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April 6th will be exactly 3 months post op (sleeved 01/06/23). I'm down 60.6 lbs. Overall, I feel great. No food restrictions and can tolerate everything I eat. 1000 calories a day with a minimum of 80 grams of protein.

I just started adding a lower calorie protein to my coffee throughout the day, just to hit a higher amount... I'm hoping that works, next step would be a week of liquids.

First, your BMR is a bit of a guesstimate, but 2100 isn't unreasonable for a guy. Some calculators/formulas are way off because they simplify things by using body weight, while it is lean or muscle mass that is the important factor (all that extra fat we carry around does little to BMR, though whatever extra musculature we may have to carry around that extra fat does help. There are some tests that they can do (VOx, etc.) that can give a closer reading to your personal BMR, and many body composition scales give an OK estimate based upon their reading of your lean mass. The most important thing is at what caloric level is your weight stable - that gives the best clue as to where you stand metabolically. My BMR was probably around 2100 also, though my stability point by experience and tracking intake was in the 2600-2800 range (consume more consistently and I would gain, consume less overall and I would lose.) BMR represents our resting metabolism, while the extra burn if from exercise and daily activities; most calculators and tables (and ourselves) tend to over estimate the burn from exercise. After surgery, and you lose what you are going to lose, you will likely have lost some muscle mass, I lost around 10 lb) as you aren't carrying that extra 100, 200 or whatever pounds around with you 24/7, so your BMR will likely decline some, but not a lot (maybe down to 2000). This is why most programs emphasize getting in adequate protein, and doing some load bearing exercise, to minimize the loss of muscle mass, to keep our BMR up. If you can maintain a diet of 1100 calories (not at all difficult for the first year or so post op) that will yield a caloric deficit of around 1000 calories to your BMR (and likely more considering activity burn,) which will equate to an average loss of around 10 per month (more initially, and tapering off over time) - that's about what I did at 1100 calorie average, and my final few months before goal was a consistent 10lb per month loss; after goal and into maintenance, I settled into around 2100-2200 per day to maintain a stable weight. Some people, particularly the shorter ladies, may be stable at 11-1200 per day after all is done, so they will need to go much lower to lose their excess weight - this is why we see 6-800 calories as a common intake for the loss phase, and they will often lose more slowly because they have a lower caloric deficit (figure about a pound per month per 100 calories in deficit, on average.) In short, figure on 1000 calories or so while losing, and probably around 2000 or so, give or take, to maintain, as a quick guesstimate.

They told us about 400 to 600 first 3 months, then it will increase to 600-800, once we get to goal weight we will stay within 1200 calories Sent from my SM-S916U1 using BariatricPal mobile app

current BMR won't figure into your post-surgery intake as it's based partially on your current weight. They'll start you off pretty low for the first few months and then you'll likely gradually increase as the months go by. Final calorie range (once you hit maintenance) will depend on whatever your weight, activity level, etc are once you get there.

After surgery, I was only around 4-600 calories a day and that was hard to meet. 7 months out, I can maybe hit 1000 if I go for fattier or higher calorie foods. But I was told to try and keep it under 800 till I get to maintenance. I would assume the 1100 would be after you lose and you are ready to maintain.

Hey all, I'm still in the research phase and trying to understand what life on the other side looks like. In my first effort at losing weight the Dr. told me I have a BMR of around 2100. Does that factor into my caloric intake post surgery at all? The info from my surgeon seems to indicate that they are shooting for around 1100 calories but I'm not sure if thats to get to goal or after I met goal. Anyway, a little confused and just trying to understand how those may tie together... Thx! Mark

most of us have been through that. It lasts for about three months, and then the hair will grown back It's due to the trauma of the surgery (actually, hair loss can be a side effect of any major surgery - as well as other stressful physical events like childbirth), plus the very low calorie intake we have for the first few months post-surgery (which is why I think we see it more after bariatric surgery than other major surgeries - because it's paired with the very low calorie intake. A double whammy). There's nothing that will stop it - that process began back when you had your surgery. It'll stop and the hair will grow back, though.

