weeks ago. I have only lost 2 lbs in the last 3 weeks. I know everyone says plateaus are common, but finding myself getting disappointed. I am following my plan, eating enough protein, watching calories. Maybe not enough water? trying though... Any words of encouragement or personal knowledge. ( I am on my feet all day at work and in need of a knee replacement, so lots of exercise is hard)

So I just finished day three of the pre-op diet. In my area it’s super restrictive with 5 boost diabetic, and one serving of a specific broth and one serving of sugar free jello a day. It’s not as horrible as I thought. Yet. I’ve been “cheating” a little. I’m using CBD as an appetite suppressant. And I’ve had 3 servings of broth and two of jello a day. Way less than 100 calories for all the cheating. I think the CBD is saving my life. Buuuut today for the first time in my life I learned from first hand experience “don’t trust a fart”. Thank god I was at home. 🤦🏼‍♀️ How’s everyone else’s pre-op going? What’s your pre-op diet going to be?

I tolerate fried foods just fine, you just have to be extremely careful and track all your calories as they’ll add up quick. Some people can never eat fried or greasy foods without major GI upset.

Your preop diet may be all liquid but mine was 14 days of low calories with 2 days liquid. I was allowed meat, cheese and veggies on mine. Best to just wait and see what your clinic provides material wise to start.

There is no one right way to recover. There is no only one right plan or only one right calorie goal, protein goal, etc. There’s no specific minimum time frame to eat a meal or drink a cup of liquid. There are, however, generalisations, averages, some can, some can’t, etc. things. We’re all different & have different needs & are able or unable to manage different things at different stages. If your body can manage it without causing you discomfort or pain you’re ok. Your body will tell you pretty quickly what is too much, too fast, what it likes, what it doesn’t, etc. You’re following the plan your surgeon gave you so all is good. My surgeon considers each patient’s starting weight, health status, weight loss history, etc. when assigning plans. My post surgical plan & recommendations had similarities but also differences to what a friend who was also a patient of his had. Our pre surgery diets were different too - mine keto & hers shakes only. We’re not the same people so it makes sense our plans weren’t exactly the same & neither were our experiences but we both reached our goal weights. There will be times you may stall or lose more one day or over one week & less the next. As long as the general trend month to month is downwards you’re golden.

Thank you! I’m walking at a 15 min mile. So it takes me about 75 mins. I own a treadmill but I walk 99% outside. I’ve found the key is to go on different routes. I sometimes walk downtown, around our park, around my neighborhood or the high school track. I’ve found that walking does wonders for me and not just the calorie burn. I put on my music and just get mental clarity. I highly suggest it if you’re able.

Have you spoken to your nutritionist to see, if at your activity level, you might need to increase your calorie intake?

Thanks everyone for not jumping all over me...the immediate-release version of my antidepressant seems to be spiking my anxiety. I haven't lost any weight in the last couple of days but I suspect it's "the stall" come a bit early. My surgeon says it happens when fluid balance is restored, and I've been really good about fluids (100 oz or so a day). I know that there's no way I'm "stopping" this early, not on 600-700 calories a day, so I'm just going to stay off the scale and move to weekly weigh-ins and measurements on Mondays.

Another work day so more packed meals! Green smoothie- spinach, kale, unsweetened almond milk, frozen strawberries, chocolate protein powder Triscuit thins with some harvest chicken salad- chicken, thin sliced red onion, celery, reduced sugar craisins, diced apple, pecans and almonds in a dressing of light Mayo, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup with some spices an egg white omelette with a spinach gruyere chicken sausage, onions and sun dried tomatoes my trusty thermos with vegetable soup and then another (there’s already one in the coffee mug with espresso) protein shake for coffee and my beef bouillon packet. Also, I always pack a couple protein bars, a shelf stable soup, and other snacks in case I don’t eat (not in the mood for) what I packed and adjust my calories accordingly.

Great point. I like to say “don’t eat your exercise”. Meaning what you allegedly burn exercising should NOT add to your allowable calories to consume. Whenever I did that is the past I was not successful so I ignore exercise calories.

I feel you. I had surgery a month ago and have only lost 10 lbs. I'm sticking to the diet with no problems, I walk briskly at least 1 hour a day and I'm getting 60-70 g protein. In a few days, I'll be cleared to lift weights, which may help. My calories are between 600-800. That said, my preop (not the preop diet, but just my usual eating habits) were to use My Fitness Pal (used it for years!) and hit btw 1100-1200 calories a day. Well I didn't lose weight on that-- no problem following it. The dietician at the weight loss center told me I could eat 1800 calories a day and still lose weight. I laughed. Not true. I'd tried everything. I can only conclude from my own and others' experience that the solution to these metabolic issues doesn't have that much to do with calorie restriction. I suspect t has more to do with hormones and carbohydrate metabolism. My surgeon tells me that I will lose the weight. She is not worried I've only lost 10 lbs, for what that's worth. The only thing that has helped me lose in the past was actual, hardcore weight lifting. Heavy weight: deadlifts, etc. ! I was not skinny, and I spent 1 hour in the gym 6 days a week. I worked very hard to be a still overweight person. I never had a problem with carbo loading or junk food. All of this tells me that our metabolisms are complex. Perhaps it is the metabolism that drives eating disorders and not the eating driving the weight gain. The science needs to do better. Until then, I've found that eating protein like crazy, lifting weights (more than cardio), hydrating, and just eating like a normal person (healthy meals) is the only way to lose weight, and I never lose much. Perhaps that will change, but for now, I really really feel your frustration. In my own case, my post op is not too different from my preop diet. Both healthy- both protein and non-strachy vegetable rich. Both pretty low in calories. But I have experienced the serios weight lifting to help some-- and I feel better when i do it-- just be protective of your pelvic floor!

