Can’t Get to My Goal Weight

[LoriM13 3]

Hi all! I’m 18 months post op from my VSG and I’m still 24 pounds out from my goal weight. My highest weight was 313 and surgery day I was 289. I’m currently 204. I was able to get down to 197 a few months ago but I have gained some back. I’m battling constant hunger. I have been strength training a lot the past 6 months, which at first I attributed to my increase in hunger, but the past 2 months it’s gotten out of control. I eat anywhere between 100-130 grams of Protein a day. Drink 120 ounces of Water a day. Take my Vitamins. I just can’t shake this hunger, which in turn makes me have bad food choices, usually later at night. Has anyone else struggled with this at this point in their journey? And what advice do you have? I’m terrified of weight gain and desperately want to reach my goal!

[Arabesque 7,612]

First, congratulations on your weight loss. It’s a fabulous achievement - please remember that.

The hard truth is not everyone gets to their goal weight. Your goal weight is a number you chose for various reasons significant to you but your body has it’s own goal weight - its set point. This is the weight your body is happiest at. It is a weight that’s easiest to maintain & your body will keep pulling you back to. Your set point is what makes it hard to lose weight & easy to put back on any you did lose back. The surgery lowered your set point from what it was but you can’t control what the lower level will be. Be careful as you can increase your set point again by eating to excess & making poor food choices.

Yes, increasing your physical activity & building muscle will increase your hunger. The trick is to balance the hunger with the calories your body needs. Check your basal metabolic rate to give you an idea if what calories your body may need to maintain.

Seeking support from a therapist may help especially with your cravings & late night hunger. Many find therapy very beneficial to support their weight loss & manage their maintenance. Therapy will help you identify what’s behind your cravings & hunger & reflect on your relationship with food. Your surgeon or team should be able to refer you to a suitable therapist (one who specialises in disordered eating & is knowledgeable of bariatric surgery).

All the best.

PS - I found it helpful to get the ‘bad’ food out of my house. If it’s not there I can’t eat it. I know it’s not always possible especially if you have a family but even if you got rid of the your favourites would help. Try to pick a healthier option. Want sweet try some fruit. Want salty or crunchy try roasted fava Beans or chick peas. Of course even ‘good’ food eaten to excess will lead to weight gain.

[catwoman7 11,285]

yes it is tough - and I agree with everything Arabesque says. It's a struggle just to maintain my weight (eight years out). I try to eat Fiber, healthy fats, and plenty of Protein every day to try to keep from getting too hungry (all three are filling). I also keep sugar free popsicles, sugar free Jello, and raw vegetables around (and fruit, too - although that has more calories) so that there are "safer" things to eat if I can't control my hunger. But I know it's still a challenge.

Edited June 21, 2023 by catwoman7

[Jeanniebug 476]

Welcome!

Like everyone else, we still have to diet and exercise to lose the weight. The surgery is just a tool that gives us a little extra help to be able to do that.

At my initial consultation, my surgeon made it clear that I might not lose all the weight. He also told me that obesity is like cancer, it wants to come back. He said that if I do regain, then there are medications that can help. But, he did warn me that this is likely going to be a lifetime battle.

So, you're in good company. A lot of people continue to struggle, after surgery.

[LoriM13 3]

My surgeon did mention that I may be at my set weight point. I was 220 my freshman year in high school and was extremely active in sports and ate very well. So my surgeon said I should be very proud and happy with where I am. So I’m trying to remain positive as much as I can I’m just discouraged a little bit. I’m trying my best to stay on track. I work out everyday and have a very active job so that’s not an issue for me. It’s all about the hunger and not making the best choices sometimes. Thank you all for your input!

[maintenanceman 287]

I wonder if you're eating enough? Do you know what your daily calorie intake is? If you're ravenously hungry, your body is trying to tell you something.