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

5 Pounds lost in 6 weeks?



Recommended Posts

I had bypass on 2/13, I've always followed the plan very closely. I managed to lose 70 pounds pre-op on the dieticians plans and working out and then 20 pounds on the liquid diet. Since surgery I've only lost 5 pounds. I thought I was doing very well but I guess not?

I stick close to the diet plan, though I admit my calories can go over but my main goal has always been to get to my Protein goal before anything else. I've been working out 4-5 times a week for a minimum of 30 minutes. I do a lot of strength training because I am into strongwoman stuff, so its been weird staying in the weight restriction.

I also hit my Water goals alongside my protein goals.

I made the mistake of posting this on a Facebook support group and.. wow. I don't think I've ever felt worse about myself, there was almost no support and a lot of telling me I'm doing something wrong obviously. A lot of people there were blaming the scant amount of BBQ Sauce I use or the single string cheese. Most were telling me I'm eating far too much. Others were telling me to stop working out entirely? I don't want to be skinny, I want to be healthy and I want to be strong.

Am I eating too much still? When I don't work out I get 600 calories, and when I do its usually more around 800 to be honest. I don't feel like I'm making the wrong decisions.

Meal 1: Oikos Triple Zero yogurt to take my meds with. Meal 2: Fairlife elite core protein in my coffee. Meal 3: 3 oz turkey lunch meat 1 oz of cheeze and mustard. Meal 4: 1 String cheese. Meal 5: 4-5 oz of chicken with bbq sauce (its not sugar free, I live in the country and the rural grocery store doesnt stock sugar free and the next closest is over 50 miles away).

I'm so confused and heartbroken.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Im sorry the Facebook group was so harsh. Maybe everyone is having a rough week or something. I’d brush them off :)

I’ve learned the body needs a base level of Protein to function and more if you want to build muscle while working out. Based on what you’ve said, it’s possible you need more protein to support your workouts.

You didn’t mention Vitamins or supplements. Are you getting all of those in as well?

The sleuth in me would keep a daily journal (for at least a week) of everything you’re eating and an honest assessment of calories and such. I’d also start taking body measurements with a cloth tape because you could be trimming up even though the scale isn’t moving much.

Finally, make sure you have a dietician or time to review your food journal with your doctor so you can work together to understand what combination of macros would be best for your new lifestyle.

Im always a little bothered when people try to sum things up in black or white (”it was the bbq sauce”, “you’re eating too much” or “you’re working out too much”). Our bodies are just too complex for that kind of minimization. Anyways, I’m sure others can weigh in here too. There’s so much experience on these forums :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I agree that you could be building muscle. Measurements might help allay your concerns.

I had my bypass 2 days after you. I don't mean this as a criticism at all, but I am wondering how you can eat 4-5 oz of chicken? The most I can get down is 2 boiled eggs, or half a can of chili (200g). In terms of your Protein it's a good thing, especially since you are working out so much. Calories probably don't matter too much either, even though i think that's more than a standard serving size.

When's your next visit with the nutritionist? I'm curious what they might say?

Hang in there!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

39 minutes ago, mcipanda said:

Im sorry the Facebook group was so harsh. Maybe everyone is having a rough week or something. I’d brush them off :)

I’ve learned the body needs a base level of Protein to function and more if you want to build muscle while working out. Based on what you’ve said, it’s possible you need more Protein to support your workouts.

You didn’t mention Vitamins or supplements. Are you getting all of those in as well?

The sleuth in me would keep a daily journal (for at least a week) of everything you’re eating and an honest assessment of calories and such. I’d also start taking body measurements with a cloth tape because you could be trimming up even though the scale isn’t moving much.

Finally, make sure you have a dietician or time to review your food journal with your doctor so you can work together to understand what combination of macros would be best for your new lifestyle.

