Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

5 Pounds to Go...How to Approach Maintenance



Recommended Posts

Seeking advice from Hosts, VIP'S and Evangelists:

I am 5lbs. from my goal weight and have been teetering in an 8-lb range for 3 weeks now. I'm familiar enough with my band to know that I have about a week to go and the scale is going to reflect another 10lb. loss. I can honestly say that I will be as small as I want to be 5lbs. from now. My question is: how do you enter the maintenance mode? Should I get a slight unfill now or after the next 10lb. loss I'll notice next week?

My thinking was that I'd go ahead an lose the extra 5lbs. to give myself a cushion until I can find the green zone again in maintenance. What are your thoughts?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm definitely not who you are seeking advice from but I wanted to say....CONGRATULATIONS AND WAY TO GO! :)

Looking forward to the responses because I WILL be there one day too!

NICE JOB! :D

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes - way to go! Congrats on your great success :-)

I'm 12 pounds from goal, and my maintenance plan is to slowly start adding an extra snack; a Protein bar, greek yogurt, etc. Since we can't.....and don't want to eat past band signals, that's really the only way to add back some calories. That, and maybe not focusing so closely on omitting things like healthy fats from your daily menu. I read of many who try and cut fats out, but it's not really necessary.....or healthy. When I go into maintenance mode, I won't worry so much about having 1T of olive oil on my salad. Maybe I'll have 2. Small healthy additions add up, and ultimately, the weight loss will taper off. Just go slow, so you don't get bummed out if the scale shows an extra pound coming back. You've done so well, I'm sure you will transition smoothly into this final phase. Great job!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

PS: If you like nuts, eating a handful is a good way to add calories. They're a dangerous food for me, because I can't seem to control them. But they are a good/healthy addition, and calorie dense.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

OK, I'm following this topic as I am also starting to think about maintenance over losing. I was thinking I'd follow the same plan as I've been doing and just wait to see where my weight stops and then continue as is. Looking forward to hearing from the vets on this. Thanks for starting this thread Pretty.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I met my goal in July 2012. Had a small fill in August and have been coasting ever since. I have actually lost 10 or 11 pounds since August but not complaining. My doctor actually wants me to be 134 but I just made it to 141 as of this morning. "My goal" was 150 so I guess it really depends on you. I do not plan on getting an unfill. I am loving my restriction. Good luck on your decision.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

By the way, I'm still eating as if I'm trying to lose. Every now and again, I may stray away from the norm of having "healthy" foods. But again, that is not an everyday thing. I have also noticed since it is colder, my band is tighter and my appetite has changed drastically. I am barely eating. I just don't have an appetite. Again, not complaining. :D

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

OK, I'm following this topic as I am also starting to think about maintenance over losing. I was thinking I'd follow the same plan as I've been doing and just wait to see where my weight stops and then continue as is. Looking forward to hearing from the vets on this. Thanks for starting this thread Pretty.

This was my thought exactly. I plan to keep on losing as long as my body wants to give it up. It's not like I am suffering from malnutrition or anything. When my body says time is up then that's it. If it's 200 or 150 I am fine with it. Prefer to be in the 190's but I can handle life just fine with where I'm at now.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks for everyone's advice! My only issue is that I've never really denied myself anything...I've been eating whatever I wanted, just in band-sized portions and I honestly don't see how on earth I could add any more meals or Snacks to my day without overeating and causing a problem.

So...does a TINY unfill in 10lbs. sound like the right thing to do now?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

OK, I'm following this topic as I am also starting to think about maintenance over losing. I was thinking I'd follow the same plan as I've been doing and just wait to see where my weight stops and then continue as is. Looking forward to hearing from the vets on this. Thanks for starting this thread Pretty.

This....IMO

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks for everyone's advice! My only issue is that I've never really denied myself anything...I've been eating whatever I wanted, just in band-sized portions and I honestly don't see how on earth I could add any more meals or Snacks to my day without overeating and causing a problem.

So...does a TINY unfill in 10lbs. sound like the right thing to do now?

Do you feel you can't get in ENOUGH nourishment with your band the way it is?? Some health concern?

Congrats on the great success BTW!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Catfish:

I think I'm getting in enough as it is now, but I don't want to continue to lose 10lbs. a month - which is what I'm sure is going to happen if I leave it as is. I really don't want to be much smaller than I am now and would love to drop the last 5 and "hover" there (giving allowance for 3-5 gain/losses here and there). I'm really not sure what to do and I get better advice from experienced bandsters than I do from the clinicians.

Thanks for everyone's advice! My only issue is that I've never really denied myself anything...I've been eating whatever I wanted, just in band-sized portions and I honestly don't see how on earth I could add any more meals or Snacks to my day without overeating and causing a problem.

So...does a TINY unfill in 10lbs. sound like the right thing to do now?

Do you feel you can't get in ENOUGH nourishment with your band the way it is?? Some health concern?

Congrats on the great success BTW!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Ooooo, now I see what you are saying. I'm sure a small unfill wouldn't hurt. If you don't like it, you could always get it back. You have to make that decision. Maybe .1 or .2 ccs won't hurt to be taken out. Good luck and congratulations.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I wouldn't know yet but I do know when I went to my Surgeon Last he said you have lost 1/2 your body weight & I don't need to see you but every 6 months now I guess that meant I was started maintenance fase heck I really don't know but when I started this whole process I weighed 320#s then pre op right at surgery 276#s now at 167 , & I still want to be at 135 when I get there I will be ecstatic yes it has taken 3 years but it sure didn't take long for me to gain weight & become 320#s so I don't mind if it's taking me this long to get it off that way it stays off I know it's up to me mostly with the help of my tool but that's fine so I am not sure if I am in maintenance but I know what I can & can not eat & how much & what I choose to put in my mouth or not, so when & if you ever find out let us know keep us updated please & thank you.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

That's an amazing achievement. I just wanted to congratulate you and say what an inspiration you are, you must be over the moon x

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 3 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

      3. NickelChip

        I think it's important to remember that the weight charts and BMI ranges were developed a very long time ago and only intended to be applied to people who have never been overweight or obese. Those numbers aren't for us. When you are larger, especially for a long time, your body develops extra bone to support the weight. Your organs get a little bigger to handle the extra mass. Your entire infrastructure increases so you can support and function with the extra weight. That doesn't all go away just because you burn off the excess fat. If you still had a pair of jeans from your skinniest point in life and then lost weight to get to the exact number on the scale you were when those jeans fit you, chances are they would be a little baggy now because you would actually be thinner than you were, even though the scale and the BMI chart disagree. When in doubt, listen to the jeans, not the scale!

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×