Hi, looking for some advice, ive had a gastric band for 11 years and had it removed last month due to complications. Im struggling to loose any weight now. Im on a calorie restriction deficit now on 1400 cals per day & not loosing anything. Any advice would be greatly appreciated

The more I read up on nutrition, the more I'm becoming convinced that calorie restriction is not the way to approach weight loss. It actually sets us up for failure and yo-yo dieting. You need to reset your metabolic set point by choosing the right foods and listening to your body for signs of when to stop eating as opposed to counting numbers.

When I reached my highest weight last summer, I found the Pound of Cure book by Dr. Matthew Weiner, and this greatly changed my thinking. I started following his program and lost 13lbs slowly and steadily, and without counting a single calorie or macro. Of course, surgery has helped tremendously, but the months I was just following Pound of Cure guidelines, I never felt hungry or deprived. His YouTube channel has hundreds of videos to help get you started. The book is really cheap on Amazon, and there are no soecial products or supplements you have to buy. Just healthy, real food.

Anyway, my advice would be to start there and see if it helps.

4 hours ago, Pamela11 said:

Hi, looking for some advice, ive had a gastric band for 11 years and had it removed last month due to complications. Im struggling to loose any weight now. Im on a calorie restriction deficit now on 1400 cals per day & not loosing anything. Any advice would be greatly appreciated

how much do u weigh currently?

18stone 3lb

oops sorry also forget to ask ur height?

Im 5,1

If I’m calculating right that’s 255 lbs so at 5’1 that’s a bmi of 48.2. Have you considered another surgery? I agree the pound of cure book is great and may help you lose some but my experience at the higher bmi it’s pretty unlikely to get down to a healthy weight without help. Especially if you have metabolic issues related to your weight, surgery may be something to consider. Regardless, you may have to cut your calories below 1400 Depending on age and activity level. Have you talked to a nutritionist?

Edited May 2, 20242 yr by ShoppGirl

I was scheduled for gastric sleeve shortly after band had been taken out, but my consultant left. Now the hospital saying they cant see the funding package that has been put in place, thought id try myself in mean time but just not shifting the pounds. Im eating alot more than i use to but eating the right things & keeping within calories .

6 minutes ago, Pamela11 said:

I was scheduled for gastric sleeve shortly after band had been taken out, but my consultant left. Now the hospital saying they cant see the funding package that has been put in place, thought id try myself in mean time but just not shifting the pounds. Im eating alot more than i use to but eating the right things & keeping within calories .

I’m sorry you have encountered an obstacle. Hopefully that will get sorted out soon. Are you very active? I ask because 1400 calories may not be low enough to lose if you are not. I really would suggest speaking with a dietician to see if you need to decrease calories or increase your activity.

Edited May 2, 20242 yr by ShoppGirl

I have some mobility issues unfortunately, i do have an exercise bike & try to use that every other day. Ill go to my gp and ask to speak to dietitian. Thank you for your time & help x

1 minute ago, Pamela11 said:

I have some mobility issues unfortunately, i do have an exercise bike & try to use that every other day. Ill go to my gp and ask to speak to dietitian. Thank you for your time & help x

Of course. I am by no means an expert. I never spoke with a dietician except about the post surgery diet so I could be wrong but I’m thinking 1400 may be a little high for weight loss if your not very active. The dietician should be able to give you an exact goal.

I can add that if you focus on protein it may be helpful to cut your snacks if you eat those. Based on my experience after the sleeve and from my experience with the dietician while I am pending revision I have been recently focusing on protein first and keeping carbs low and it keeps me full longer and I am losing a little. Basically I am eating just lean meat, veggies and a little fruit. I think it’s the fiber that makes you full faster and the protein that keeps you full longer. I have a protein shake in the morning with my coffee for breakfast and then eat my breakfast for lunch (egg white omelet) and usually chicken or fish for dinner with veggies. This seems to be working for me, I am losing very slowly.

Its frustrating as i dont eat that much during day, i have a slim fast bar for breakfast & a coffee, protein shake for lunch & usually some grapes or strawberries, dinner is usually a calorie controlled ready meal or meat or chicken. Followed by a fat free yogurt x

57 minutes ago, Pamela11 said:

Its frustrating as i dont eat that much during day, i have a slim fast bar for Breakfast & a coffee, Protein Shake for lunch & usually some grapes or strawberries, dinner is usually a calorie controlled ready meal or meat or chicken. Followed by a fat free yogurt x

The concern I would have (though I am not a dietician) is that slim fast bars and protein shakes are more "food-like substances" than actual food. Processed foods, even "diet" ones, can cause metabolism issues, and this feels almost punishing. Maybe you could try to find more satisfying, healthier options? You might try scrambling 2 eggs blended with some cottage cheese and a big handful of frozen chopped spinach for breakfast with a small serving of fruit, and a big salad of mixed veg topped with rotisserie chicken, black beans, and fresh salsa for lunch. Make sure the meat or chicken is being served with plenty of non-starchy veg, too.

And don't ignore a good night's sleep and plenty of hydration. If you take prescription meds, check if any of them have weight gain as a side effect.

I do agree that surgery is most likely going to be needed as soon as you can get it sorted because losing and maintaining that amount of weight is almost impossible without the metabolic changes that come with surgery.

I agree 100% thank you to everyone for their help & thoughts. I will try more eggs, chicken & definitely need to drink more water. 3 of my medications cause weight gain :-( im also asthmatic so excersise can be tricky. Along with being a fussy eater. X