How did the transition to maintenance look for you?

[Lisa XO 117]

So, did your weight loss just slow down until it eventually settled and you started maintenance there?

Or did you stop once you reached a weight goal? If so, how did you add calories back to a place you are no longer losing?

I am not near maintenance now. However, I have been wondering about how this works for people.

Thank you for sharing!

[Arabesque 6,494]

My weight just slowed. I reached my goal & thought yay but I kept losing. So I slowly increased my calories as I was able hoping to slow it down. Some of the increased calories came as I was physically able to eat more - eventually more like a regular portion size. I also added Snacks. I was still seeing my dietician so I worked through suggestions with her. I added two more serves of carbs (whole/multi grains), another serve of fruit, nuts, hummus, peanut paste, chia pudding, Protein Bar, etc. My dietician also suggested adding milk powder to my milk to enrich it (for my rolled oats & chia pudding but I found it too sweet).

When I reached goal I was eating about 900 calories. When I finally stopped losing (about 11 months later & a further 11 odd kilos down) I was up to 1300. Now I eat about 1500 to maintain at about a kilo or so heavier weight. And yes I still snack a few times a day.

[maintenanceman 280]

My weight loss progressively slowed down each month post-op. Over time, I needed more calories to be satiated. Finally, at 9 months post-op, the weight loss stopped right at my Ideal Body Weight. I'm currently 14 mo post-op, and I'm still experimenting with how much and what to eat to maintain.

I currently eat about 1800-2000 calories a day. I don't follow a specific diet now, but I try to stay focused on Protein, eating clean, limited (and healthy) snacking. My biggest challenge is grazing. My restriction makes it hard to eat actual meals, so I find myself eating "pieces" of food throughout the day... some cheese here, an apple there, a piece of ham, some greek yogurt, a protein bar, etc. It's working ok for now, but it's something I'm monitoring.

Initially, I was tracking everything I ate, but I don't do that now. I keep a running tab in my head, and I'm trying to get to the point that I can regulate intuitively. I weigh myself every morning. I've regained about a pound from my lowest weight.

Edited April 30, 2023 by losinglosinglosing

[qtdoll 534]

Great question bc I've been wondering about this too! These answers so far have been helpful

[ms.sss 14,699]

I reached goal and decided to stop. I was eating about 800 cals at the time.

i admit it was a little challenging to up my calories...a combination issue with my own stomach restriction and the unanticipated mental block of having to actually eat more.

it took me another 3 or so months (and another 10+ lbs lost) to figure out how many calories i needed to consume to keep my weight steady. it was well over 2000 cals at that time (i exercised alot!) I ate alot of low volume/higher cal foods to get around my restriction.

Fast forward another year or so when my exercise/activity drastically reduced and then had to figure out again what my maintenance calories were. Settled into 1800-2000 and that is where i am at now (am 4.5+ yrs out).

I still track my food intake and weigh myself every morning (which i credit to helping me figure stuff out when a "tweaking" is required.)

[summerset 5,261]

When weight loss stopped I didn't change anything to "enter maintenance". It just happened and I continue to do what I do. *shrug*

[Lisa XO 117]

3 hours ago, ms.sss said:

I reached goal and decided to stop. I was eating about 800 cals at the time.

i admit it was a little challenging to up my calories...a combination issue with my own stomach restriction and the unanticipated mental block of having to actually eat more.

I think this is how it will go for me. I am having a restriction block to upping my calories right now. I am stuck at about 600 calories and need to get up to 800. I am getting better at not waiting for hunger cues and eating on a schedule, so hopefully by my next nutritionist appt, I'll be there.