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I'm 4 years out and have maintained a stable weight for over 2 years. I've taken a lot of cues from the WLS veterans on this forum because I'm acutely aware that a lot of WLS patients experience significant regain, and I live in fear of that because I've gone through a lot to lose 200 pounds and I don't ever want to go back to obesity. I learned early on that one of the keys to long-term maintenance is closely monitoring and tracking weight, and taking action promptly if it starts to creep up. I weigh myself on a daily basis (usually more than once a day). My weight can fluctuate quite a bit, sometimes by 5 pounds within a single day, so I consider my normal weight range to be 135-140 pounds. As long as I'm within that range, I don't give it a second thought. I may be outside of that once in a while, but I don't worry about it too much unless I stay outside that range for more than a couple of days. I've continued to track everything I eat and stay within a calorie limit. Five years ago, I would have been horrified to imagine tracking my food long-term, but I actually think it makes weight maintenance more sustainable. I could probably get away without tracking at this point because I habitually eat healthy, low-calorie meals, but much like having a financial budget, having a calorie budget allows me to prioritize and make conscious decisions about what I want to consume. If I'm tracking my food, I know whether I have room in my budget for a treat today, or if I want a specific treat, I can make sure to leave room in my calorie budget. I think this is really important because I don't have to go off track or have an out-of-control "cheat day" to eat what I want. I eat healthy foods most of the time (with the occasional treat within my calorie budget), and I've completely overhauled my diet. I've gotten the sense that one of the pitfalls that can lead to regain for WLS patients is that we can rely on our restriction for the first year or so to limit our calorie consumption, but if we continue to eat high-calorie foods like fast food and highly processed snack foods, once the restriction is weaker, we can eat enough calories to regain the weight, and/or eat around the restriction by having multiple smaller portions of high-calorie foods. I eat a lot of vegetables and salads, lean protein (chicken, pork loin, seafood), and legumes, and avoid sugar, refined carbs (rice, pasta, bread, crackers), fried foods, and other calorie-dense foods like cheese. I've discovered a lot of healthy foods that I love eating, so I don't feel deprived with delicious low-calorie meals. Initially, I was very strict about weighing and tracking every bite of food, but I've gotten much more relaxed about it and I just eyeball things that are negligible. I still weigh and measure things with higher calorie density like meat or oil, but I don't measure lettuce because even if I underestimate, it will be a 10-15 calorie difference at the most, and I log half a tomato instead of weighing the exact number of grams. This is another reason that weighing myself is key -- I know that if I'm maintaining a stable weight, my guesstimates must be close enough. Exercise wasn't a huge part of my weight loss strategy; I didn't do any exercise at all for the first 75+ pounds, and then I just did YouTube videos at home. Exercise has become a huge part of my lifestyle in maintenance, though. Not only do I do cardio at home on a daily basis and a minimum of 15,000 steps per day, but I also take fitness classes including strength training a few days per week.

They probably didn't give you any calorie values because they don't want you worrying about that yet. As long as you're not eating more than the recommended amounts, you'll be fine. As to macros, the absolute minimum recommended protein amount would be 60 grams, but really, shooting for 100+ would be better. It can be hard for some folks to hit that higher value early on, so as long as you're getting a minimum of 60, you should be okay for now. Just try to work up to 100+ as time goes on. Eventually, ~1 gram per pound of bodyweight would be a better target for protein, but I'd be surprised if you're able to get there at 2 months post-op. I wouldn't worry too much about carbs and fats at this point other than to say you do need a bare minimum of fats to make sure you get your essential fatty acids. In short, eat the recommended portion sizes, aspirationally shoot for 100 grams of good quality protein per day, at least 30 grams of (good), fats per day, and the rest can be carbs. Your carbs should ideally be from whole food sources like veggies, grains and fruits.

I don’t have an idea yet how long. Need to lose 13 pounds and then see the nutritionist, psych etc. The pre-surgery diet I was given is a 1200 calorie. 60-80 grams PRO 130 grams Carbohydrates 30-45 grams Fat Breakfast 3 PRO Servings OR 2 PRO plus 1 Yogurt 1 Starch, 1 Fruit, and 1 Fat Lunch Same as above PLUS 2 non-starchy vegetables Dinner 3 PRO 2 Non-Starchy Vegetables 1 Starch, 1 Fruit, and 1 Fat MAX of 2 Yogurts per day

HOLY ISH! A year already?! Time has flown! I still remember the beginning of your journey and those first posts—wow, you've come so far and done so incredibly well! I'm seriously so proud of you!! I totally agree with @SpartanMaker—maintenance is no joke, and exercise really does make all the difference. Weight lifting has been key for me too. It helps so much with maintaining, even more than cardio sometimes. Build that muscle and you're burning calories just by existing. Cardio is still super important,! I’m still figuring out maintenance myself, but my workouts have been consistent and even through my 2month spat of not being able to get my nutrition in control, making sure I kept up with exercise has been key I have been consistently doing this and its been great: 35–45 minutes of strength training, 5 days a week, At least 30 minutes of cardio daily (treadmill, dog walks, biking—whatever tickles my fancy), 2 lower body days, 2 upper body, 1 full body and one day a week my doggy and I do a 5-mile walk (she gets a walk every day, but that’s our long one). You’ve been so fabulous through this whole process, and I can’t wait to hear about your continued journey!