I’m nearly 9 month post op and have been stuck between 89.15kg and 89.85 kg for about 6 weeks. Getting paranoid that I’m eating too much:/ I’m tracking my calories and it varies between 1800-2000 a day. Does anyone else find there restriction is more known on certain foods like meats etc?

Christi, I am in the same boat. I was sleeved on 3/9 and have only lost 10lbs! I did not loose ANYTHING for the first 10 days & was completely flat. I was not gone above 500 calories the entire time, and have reached my protein goal 2 days only. I am 55 yrs old so I knew my weight loss would be slower but it is frustrating when you see other people doing less exercise and more calories and the weight falling off quickly. You are correct, don't compare yourself to anyone. We all have different bodies, different metabolisms, even different body types loss at different rates (eg, apple shape vs pear shape vs extra weight in extremities, etc). We are all different and none of us will have the same experience. Keep your head up, keep working your program and you and I will both get the results in our time! 🤗

Oh, thank you!!! The only exercise I can do right now is walking, they haven't given me the clearance to resume workouts. I'm eating less than 800 calories per day but this is driving me crazy. Great advice on only weighing weekly, I'm on that dang scale at least twice a day

So I'm incredibly disappointed in my progress so far. I was sleeved on March 7th and I've only lost 15 lbs. I know everyone is different and we're not supposed to compare but I'm a little panicked. Would someone mind sharing how they've done this month after surgery? I did contact my Nutritionist and asked her how many calories I should be eating a day and she said not to worry about that right now. Just concentrate on getting my protein and water in, which I am doing.

I was consuming 600-800 calories at that point but I am a very short person and my maintenance calories are only 1350. It's important to pay attention to the height and gender of the people giving this information out; the "correct" number is going to be very, very individual.

I like Epic bars as a quick protein snack (they're kind of like a cross between a protein bar and jerky/meat snacks, they're made of meat but they're softer and easier to digest than something like a Slim Jim and are a lot more natural, I especially love the bison and cranberry flavor). My go-to around the house is cottage cheese and yogurt as well, but having to be refrigerated and needing a spoon makes it harder to be truly "portable". I also like to pack slices of ham or turkey rolled up with half a slice of cheese in my lunch, sometimes with a little cup of dressing or some kind of spread to dip them in like mustard. (Plain yellow or brown mustard has, like, no calories!) I'm going to agree with whomever said upthread to try to eat whole foods as opposed to convenience items; a lot of "high protein" items out there are formulated to be keto friendly so they're also going to have a lot of fat in them too which can raise the calorie count to a point where you'd be better off probably eating a small, proper meal as opposed to treating a 300 calorie "protein cookie" as a snack.

Couple of us are the 17th too! Luckily I’m not a liquid diet. Mine is an 800 calorie food based diet. Today’s the start of a new adventure for us! Good luck 😊

I had a mini gastric bypass surgery exactly 3 months back. Since there didn't seem much activity on specific forum for mini gastric bypass (as it isn't common in US), so I thought i would put it in regular bypass forum. Starting weight: 326 lbs Current weight (exactly 3 months post Op): 252 lbs making total weight loss of around 74 lbs. Diet: Currently taking 1000 (or maybe 1100 at times) calories. Protein rich diet with around 70 to 80g of daily protein and low carb. 3 meals and in-between I take protein shake, pure coconut water (around 500 ml a day) and sometimes raw Tofu once or twice in day if I feel hungry. I use weighing scale to make sure I know how much I eat. Workout: 4 to 5 miles of walk daily. Gym of 7 to 8 hours total every week. Main focus on HIIT and weights, and includes 2.5 hour of cardio. I have felt since I started gym, my body feels more leaner and in shape but appetite has slightly gone up. Like maybe 3 extra tablespoon of Quinoa. But what do you guys think of my progress? Any red flags or caution? As now is the time to correct things if something is wrong. Do you think a weight of 180 lbs is something achievable for me? Thanks a lot.