Personally, I wouldn't trust the calories these phone apps list as being burned. They are notoriously inaccurate. Unless you've had a series of physical metabolic tests to determine your baseline at your current weight, PLUS have a heart monitor strapped to your chest and and other sensors attached to you to calculate volume of oxygen your body consumes, you won't know what your metabolic rate truly is. Not sure if you are doing so already, but its probably better NOT to factor in exercise in your daily calorie counts. 600-800 cals a day at your weight of 248 lbs would seem like you should be losing weight, though...so when you say you are struggling to lose weight, do you mean you not losing weight at all? How long has it been?

First off, stalls are frustrating. I've been at this game for a very long time so I understand the frustration and for me, I often felt so discouraged and was prone to going astray but just the fact that you are here, posting, you are on the right track. If you journal your intake, look at patterns or food groups, calories, carbs, fats and protein numbers. If your calories are still in a good range, maybe temporarily change your macronutrient balance. Sometimes having higher carbs breaks me out of a stall, and other times, higher protein... Etc. Our bodies really knows how to preserve itself when it thinks it is losing too much weight. Hang in there, and I'm glad I read your post. We are all in this together.

Hi all, I'm approaching 5 months post op and really struggling to lose. I am between 600-800 calories daily, hydrating, 60 grams minimum of protein, getting in an hour of cardio almost daily... According to my baritastic app, I'm burning around 1000 calories from cardio. And I'm still bouncing around the same 5 pounds from my last post. Am I doing too much cardio? I don't think I'm building much muscle because I don't really have any muscle aches. I feel stuck and down and still have SO much weight to lose. Sent from my moto g play (2021) using BariatricPal mobile app

I am nine days post-op for a VSG. I read all the comments about how people take all day to finish a protein shake and I just don't. I have no troubles swallowing. I don't feel full (wasn't expecting to on liquids) but do know when I am full. But it only takes me about 30 minutes to finish a protein shake. I feel like I'm eating too much—about 600-700 calories a day, about 100g-120g of protein (which is what my doctor suggested), and getting 96 oz. or so of fluid in me. I obviously cannot chug anything, but I can take full mouthfuls of liquid. Am I just weird? I know I won't feel my restriction until I go on foods (which is still not until the end of October, three weeks of liquid and three weeks of purées), but... am I failing?

Its hard to believe it’s been 6 months since I “went under the knife”. What a 6 months it has been. From nervousness to excitement, from regret to happiness. The emotions have been all over the board. It definitely hasn’t been easy and it’s really only just began. I wanted to share a little of my journey thus far for folks that are considering the surgery, just had the surgery or anybody else that can relate or possibly get/stay motivated. Like most, the beginning was very difficult. I did a ton of research before the surgery. I thought I was prepared. But as the old adage goes, “you don’t know until you do it”. I struggled with drinking enough water/fluids, not getting enough protein, feelings of despair as I could only eat a tiny amount of food, total regret of having the surgery and wanting to call up Doc Brown to see if I could borrow the Delorean to go back in time. But around the 6 week mark, it seemed that everyday my attitude got a little better. I started to walk a little bit to clear my mind. I started just walking around the block. It’s about all I could do and I was a little paranoid of doing too much (silly in hindsight). I tried to really stay focused on sticking to the plan and just taking each day as it was and not look into the future. I started incorporating fish into my diet and nuts and I started walking around the block twice. I just kept telling myself that things will get easier. And before too long, they did. Fast forward to today and I’ve lost 164 lbs. I’ve lost 33% of my highest body weight. My BMI has gone from 58.3 to 38.9. I’m now walking 5 miles at a time, about 5 days a week. I eat mostly fish, salads, veggies and nuts. I actually eat carbs and some stuff that they probably don’t want me to but it’s limited and I’m burning so many calories exercising that I can handle some extra calories and not worry about it. I think I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve consistently lost weight every single week except in week 3 (seems like this is the week everybody tends to stall). I’ve learned to give myself a little credit instead of giving it all to the surgery. The procedure definitely deserves most all of the credit but I wouldn’t be where I’m at now had I not stuck to the plan, pushed myself to stay mentally strong and built a routine of exercise. Giving myself that little bit of credit has helped me in so many ways. I’m still about 80 lbs from my goal. I have a long way to go to get to that goal and of course even longer for a lifetime commitment to being healthy. I know whoever reads this has heard the line “if I can do it, anybody can”. I hate to use that but it’s so true. I used to lack motivation to get out of my Laz-E-Boy to even walk around the block. To put down the soda, stop eating a large pizza by myself, fries, Chinese food, burgers,wings, you name it. I found something inside me that clicked to get curious about the surgery. Then to actually go thru with it. Then to implement and execute the plan to improve my life. I wish I could say that I’m 110% confident that I’ll never gain weight again. That I’ll never binge eat again or go off the rails. I’m confident right now that I’m fully committed to a new lifestyle. I’m only 6 months in. I’m still not even that hungry. I can still only eat a little bit. At some point, those things will change. But I know that I never want to go back to what I was. I haven’t changed as a person in the last 6 months. But my attitude, goals and purpose has. For that I’m grateful. I wish all who reads this much success in your journey. Know that it will be different from mine and all others that you come across. There will be many similarities but your journey is your own just as mine is for me. If I can do it, anybody can. 👊🏼✌🏼

I hope it does too. Right now I'm stalled with my weight because I'm not burning off enough calories. I wish talking burned calories, I would be so skinny. Sent from my SM-G991U using BariatricPal mobile app

No, I stopped coffee about 3 months prior to my surgery. I just wanted to be prepared earlier. I think it is lack of calories. I'm trying to up those but it is so hard. Sent from my SM-G991U using BariatricPal mobile app