Semaglutide (and other various GLP-1 agonists) effectiveness can be dose dependent. 4 weeks is likely not long enough to see changes especially if you are still at the starting dose. Here’s a link with some decent easy to understand info: https://www.richlandmd.com/cosmetic/semaglutide-dose-for-weight-loss/ Also these meds are used in conjunction with lifestyle modifications. According to a meta analysis reviewing multiple trials “We observed that aside from the administration of semaglutide, reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity were also part of the intervention. Hence, semaglutide alone probably will not be able to achieve an 11.85% weight loss” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9758543/ Take a look at your early post op diet plan and give that a try again. If you didn’t have one, I can share that mine was protein forward (80g minimum) with minimal carbs (under 50 g and mostly complex) and low fat (20g) and almost no calories from drinks unless they are protein shakes. *edited to add: These meds can cause constipation so any weight gain could be due to that You really should consider checking in with the prescribing/administering physician to ask about your progress. Best of luck!

Hi guys I just thought I would check in with you all and tell you of my progress, trials and tribulations! I'm nearly 6 weeks post-op and I am still adjusting to my new life. I am doing very well all things considered, except that one of my surgical sites reopened and is not healing properly, don't worry I am having medical support from the doctor and nurse, I just feel a bit down with it to be honest. I'm type 2 diabetic and my glucose levels have stabilized which is awesome! I lost 2 stone 1lb in just under a month which is amazing, I did stay the same last week which was disappointing but I guess my body needs time to catch up! I'm struggling mentally with self-imposed restrictions and triggering situations like food shopping etc and I wondered if you guys could help me gain some clarity I am one of the unlucky ones that still experiences real hunger and it is definitely not head hunger. I need to eat around every 2 hours, I am getting all my protein in and my fluids and I'm eating around 700 cals a day. My problem is that when I feel real hunger I panic and I don't know why! I have had lots of therapy and I am in a very good place now after many years of struggles with my mental health. I guess I was expecting not to feel hungry like most other people, and that was the case until about 3 weeks ago! The self imposed restriction is calorie counting! I am conflicted about whether I should be counting the calories in non starchy veg such as sprouts, cucumber tomatoes, gherkins, beetroot etc and fruit such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and satsumas. Should I be counting calories at all? I'm eating around 700 cals a day at the moment. I am committed to eating healthy and do not crave junk food anymore which is awesome! I go for whole foods mainly and low carbs. Previously when I have given myself restrictions before I have done great for a few months then fallen off the wagon. I know it is different this time as I have a new tool, but it's taking my brain a while to catch up! I know that I am at the early stages at the moment and still learning my fullness cues and practising a fair amount of control, I used to eat mindlessly, now I think about everything that goes in my mouth. What do you guys think of this? I also worry that my weight loss will stall and I know it's only been a week so far and its not a stall until 3 to 4 weeks, but I have seen it so many times on lots of forums and it worries me a bit to be honest. I know that no one really knows how their weight loss is going to go as everyone is unique and I need to stop overthinking things but its so hard when I have done it all my life! Did any of you guys have similar worries or concerns in the early stages and did it resolve itself? Any advice would be great! Thanks in advance x

Well I’m early out yet so I’m sure the hunger will be back soon enough. If only it could stay gone forever!!. Yea the chomps does make minis too but they don’t come in the pepperoni flavor and that’s my favorite so I just do half and save the other half for later (I literally have a box of ziplocks in my car for that purpose). It’s 12g protein and 80 calories though so I do half of that with either a baby bell light or a Sargento mozzarella stick which is another 5g protein for 45 or 50 calories. 85 or 90 calories for 11g of tasty protein on the go is pretty good in my book. I will have to try the mini archer beef ones for something different.

Don't. You went through major surgery, your body will need time to heal and recuperate. I hear the body needs extra calories following surgery to heal and close the wounds. You are already at your goal weight, you've done incredibly well and your journey has been a huge success. Plus the added weight of the implants, inflammation, water retention ....etc. As for me, I have been struggling not to lose any more weight, my restriction is the bane of my existence, my portions are smaller than my 6 year old's (who's tiny and never interested in food LOL). The minute I fall back on my eating schedule (which is usually very frequent) the pounds instantly drop. My surgeon keeps telling me he doesn't think I needed the surgery in the first place, ha! Also, the minute my training becomes less intense, I lose my appetite completely, meaning I need to work very hard in the gym to be able to eat more and not lose weight. It's all very weird LMAO.

