STALLED 1-1/2 YEARS OUT, DEPRESSING CONVERSATION WITH SURGEON -- HELP!

[Momcat 29]

I'm 1-1/2 years post surgery and have lost 90% of what I needed to lose, but would like to lose 15-20 more pounds. Have gained and lost the same 2 pounds for three months now and am really frustrated. Had my follow up with surgeon today, and discussed this with him. He said I should be happy that I've lost as much as I have and that I probably won't be able to lose any more. I told him how many calories and carbs I was eating daily (1,200 calories and 50g carbs, exercising A LOT!)) and that I was afraid that if I started eating more "normally," i.e., occasional Pasta, a bite of dessert, etc., I'd gain. He told me I have to eat the way I am now forever in order to maintain my weight loss! Distressing!!! I thought I could increase my calories somewhat and add more variety in the maintenance phase. What has your experience been???

[Recycled 2,182]

I have experienced that same phenomenon regarding the lowered daily calorie intake after major weight loss and it was a shock to me as well. Tried to up the calories a little and ended up gaining. Come to find out they are now suggesting rapid weight loss permanently changes our metabolism.

Why am I not surprised. Guess we just can't catch a break. Oh well, 1500 calories to lose it .....now 1500 forever.

It is what it is.

[jane13 2,256]

I think that the part we have to live with (possibly not making the ultimate weight) and I made up my mind where I would be happy. I am within 10lbs of it and like you about 15 -20lbs of the ultimate goal.

Is it still attainable? I think so.

I am 53 and that extra ten lb loss is probably a lot more loose skin. I feel pretty darn good and wearing size 12 jeans! That was something I thought I would never do again.

[Kathy812 794]

@@Momcat, my surgeon told me the same thing in March. He said by their standards, I am considered a success and that not many people (he treats) reach 100% excess weight loss.

I say poppycock! Yes, it is definately difficult but I do believe it can happen, it's clear from the many post on this site alone that it's possible.

However,even though I believe it can happen, I'm trying to reconcile that this may be it. I know I shouldn't be disappointed because I can wear a size 10, I can shop at most clothing stores and my weight related health issues have resolved. Lots to be grateful for. I am just nervous because I hear about the weight gain years out and I really wanted a buffer.

Oh and yes, 1200 calories for me too. However, my doctor did recommend at my next visit in June to repeat a metabolic test, to see if my metabolism has changed since surgery.

Sorry don't have anything positive to report but just wanted you to know that you are not alone. I share your frustration.

[reinventingmyself 47]

Wow. I was not expecting to read this. A little sad now. Lol I see some people up their calories more and eat a little differently when in Maintenance. Of course I know we can't go back to old habits and calories but did not realize I may be maxed out at 1200. I am only 2.5 mths out so about 6-700 calories a day. I am thinking I may need to get my metabolism tested as well. Can this be done by simple blood work? Did you have to specifically request it or was this part of your lab work pre-op? I'm so glad you brought this up. Thanks. I will say that I have met plenty of people at support groups that have lost 100% and some. So it can definitely be done. Don't give up. You got this!!

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[Kathy812 794]

@@reinventingmyself, I wrote a response and looks like it never posted-urrrgh. I'll see if I can rember what I wrote.

Do not be sad . Our story does not have to be yours. A lot goes into determining your calorie range in maintenance (age, metabolism, genetics) to name a few. There are a few ladies on this site who eat between 1400-2000 calories in maintenance. So stay encouraged.

The metabolic test was performed at my bariatric office. I did it Pre-op . It involved me breathing into this device that covered my mouth and nose, for about 5-10 minutes? I may be off on the time. It was very claustrophobic and I almost quit a few times.

It determined that I had to eat less than 1600 calories to avoid gaining weight-I'm sure I'm oversimplifying it, but in essence that was my takeaway.

So my question( rhetorical ) if I'm eating 1200 calories and working out 4-5 days a week. Why am I not losing weight? My concern is when I get retested will my number be much lower! Yikes, I hope not! It would be wonderful to hear I need to increase my calories.....ok, it's a dream

Edited May 6, 2016 by Kathy812

[Babbs 14,680]

He's kind of wrong. I know some people on here that have been maintaining thier stretch goal weights on 1800 calories (Ann, Jamie). Me? 1200-1400 max. Sad face.

Just like with anything else, we are all different and have differing metabolic rates for a multitude of reasons. Some need more to maintain, some need less. Those of us who need a little less to maintain and even less to lose just got the luck of the draw I guess. There ARE ways to try to change your metabolic rate, obviously excersise is one.

Anyway, like @@Recycled said, it is what it is.

[LipstickLady 25,682]

Anyway, like @@Recycled said, it is what it is.

And it is so much better than it was.

[PatriotFan 23]

You can try increasing your calories for a couple days to confuse your body so it doesn't think your starving.

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[Recycled 2,182]

You can try increasing your calories for a couple days to confuse your body so it doesn't think your starving.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

It took many months of minimal calories to lose, so I doubt a couple of days of increase would do much in the long term. (cept cause me to gain wt)

Hey, no biggie, I save on my food bill.

[csawesome 181]

I think most healthy weight females only eat about 1200 calories a day with or with out surgery. That stink if I really need to keep my carbs so low forever. I don't a lot, but I am only eating 800 calories and hit 50g everyday. A small bit of brown rice or bites of sweet potatoe would be nice eventually.

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[reinventingmyself 47]

@@"kathy812" thanks. No I did not get that testing done. Will ask at my next appointment. Please keep us posted when you get retested. Hopefully, you will come out of your stall soon and reach goal!

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[Momcat 29]

They did this test at my office that they said measures your metabolic rate, but you don't breathe into anything. You stand on something that looks like a scale and it measures your lean body mass, fat, and metabolic rate. I don't know how accurate it is. Did the test today and it said that my basal metabolic rate is 1563 calories. If that's true I should be able to lose some weight at 1200 calories per day, especially with the amount of exercise I do. I wonder if the breath test is more accurate???

[LipstickLady 25,682]

The moral of the story? Eat to live don't live to eat.

[JupiterinVirgo 846]

There are ways to speed up your metabolism. I lost a huge amount of weight many years ago by eating in a very balanced way, keeping my saturated fat intake under 17 g a day, and eating on the schedule. By eating every 4 to 5 hours religiously, never after 8 PM, I never counted a card or a calorie and lost 100 pounds. I lost weight almost on a daily basis. I never stalled. Eating on the schedule let your body know that there's no danger of starvation, and it causes your metabolism to work in accordance with the abundance of the food that is available. Because your body needs more than 17 g of saturated fat to run every single day, the extra few grams gets burned up from the stores of fat in your body instead of your muscles. This gave me a very fast metabolism. So I'm not overly concerned about my low caloric intake now, or the rapidly of my weight loss. I will restore my metabolism through the same technique I've used in the past. And to be honest, I'm much more concerned with getting my body to a comfortable weight that doesn't hold me back, then being able to eat so much more later on.

Edited May 5, 2016 by JupiterinVirgo