I had this problem. I was unbanded 1.5 years ago and gained 150 pounds in that time. I ate very little and still gained weight. The nutritionist said it was too little and I was essentially starving my body so when I did eat, I essentially holding on to every calorie. I started the liquid diet 3/11 and have to have optifast 5 times a day plus a meal and I've alresdy lost 16 pounds. I agree with the person who said it's not about how much. It's what and when you eat that matters. Trust the process. I will have gastric bypass on April 13th.

Welcome to the three week stall. Almost everyone goes through this & you’re not doing anything wrong. The first stall, yes the first, usually starts in week 3 hence the name but it can occur before or after that time too. They usually last 1-3 weeks. Frustrating but very much part of weight loss. Stalls are your body taking stock of your weight loss & reacting to the stress of the changes you’re making. The first is often in response to the surgery, reduced calories, etc.. Your body uses this time to reset your metabolism, hunger hormones, etc. & is a necessary part of your weight loss. Your weight loss will never be a consistently straight line in a downwards direction. It will waver up & down. At times is won’t move, move slowly or move quickly. Though the scale isn’t moving some people notice their body measurements still reduce. Stick to your plan. Don’t stress your body more than your plan advises. Your weight loss will start again when your body is ready.

I had actually never had it but tried it today and it’s quite tasty and only 200 calories for the cup with 16 grams of protein. I got the kids meal so I could get yogurt with it instead of the usual options.

I feel you! I haven't weighed myself as of yet as I'm a bit scared to, tbh. I think I've probably gained weight. I'm going to weigh myself next week as I'm coming on 9 weeks post-op with less than 30lbs weight loss. I still have problems with water (especially when working all day) and I don't count/track calories due to old eating disorder habits that focused on counting calories. I'm starting the gym next week too, so I'm hoping that will work!

If I did the math right, you went into surgery weighing 190. I’m not sure what your expectations are regarding the speed of weight loss after surgery, but it’s safe to say they might be a bit unrealistic. Your anatomy was just rearranged, your body is in shock trying to heal and all of this is happening while taking in very few calories. The hospital will pump you full of fluids that can take a days to release, plus you’re inflamed and probably haven’t had a decent bowel movement yet if it’s only been three days. Take a step back, breathe and remember that surgery isn’t a switch that turns on fat release. It’s much more complicated than that. This entire process is life altering, so take it one day at a time and read up on the posts provided by @GreenTealael. It’s gonna be okay! You WILL lose the weight because it sounds like you’re following the program. Just give your mind and body more time. 🧬

I’m 5’3 SW 315 CW 224 GW 180 I increase my water intake yesterday. I was only getting in 2 bottles a day if I’m lucky. Yesterday, I started 4. I’m ten months out. I need to lose another 40- 45 lbs. I drink coffee to keep from snacking. I track my food most days in the bariastic app. I’m usually between 800-1100 calories, around 45 carbs, and 40- 50 fat grams.

I’m in the same situation. I’m 24 days post op in purée stage. I can’t seem to eat more than 1.5 to 2 oz with snacks and meals, most of it proteins. My calorie intake is 300 and my fluid intake is not what it was since now I have to stop drinking 30 min before and 30’min after every meal. Whereas prior to “food” I was drinking all day. We will get it - it will get easier :)

I am also still on liquid diet at less than 600 calories

May be have a chat with your dietician & see if they have any ideas. Stalls are your body’s response to the stress of your weight loss & adjusting to the changes. I wonder if doing short fasts, increasing/decreasing calories & changing calorie sources may be adding to the stress. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I’ve read that stalls are an important part of weight loss as they allow your body to reset your hunger hormones & metabolism to what you need at a lower weight.