Struggling with weight loss 3 yrs post VSG

[LindaJean46 5]

Hi all! I’m new here and just wanna share. I had VSG Aug 3,2017 I have PCOS which is like a cockblocker I’ll tell you now! I’ve gained about 30lbs since but am now on phentermine and have lost about 10-12 lbs. but it’s such a struggle . My highest weight was 260 and my lowest was 197. I’m currently 216 but I like 200 on myself. Just need encouragement because I feel I’m slipping away again!

[catwoman7 10,845]

weight gain during year 3 is very common - with or without PCOS. Some people have had luck with Weight Watchers, intermittent fasting, or Keto. Some just go back to what they were doing in year 1 - not all the way back to Protein Shakes and purees, but the whole Protein first, then non-starchy vegetables, and maybe an occasional serving of fruit or whole-grain carb. If you do the latter, start tracking (if you're not doing it anymore) to see where you're averaging calorie-wise, and then start cutting back from that. I find that easier to do if I cut 100 calories at a time rather some drastic cut.

different methods work for different people - so just find one that works for you. You CAN lose regain - although it's much slower and harder than it was when you were in weight loss mode.

Edited August 4, 2020 by catwoman7

[LindaJean46 5]

I tried weight watchers lost 12lbs then nothing more and I was on for 1 yr. I’ve done Keto and I eat under 1000 calories a day. I track my carbs and I only use a whole wheat, flax and oat bran pita when I have “ bread” I measure everything but my body just likes to be at 220, I work out 6 days a week. I’ve gone to Dr.’s and nutritionist and I’m still stuck here! I won’t give up tho!

[ttnurse 21]

I just want to commend you on communicating with others about the struggle as it is so real. I believe I am post op about 4 years now. I did the phentermine thing and lost 20 pounds ,that was short lived. I am on something different now called diethylpropion ER ,6 weeks so far and a measly 5 pounds down. I am hardheaded and know what I need to do. Move more than I put in my mouth as the YMCA membership isn't getting used like it should be. So again I commend you on sharing and glad I saw that I am still not the only one out there trying to make a change. And yep,don't give up. You are strong,you are important and beautiful.Cheers to you and keep that positive attitude my dear..Teresa

[catwoman7 10,845]

btw - I get it as well. I gained 12 lbs during year 3 (which was OK since I was too thin at my lowest weight), and eight lbs last year (NOT OK). I've been really struggling to take that off - watching my calories, tracking everything, exercising almost every day (for the last couple of months, my primary exercise is bike riding, which I do 1-2 hours a day, 5-6 days a week). I've lost a measly three lbs. I suppose if I cut back to like 800 or 1000 calories a day, I could lose it faster - but I don't think I'd find that very sustainable five years out. Luckily, my weight is OK - I'd just like to lose another five lbs, but still - this is tough!!

back when I was morbidly obese, I used to roll my eyes at these women who were normal weight or slightly overweight who'd moan and complain about hard it was to lose five (or ten...) lbs. Yea....right. Try losing 100 or more! But now...I finally get it!!!

[Hopefulmommy44 11]

Hi there! I'm with you on the struggle. I had vsg in Fall 2012, lost 120 lbs. Had babies in 2014 and 2016, so I never even made it to the 3 yr mark at my goal weight 😫. I've so far lost 40 pounds, on 1200 calories per day, and I'm starting a reset today. I never thought to try Phentermine, but I will be making an appt to get some this week! The struggle is very real! We can encourage each other. I am not at all interested in revision, at this time.

[LindaJean46 5]

I’m not interested in revision either. I’ m trying my best to get these 15lbs off but I feel like I take 2 steps forward and 3 steps back! It’s been that way my whole life but I refuse to give up! I’m adding this HIIT training ( high intensity interval training) workouts and resistance bands to my workouts to see if that makes a difference...

[LaLaDee 519]

Yep, I’m three years out. Dealt with some regain, lost about 20lbs in the last two months. I want to lose another 20lbs which seems like it should be easy (Immediately after WLS, I could easily lose 5lbs a week), but it’s so hard and takes a lot more effort! I’m maintaining a 130lb loss so 20 should be nothing, but it’s really hard. I haven’t given up though!

[LindaJean46 5]

First off congratulations on that weight loss! 🙌🏻👏🏻 That’s amazing! But the struggle is real no doubt! I don’t want to go back to my highest ( which Ik I never will) but I don’t like where I am now, I’m a stinking snacker at night and that’s my downfall. I gotta make it a point to have something healthy on hand or I’m done! #notgivingup

[kate_0329 29]

I had surgery in May of 2017. My highest weight was 327lbs I made it down to 211 and then was pregnant with my first 10 months post op. I'm around 230 but I'm also pregnant again. I'm hoping to really kick it in gear after this baby

[LindaJean46 5]

Congratulations on the baby! It seems like the 3 yr mark is the struggle! I really don’t want a revision but I’m so stuck here at this weight even taking weight loss meds that I’m at a loss. #notgivingup

[Hopefulmommy44 11]

I had surgery in May of 2017. My highest weight was 327lbs I made it down to 211 and then was pregnant with my first 10 months post op. I'm around 230 but I'm also pregnant again. I'm hoping to really kick it in gear after this baby

Yes! Kick it into high gear. I should have started as soon as I was done breastfeeding. I was at goal (165), then gained up to 205 with the first one. I never made it back down to goal, then got pregnant again, and got up to 260 with that one.
It took me all the way until last August, weighing 272 (almost to my presurgery weight of 288) to finally get a little serious about weight loss...not that serious, though. I've "only" lost 50 pounds over the last year (8 of those pounds was with a diet reset that I started last week). I could kick myself for not trying to get any off after the first baby...the hill wouldn't have been as high. Oh well, you live and you learn. You'll jump right on it, as soon as you're healthy enough!

Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app

[LaLaDee 519]

On 8/11/2020 at 8:40 PM, LindaJean46 said:

First off congratulations on that weight loss! 🙌🏻👏🏻 That’s amazing! But the struggle is real no doubt! I don’t want to go back to my highest ( which Ik I never will) but I don’t like where I am now, I’m a stinking snacker at night and that’s my downfall. I gotta make it a point to have something healthy on hand or I’m done! #notgivingup

About a year ago, I got into the habit of snacking at night (OK, chomping on chocolate at night). I've had to work really hard to change my evening ritual, so I don't start mindlessly eating. I now try and have a cup of tea instead, go to sleep earlier or just do something else to prevent me from falling back into that habit. I know how hard it is though. Good on you for sticking to it!

[LindaJean46 5]

That’s an awesome idea! I’m sure something warm and comforting like tea satisfies the tummy! Great tip! I think I’ll try, thank you!