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

A question for those that are 6 months out and more.



Recommended Posts

I am curious about something and I will talk to the staff about it at my next appointment, but I thought I would ask here too. I am 5’6 and weight 234, and I hope to be under 225 by my surgery. My goal weight is 150, so I have around 75 pounds to lose. I am curious as to how many calories people eat at six months out, or even a year. What if I get to 150 pounds but can’t eat enough calories to get to maintenance? I read several posts on a different site and people were saying that they were only able to eat 600-800 calories at 6 months out. That seems so low to me, and scares me a bit.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am not 6mos out. I am 3mos out and can eat 1000 calories. In my experience that 600-800 would have me feeling exhausted at this point, I feel great, I am losing slower than I would like but we are all different and we all have to figure out the best plan that has balance, and it will be different for each one of us - the factors are many - age, how long we have been overweight, our medical issues, our mobility or how quickly we can increase our activity, compliance with food choices, etc. Take each stage as it comes and don't stress about the one ahead of you, learn about yourself on this road to improved health. Try out different routes until you have the plan in place that works for you - of course follow your medical staff's advice as much as you can while making it your own. Be accountable to yourself.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am not 6mos out. I am 3mos out and can eat 1000 calories. In my experience that 600-800 would have me feeling exhausted at this point, I feel great, I am losing slower than I would like but we are all different and we all have to figure out the best plan that has balance, and it will be different for each one of us - the factors are many - age, how long we have been overweight, our medical issues, our mobility or how quickly we can increase our activity, compliance with food choices, etc. Take each stage as it comes and don't stress about the one ahead of you, learn about yourself on this road to improved health. Try out different routes until you have the plan in place that works for you - of course follow your medical staff's advice as much as you can while making it your own. Be accountable to yourself.

Great advice, thank you!


Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My nutritionist hasn't had me focus on calories at all but rather Protein grams. When I was tracking my food consistently though I was around 1000-1200 calories daily. I was losing about 2lbs a week for the first 6-7 months or so. My nutritionist wanted me to increase my workouts and also start eating some starches to be able to sustain my energy for exercising. This has definitely made my weight level out and I've been in a stall for about a month now. Hoping that I'll be able to lose at least another 15lbs and tone up some more.

One of the best things I can say though is to just take it a day at a time. You'll be able to make adjustments in the types of foods you take in to still be healthy but stay in maintenance rather than losing. I would recommend that you cross that bridge when you come to it though! Best of luck! :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Re—not being able to eat enough to maintain.

Your capacity is limited in volume not calories. There are plenty of low volume high calorie foods like avocados, Peanut Butter, higher fat dairy... it’s almost never a problem being able to STOP losing.

For most of us our bodies find their new normal naturally.


Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

On 21/01/2018 at 2:41 AM, TexasMommy80 said:

I am curious about something and I will talk to the staff about it at my next appointment, but I thought I would ask here too. I am 5’6 and weight 234, and I hope to be under 225 by my surgery. My goal weight is 150, so I have around 75 pounds to lose. I am curious as to how many calories people eat at six months out, or even a year. What if I get to 150 pounds but can’t eat enough calories to get to maintenance? I read several posts on a different site and people were saying that they were only able to eat 600-800 calories at 6 months out. That seems so low to me, and scares me a bit.

I wish I could answer, but I have never really tracked. I was 244 day of surgery, 168lbs now , I am 7 months out and to be honest I dont think I would have any problems maintaining as I maintained at Christmas by grazing lol. Sorry that doesn't help haha.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I’m seven months out and I eat around 900-1100 calories a day on average. It just kind of depends on the day.


Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I really don't know my calories any more as I don't track as religiously. I would say around 1200-1400 as due to my workouts, my nutritionist wanted me to add some fruit nut or additional yogurt.

Coming off a plastic surgery with no gym and then holidays, I would say I was not on diet the entire time. But, I did not gain. You want to keep tracking as best as possible, I do stick to the same balance at most meals, they are just larger than when first started. Your activity may affect how much you can or should take in.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

At 6 months post-op, I was around 1200-1300 calories per day. At one year post-op, I was around 1600-1750 per day. Currently (16 months post-op), I am between 1900-2000 calories per day, and this is where I will stay.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I would add at 6 months out I was a much more detailed tracker and was 850-1000 working out 6 days per week

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Both nutritionists that I have worked with have said - screw the calorie counts - focus on Proteins, fats, carbs. Try to make each food fall into 2 of these 3 categories when looking at the per serving numbers:

15g of proteins or more
20g or less total carbs - 10g or less of those being added sugar
10g or less of total fat

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

On 1/20/2018 at 9:41 PM, TexasMommy80 said:

I read several posts on a different site and people were saying that they were only able to eat 600-800 calories at 6 months out. That seems so low to me, and scares me a bit.

I know these people exist, but for me I can't see having any issues hitting those kind of numbers at 6 months out. My doc wanted us on 3 meals a day and that was it - no Snacks. There was no way I could do that. I had to aim for 3-4 meals plus a Protein Shake to hit my 60g for a day. I probably average 1600 calories a day being a year out. Truth be told I could easily be over 2000 if I wanted to. It's all about what you eat and how often. Yes, my portions have to be smaller, but if I wanted to graze all day long I could and easily rack up the calories. Even with healthy options like cottage cheese or Greek yogurt those are easy to get down.

Really it isn't anything you should be overly concerned about IMO.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I’m at 6 months. Also similar stats with you. 5’6 highest weight was 242, I was 226 on day of surgery (8.8.17) I don’t count calories and only estimate ounces and Protein. Currently 16lbs away from goal. I was a band to sips/loop DS revision so loss has been slower but expected. I plan on starting back at the gym... hopefully soon. I’m pretty sure I get over 1000 calories a day though. I don’t have any issues with foods I cannot eat or tolerate.


Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am nearing about 10 months post op and I get in 600-800 calories a day. I have 6 lbs to go before I go into maintenance. So, the way I see it is, I can lose another 10 lbs, if my body doesn't stop on its own or I can call my surgical team and ask them what things to eat when I lose the rest of my weight because I'm in no real danger right now of being underweight. I have a whole 36 or more lbs before that happens.

The other thing is, I can just wait til my one year post op visit with my surgeon and ask then, although I'd most likely be seeing a nurse or a nutritionist and not my surgeon.... Unless I ask to see her and she miraculously has time to do so.

The amount of calories being put in varies from person to person though. Some people can eat over 600 at 6 months post op. Others can't. When I was 6 months out, I could only get in 500.

It also depends on what you eat. If you eat carby things, you'll get in more calories but most of that stuff is what you call slider foods. If you eat healthy things and lean Proteins, it's more filling and you eat less.

Babbling over~ lol

Hw-273

Sw-226

CW-136

GW-130

Size- 4 or 6, Small in sweats. Small in shirts. depends on how it's cut or made.

Bra Size- 36C

Surgery Date- April 26th, 2017

RNY

"Only those who try will become" FFX

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

    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 1 reply
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

  • 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

    ×