Im always a little bothered when people try to sum things up in black or white (”it was the bbq sauce”, “you’re eating too much” or “you’re working out too much”). Our bodies are just too complex for that kind of minimization. Anyways, I’m sure others can weigh in here too. There’s so much experience on these forums :)

I'm getting my multi and Calcium as my team prescribed. I keep a journal on baritastic and I have a follow up with my surgeon next week. I do think I've lost .. girth? I've had to tighten my pants up (been wearing jeans with a drawstring since surgery). It's just been hard seeing everyone lose so much more in the same time, ya know?

19 minutes ago, Jonathan Carlson said:

I agree that you could be building muscle. Measurements might help allay your concerns.

I had my bypass 2 days after you. I don't mean this as a criticism at all, but I am wondering how you can eat 4-5 oz of chicken? The most I can get down is 2 boiled eggs, or half a can of chili (200g). In terms of your Protein it's a good thing, especially since you are working out so much. Calories probably don't matter too much either, even though i think that's more than a standard serving size.

When's your next visit with the nutritionist? I'm curious what they might say?

Hang in there!

I've been following the surgeon and dieticians plan, they say at this point that's how much I should be getting and taking 30 minutes to eat it. Admittedly I don't always finish the whole meal, so my pups have been very happy about it. I think I'll try to get more protein though, maybe switch to just powdered in the coffee instead of pre-made shakes.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yeah, avoid the Facebook groups. I’ve never heard of or read a favourable or supportive one ever. I don’t go near them.

One thing you can be certain of is that everyone’s experiences will have some similarities but also differences & there’s no one right way just a right way for you.We are different people, with different bodies, ages, gender height, build, needs, health status & issues, on different meds, etc. so it can’t be exactly the same. Look at the advice & suggestion people give here as ideas for you to consider, maybe try &/or discuss with your medical team.

I’m glad you’re seeing your surgeon soon. They’re going to be best placed to assess your progress in relation to you & your situations & needs. And have a chat with your dietician as well for alternative food suggestions & portion recommendations - you never know what may help. And yes, take body measurements. The scale doesn’t always move especially during a stall which you could have had or be experiencing (they usually last 1-3 weeks).

PS - Two eggs at 7 weeks?? I could just about eat one by 6 months & at almost 4 years I can almost eat two eggs. See lots of differences. Neither right or wrong. 😁

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If you're into bodybuilding, then you know that muscle is heavy. If you're going to be lifting weights, you have to let go of the scale. Go by your size (and it sounds like you're getting smaller). Why does your weight matter? If you're not wanting to be skinny, but you want to be muscular, then the scale means nothing. Your measurements mean everything. Remember, a bodybuilder can easily be classified as "overweight" on the BMI chart, but have very little body fat. So, stay off the scale. Stay in the measuring tape. As long as you're seeing progress, you're doing the right thing.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Totally agree- go by measurements— and take some pictures. Compare that vs scale.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

On 3/20/2023 at 7:58 AM, Sigh said:

Totally agree- go by measurements— and take some pictures. Compare that vs scale.

On 3/19/2023 at 11:05 PM, Jeanniebug said:

If you're into bodybuilding, then you know that muscle is heavy. If you're going to be lifting weights, you have to let go of the scale. Go by your size (and it sounds like you're getting smaller). Why does your weight matter? If you're not wanting to be skinny, but you want to be muscular, then the scale means nothing. Your measurements mean everything. Remember, a bodybuilder can easily be classified as "overweight" on the BMI chart, but have very little body fat. So, stay off the scale. Stay in the measuring tape. As long as you're seeing progress, you're doing the right thing.

Solid solid point. I think I just expected to still lose weight while gaining muscle, I have been pretty rotund so I wanted to be able to see muscle as opposed to just my own roundness. I have decided I'm not going to weigh myself till next month and maybe check every two weeks after that.

On 3/19/2023 at 10:23 PM, Arabesque said:

Yeah, avoid the Facebook groups. I’ve never heard of or read a favourable or supportive one ever. I don’t go near them.

