Question Below Submitted By:
I lost 100 lbs the first year after gastric bypass surgery, then I stopped losing weight. I was eating the wrong food, but now I am back on track and trying to lose the rest (about 40 pounds). While I’m not gaining any weight back, I can’t seem to lose the rest.
Please help,
Damaris
Hi Damaris,
Weight loss after weight loss surgery is not a straight line. Many people gain and lose until they figure out that their old patterns of behavior don't work with the surgery and they need to change and make the necessary lifestyle modifications.
I'm not sure what your BMI or weight was/is before or after surgery, age, health conditions, follow up with your Bariatric surgeon, exercise, nutritional level, or caloric intake are currently.
Therefore, I can answer your question in a general way.
First, I want to congratulate you on the 60 lbs you lost already! More importantly, I want to congratulate you on recognizing your eating habits and making such a change to lose so much weight after initial regain, well done. You really should be proud of what you have accomplished.
To help you along the way moving forward, if you haven't been doing these things I would suggest you start:
1. Make sure you have follow up with your Bariatric surgeon, really important so you can benchmark where you were with where you are now and make sure your goals are healthy and realistic and your nutritional level is sound.
2. Exercise is such an integral part of the weight loss after surgery that many people neglect. Exercise and movement is necessary to get the metabolism going and increase stamina and improve health. Choose an exercise you enjoy and can commit to it. Try a variety of activities, like walking, swimming, weights, etc. whatever you feel you can do! Be modest and realistic , 30-45 minutes 4-5 times per week. Please be sure to consult with your doctor and make sure you are ok to exercise if you haven't been. Start slow and be patient.
3. Emotions matter! Understand that as human beings we eat and drink for reasons other than hunger and thirst. We eat and drink even when not hungry many times and eat beyond fullness. It's really important to address the emotional eating and addictive behavior. Understanding why you eat and related patterns is important.
Consider counseling and support groups if you haven't already been participating in this. It's really helpful to be with other people who have had surgery. Recovery from addictive behavior is a life long process and responds very well to support from others who are also in recovery.
4. Keep a journal of all of what you are doing, eating, and feeling. This helps to keep you on track, provides you with insight into your patterns and keeps you honest with yourself.
You are more than half way there, keep going. :)
Nadia
DISCLAIMER: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the details provided. The above should never replace the advice of your local physicians as they have the ability to evaluate you in person.
Related Pages:
- Weight Gain After Bariatric Surgery
- Weight Gain After Gastric Bypass Surgery - Bariatric Diet (What you eat)
- Bariatric Eating (How you eat)
- Weight Loss Surgery Support
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Patient Responses to the Question Above
september 2012
by: Sandie Selby
I had my surgery September 2012 and in three years I have lost 104 pounds. I have 30 pounds more to lose, so I am in your same boat.
I am going to schedule an appointment with my surgeon. I think my metabolism has adjusted with my caloric intake, so we'll see. I think I am going to have to hit the gym hard.