I agree with you, I definitely feel so much better and in less pain! I just can’t believe for 4 months I’ve been in this stall when it seems that the first year is major weight loss for most people 🥺 I do have regular check ins with my dietician and have been following the advice they give and they also suggested adding some calories but it’s hard to fit in my stomach. But no excuses I gotta do it. Just frustrating and no one on my care team seems to be alarmed or offer any medications even though it’s been 4 months of this. lol

I'm at 16 month P.O and still on 800 calories a day. I inquired at my 12 month check in and they stated to just stay the course, but IF IF I was still hungry I could go up no more than an extra 100. Anyway, I actually find it fairly easy now on 800 and I worry about going above it - its actually easier now. I guess your body adjusts to the "new normal" and it becomes easier. Just do as your program is set up unless it becomes unbearable, but I think you'll find it should get easier for you.

@ShoppGirl I am being a good patient, and its hard! There are times when I'm thinking a lower body workout wouldn't hurt but like you said I do not want to pay for a revision so I wear my post op bra 23/7 only off when I shower. I don't bounce, workout, and lift anything over 10lbs. I will say that I have tried on all the things without the bra and man it can't come soon enough to taking these girls out for a stroll LOL I am trying to give myself leniency but its so hard! I am staying on track for the most part, I cut my calories down by a lot since I am not working out and it seems to be going well.

I wish I could say from experience but I never made it to the maintenance phase with my sleeve and I’m early out from my revision. From being on the boards though it seems what most people do is to add like 100 healthy calories at a time and wait and see if that makes them gain and keep upping it until they find what their body is happy with. Of course if you level of activity or type of calories changes you may have to adjust so I think if you don’t choose to log your food daily you may want to at least spot check it like once a week just so you can see if your habits change gradually and keep on track for what works for your body. Congratulations on nearing maintenance!!

Breakfast (2.5 hours post a weight lifting and jogging session) 1 slice protein toast, 4 slices turkey breast, lite cheese, spicy mayo, lettuce and jalapeños. How I did: Had the rest an hour later. Approximately 314 calories for the whole thing. Also had a protein shake 1.5 hours prior.

@SpartanMaker I love butterscotch! Sounds delicious!! My go to's are: 1Cup FF Fairlife 1C Unsweetened Almond milk 1Tbl of FF SF pudding mix 1 scoop of Isopure- usually vanilla or chocolate Swerve to taste *if I do chocolate I'll add PB2 for a peanut butter taste Or Ill just do a fairlife protein shake and add the pudding mix My favorite one that I made thus far has been: 120ml of lite unsweetened coconut milk 285mil of unsweetened almond milk 1 scoop of vanilla isopure 1tbls of SF FF chocolate fudge pudding mix 1 tsp of cake batter extract 1 tsp of raw cacao 1tbls of swerve brown sugar The coconut milk really elevates the flavor and creaminess. Its higher in calories but in my option worth it! My recipes always makes 2 large servings!

That sounds like an excellent plan you know not every dietitians ideas will work for everyone anyways. That’s why they all have a different version of what they think you should do because that’s what works for most of the people that they’ve helped but there is no one size fits all approach. I probably could increase my calories a little bit, but I’m just scared to. I know I need to at some point so I don’t ruin my Matabolism Because I’m burning more with just my active calories than I am consuming right now. I actually think that may be bad. The good news is I see the nurse practitioner tomorrow so I will get to ask. Honestly, though. I feel like I eat all day. Some things are just off plan. But really if I increased my calories too much more I would be over on the carbs or fat maximums that she gave me I think.

speaking of chicken, ha! this was lunch today, that i picked up after yoga classes (pro tip: don't buy take out on your way home from exercise class because it will likely be deep fried stuff like this omg). 1/3 KFC classic chicken sandwich, 1 KFC chicken tender, and 2 and a little bit of KFC onion rings (the cute little one was my favourite, lol) with a little bit of ketchup & bbq sauce: 462 calories for all of it. ate the tender and the onion rings, but got tired after one bite of the partial sandwich and gave up...so probably 275 calories for what i actually ate (mr. already ate the leftovers).

Really you need to toe the line in the first 6 months to give yourself the maximum weight loss. This way we learn how we should eat. Our bad habits need to be changed. This is the theory. 0-6 months is the sweet spot for the easiest weight loss. This of course does not allow for real life BUT if you have too much life, you will struggle with this surgery. You can't do what you did pre surgery. That will only lead you back to where you started pre surgery. You need to find a midline you can live with. If you are truly on 1200 calories a day then you will loose weight, especially if you are exercising like you are. Do you log your alcohol calories, your non alcoholic calories ? Some mixers can hide serious calories. And if you drink a lot and log your calories, you are not getting the nutrients you need on such a calorie deficit, How many grams of protein do you need per day ? Every surgeon has different guidelines.

