1.5 years post op-- weight loss stopped

[Kiba 47]

I've been told it slows down quick a bit after a year, happy I lost 90 lbs but still struggling to lose another 30 more for my weight goal. Haven't lost a single pound in 4 months, I have spoken with my surgeon and nutritionist and they said sometimes too much weight loss all at once can lead to a very long plateau. I'm counting my calories at 1,250 a day, gym 4 times a week and hiking trails on the weekends and still seeing nothing! I notice my cravings for carbs coming back but I find myself trying to make the correct choices of eating clean. Anyway I can break this? I don't even know if 1,200 calories is enough but I feel hungry at the end of the day and am constantly bloated!

[JamieLogical 8,727]

You clearly aren't eating enough. No way 1250 calories is enough with gym 4 times a week and hiking on weekends. Try getting up over 1400 at least!

[MrsSugarbabe 727]

I'm right there with you @Kiba.

My gym visits per week fluctuate between 2 - 4 with walking 30 mins. on my lunch break during the week, more days than not. I just keep doing what I know I'm supposed to be doing and trying hard not to give into head hunger or cravings for less than healthy food choices (I'm not always successful). I drink Water or water-based beverages throughout the day and I track my food. Caloric intake ranges between 1200-1800.

My sleeve still keeps me honest when it comes to volume eaten; my typical meal consumption is about 3/4 cup. Sometimes I will be hungry again about 2 hours later. At meals I always eat Protein first and then a few bites of veggies.

I'm just keeping on keeping on and figure I'll eventually make it to goal.

Hang in there!!

[kelliev2015 136]

You should try and up your Protein since that's more important than calories. How many grams of protein are you getting a day?

[Kiba 47]

About 40g -- it varies some days but I'd like to think its around there. I try to incorporate mostly good fats and Protein and little to no carbs. But I feel so tired without the carbs.

[lelewatson 51]

Maybe more Protein.

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[Dub 10,033]

Agreed on 40g being a very low amount of Protein.

Getting this up will likely make a nice difference for you.

[JamieLogical 8,727]

40 grams is WAY too low on Protein. Especially if you are working out that much. Aim for more like 85 grams and try to increase your calories. I am positive that will get the scale moving again.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

About 40g -- it varies some days but I'd like to think its around there. I try to incorporate mostly good fats and Protein and little to no carbs. But I feel so tired without the carbs.

Why only 40 grams of Protein? What is your protein target? Mine is 100 grams. My surgeon's range is generally 80-100 grams. 40 grams is extremely low.

I would worry less about the calories and make sure you are getting enough protein and fluids (AT LEAST 64 oz and even more if you are active).

[Kiba 47]

I was told 60g but it's quite possible I was wrong! What is the average carb intake everyone is getting?

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

I was told 60g but it's quite possible I was wrong! What is the average carb intake everyone is getting?

I don't really count carbs. I avoid added sugars (especially high fructose corn syrup), starches (rice, Pasta, bread, potatoes, starchy vegetables, etc.), and fried foods for the most part.

[LisaMergs 2,857]

I was told 60g but it's quite possible I was wrong! What is the average carb intake everyone is getting?

Theory is- for bypass at least- if you eat mostly lean Proteins, followed by a veggie or fruit when it is consumed, you shouldn't need to count calories. You should be full, and then finish eating. I mean, we do, sort of, by knowing how much a piece of Protein costs calorically, but that is just a matter of getting familiar with nutrition, in general. And if we are using an app to track- well that makes it easier.

My point is- you need to target your Protein goal and meet it. Get on friendly terms with making adjustments when you are expending energy (working out) by upping your HEALTHY calorie intake, and track your food. You will begin to see "rhyme and reason" in plateaus, and how to help break them if they go on too long.

Good luck.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

[JamieLogical 8,727]

I don't count carbs either. During my weight loss phase, I found that getting my 100 grams of Protein in meant I didn't have room for many carbs anyway. In maintenance, I still get my 100 grams of protein, but actually have added back in some "carb only" Snacks like toast with Peanut Butter or a Clif bar before my runs (I'm a runner now).

[Kiba 47]

I am tracking my calorie intake via Fitbit -- very helpful, but I can see the issue is my Protein intake, I can't imagine hitting 100g of protein a day without the shakes though. Anyone else doing it without the shakes? What is the focus on the protein coming from besides dairy, meat and nuts; most of the other sources tend to be heavy on the carbs, no?

[JamieLogical 8,727]

I am tracking my calorie intake via Fitbit -- very helpful, but I can see the issue is my Protein intake, I can't imagine hitting 100g of Protein a day without the shakes though. Anyone else doing it without the shakes? What is the focus on the protein coming from besides dairy, meat and nuts; most of the other sources tend to be heavy on the carbs, no?

I do have to supplement with Protein Bars. The rest of my protein comes from meat, cheese, nuts, and yogurt.

Back in my weight loss phase, my daily intake looked something like this:

Breakfast: Protein Bar (~20 grams)

Morning Snack: String cheese (~8 grams)

Lunch: Meat of some sort, usually leftovers (~16-20 grams)

Afternoon Snack: Greek Yogurt (~12 grams)

Dinner: Meat (~16-20 grams)

Evening Snack: Protein Bar (~20 grams)

For the "meat" mentioned above, it was always the protein portion of whatever my husband made for dinner (I was married back then). So if he made meatloaf and mashed potatoes, I just had meatloaf. Shrimp and Pasta, I had the shrimp. chicken and rice, I had the chicken. You get the idea.