Leah,
I have run into that dilemma. Unfortunately, the surgeons and nutritionists don't really know what to do. You will get a lot of wonderful advice and suggestions, and they are all good...but for the most part, if you continue past your ideal weight, you are in for a fight.
There appears to be a strong correlation between following the post-surgery diet almost perfectly and losing too much weight. LOL. Our big catch 22. They tell us, don't eat this and that so we don't...then 6 months later, we can't, and the weight keeps falling off. Wouldn't it have been nice if we could turn back the clock a few years and eat the way we eat now? We wouldn't have a weight problem!!! I work at a hospital...they love to joke with me about it.
No way in heck can I eat even 1000 calories. Not happening and I have given up trying. It makes me sick, it hurts, and I end up laying on the bed for an hour wanting to just die. So...just a thought..here is what I have decided to do.
I have to gain 20-25 lbs back.
(I've never heard of the 20# thing except from people that gain and gain and gain. Honestly, all, I think it's an excuse. I could be wrong, but being in the situation, I don't buy into that theory. I watch carefully how other post-op people eat and they are gaining because they are eating or drinking beer and wine - saying well it's light so it's okay. Pffft. It's not okay. So...like I said, I could be wrong big time, but I don't think so.)
I'm just out of the hospital for low potassium. So I'm a bit on the recovery side of things right now. But, I am not waiting to get some weight back on...so just an fyi, this is what seems logical to me, based on my body and how it's changed...
I just got out last night, so gave myself a break today on this...my regime begins in the morning. (taking a deep breath here)
Protein builds muscle. So, I know I have to take in 70g more than the average person...that's 2 shakes a day. So I am having 70g of protein. I don't want to because it makes me feel ill, but...I have to do it. One in the a.m., one at night. I will probably use 6 oz water and make the shake thicker (ick). No additives this go round. I am seeing it as a must to survive. I will drink the shakes.
Walking. I am starting off walking around town every day. Granted, our town is just over a mile long and maybe 1/4 mile wide, so on a good day, I can walk maybe 2.5 miles. LOL. I figure I can zig zag through the neighborhoods to get more distance in.
After 2 weeks, I figure 2 weeks of protein and walking daily, I should have some strength back in my legs and so I will begin working out on my bowflex. Every other day, I will be on that thing...continuing the protein and potassium, and all other vitamins; walking every day and working out 3 x week. The protein works with the muscles and puts on muscle mass. Thus I will weigh more; and probably look better!!!
Taking all the information my nutritionist has given me, adding what information I gather from this site and from others, I know I need to increase my food intake. If I am increasing exercising and my muscles begin to build, I will be able to burn off more calories so am going on the theory that I should be able to eat more calories; thus killing 2 birds with 1 stone, so to speak.
I could be totally off on this, but I don't think I am too far off, if at all. The thing is...you know your body. I love my surgeon, I love my post-op physician, my nutritionist is an angel...but they don't "know" my body. They know what the books tell them. They know what people tell them. I am the one in this body. I know it better than anyone else; as does everyone here. We are the experts now. It is time for us to learn to control our bodies and treat them with great respect.
I look forward to changing my weight on here to reflect 135. That would be WONDERFUL! I figure maybe 2 months to gain some back..hopefully 20 lbs. Maybe that's the infamous 20lbs?????
Regardless, I am giving it a go!
Congratulations again! I wish you the very best in your efforts.
Be strong, be happy, be yourself!
Life is good.