I try to build in my habits with protein so I don’t have to think about it. I use the bariatric hot chocolate in my coffee every morning that’s 15 g of protein. I like 5% Faye yogurt. I do like protein shakes. Costco has chicken breast strips already prepared for you in 3 1/2 ounce servings for like 15 bucks, those are great go to snack where you don’t have to think much about it. It’s like 24 g of protein 140 cal. Premier protein makes a three pancake pack with 15 g of protein. That’s another easy breakfast grab with the hot chocolate in my coffee, which is delicious and pancakes. If I try to feed my kid that I’ll at least get one that’s 5 g of protein. Often times I end up eating all three. Also from Costco Amy Lou brand mix of chicken sausage for breakfast. I like to microwave that real quick six links I think 260 cal 24 g of protein. I will not get my protein if I have to rely on myself cooking it, I know that soI’m always on the lookout for a good clean quality of protein source with minimal calories and good taste.

as others have touched on above, it depends on what you call a "normal sized meal". can i eat my "normal sized" pre-wls meal from my obesity heyday? hecks no. but, let's be real, those meals were bigger (and not as often-consumed) as the meal sizes of not-obese people. now...can i eat enough food to maintain my current weight, feel satisfied AND not feel like i'm depriving myself? yecks, YEAH. from the outside and to those not in the know, it probably looks like i don't eat enough, but its enough for ME. my restriction is still very much in effect, so i don't eat alot in VOLUME at one sitting. but i did* manage to get my 2300+ calories in by eating often, and choosing higher calorie foods. (NOTE: i exercise ALOT, so my caloric needs are probably higher for your average 5'2" person, but still) *clarification (and to go off on tangent): i WAS able to do this, but lately am not eating as often - for other reasons** - so my average calorie count has been dropping, but i'm working on it.... ** i got braces and my pure HATRED and annoyance of having to clean my teeth after eating ANYTHING has effectively stopped me from eating. it's in my head, i know. i'm working on it....

I am 12 weeks/3 months out. It wasn't my best weekend as far as carbs, but I also don't think it was terrible; it was my highest calorie count since surgery at 1500. The next day, I just tired to really focus on protein and low carbs. I did go walk today and got in a little over 2 miles so that feels good to be more active again.

All food restrictions will be lifted once you're a few months out. There's nothing you won't be allowed to eat, but you'll need to be mindful of calories, portion size, and nutrition from here on out, otherwise you'll be at risk of gaining the weight back. I eat all of those things you mentioned..just in moderation (and some of them, I don't eat very often).. Do I ever splurge? Yes - but not often, and I'm right back at it the next day. honestly, many of my never-been-obese women friends eat the same way - they watch their portion sizes and don't splurge or eat really high-calorie or unhealthy things very often - just occasionally.

100% Agree. Reading through posts here, you'll see just how different the diets are for various surgical centers. It's not like some are "wrong" and some "right", it's that the surgical team may or may not be doing certain things because they've seen over time what tends to work best for their specific patients. Once thing I will add here is that if your team did not recommend a specific amount of carbs & fat or a specific number of calories, then please don't worry about those components right now. You have plenty of other things to focus on as you retrain yourself how to eat. Worrying about even more is not really beneficial at this point.

HI bypassers, Can any of you or most of you share the numbers of what you should be eating 2.5 - 3 months post op? Like how many grams/oz per meal? Or how many calories total. Thanks I'd appreciate it.

I suspect that, given your loss to date, you still have a good way to go @Bypass2Freedom My original (totally guesstimated) 'goal' weight was based on the average loss after a gastric sleeve for someone with my starting weight. I would have been thrilled to get there and no further - I honestly mean that. But it was way out. I sailed through that and beyond. Kept sticking to the plan and finally landed well below. I know other people who stick to their plan land well above. The moral of the story is - stick to your plan and (within reason) you will land where you will land. Unless you actually end up underweight or unwell you don't need to add calories on purpose (that's my experience anyway) - your expanding capacity for food and your increasing hunger will eventually meet you in the middle. Whilst you are in the honeymoon post op period I say milk it for all it's worth. Meet your goals, take your supplements and enjoy the ride. Then begins the lifelong journey of maintenance. That's another story, LOL.

I need some reassurance---- is it possible to be too fine? I had RNY on Dec 16. The first few days I wasn't able to. get much down but since day 4 I have no issue sipping. I am meeting my liquid goals ( 64 oz) protein goals ( 60oz) and walking 5k+ steps a day. I am so sick of soup and really want to move to pureee but I know I can't. Any suggestions on things to do in the mean time? How many carbs or fat should I be getting right now? How many calories is thee limit for these next few days? Is day 11-14 the hardest?