One thing you can be certain of is that everyone’s experiences will have some similarities but also differences & there’s no one right way just a right way for you.We are different people, with different bodies, ages, gender height, build, needs, health status & issues, on different meds, etc. so it can’t be exactly the same. Look at the advice & suggestion people give here as ideas for you to consider, maybe try &/or discuss with your medical team.

I’m glad you’re seeing your surgeon soon. They’re going to be best placed to assess your progress in relation to you & your situations & needs. And have a chat with your dietician as well for alternative food suggestions & portion recommendations - you never know what may help. And yes, take body measurements. The scale doesn’t always move especially during a stall which you could have had or be experiencing (they usually last 1-3 weeks).

PS - Two eggs at 7 weeks?? I could just about eat one by 6 months & at almost 4 years I can almost eat two eggs. See lots of differences. Neither right or wrong. 😁

Yeah, Im thinking I'll leave the groups. Seeing other peoples posts and the responses in them is really disheartening.

I will say that I took a picture at the gym and compared it to my 1 week pre-op picture and I can definitely see a difference (I'll attach it cause Im so pleased)! I'm still going to talk to my doctor next Monday and get his opinion to make sure I'm going about things the correct way.

336432804_5834577059987004_4045890112930014803_n.thumb.jpg.27ddac8dd20500e7820c57820a13b807.jpg

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Wow, very noticeable difference!! Nicely done and I hope you find that visual progress encouraging! 😁

A few thoughts- 1) you've just passed a month since major surgery and your body is working hard to recovery, repair and get you back out there to your active life 🤗 I'm just a couple weeks from my bypass and working on talking to myself/honoring my body, sometimes with humor 😅 but acknowledging "my body is amazing, and strong, look how well I'm recovering", stuff like that. 2) your food plan looks good to me 3) while you can't actually build brand new muscle without being in a calorie surplus, I wouldn't be surprised if getting back to working out after a lull could cause some micro tissue tears and some Water retention 4) need new scale batteries?

Lastly, I don't know if you'd have access to one somewhere, but a BodPod uses air displacement (something like that) to accurately measure fat vs non-fat. It was so enlightening to me to see that pre -surgery, I legitimately could burn 3000 cals on an active day, even at 5'4 😅 because of my build. Anyhow, I just needed to know that, so when the scale wasn't moving I could say "science!!" If I'm eating 500 cals and burning even just 2000, I will eventually see it on the scale or tape measure. The body is just going to process weight loss and healing in its own sweet time.

All that to say, it must really be disheartening to not see the numbers change after all your hard work and I hope you find some answers. Maybe for now frame your loss since Christmas or New Year's, because you've lost so much! Good luck to you!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Way to go! That is a BIG difference and you should be VERY proud of your accomplishments—remember they’re areMANY ways to win aside from a number on the scale! You are killing it! Congratulations and keep up the greatwork!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Looking great. Looking at the pic, it looks like you have lost like 40 lbs. I would check your scale if it's broken lol. Either way, congratulations and good work.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You look like you are standing taller! Posture can even make you look younger. You also look more firm. You’re doing great! The scale will catch up to you eventually.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

6 hours ago, RaiderRhode said:

Solid solid point. I think I just expected to still lose weight while gaining muscle, I have been pretty rotund so I wanted to be able to see muscle as opposed to just my own roundness. I have decided I'm not going to weigh myself till next month and maybe check every two weeks after that.

Yeah, Im thinking I'll leave the groups. Seeing other peoples posts and the responses in them is really disheartening.

I will say that I took a picture at the gym and compared it to my 1 week pre-op picture and I can definitely see a difference (I'll attach it cause Im so pleased)! I'm still going to talk to my doctor next Monday and get his opinion to make sure I'm going about things the correct way.

336432804_5834577059987004_4045890112930014803_n.thumb.jpg.27ddac8dd20500e7820c57820a13b807.jpg

You're looking fantastic! Keep up the great work!

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

    ×