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[LeslieH]

SW:259.9 CW:242.4 5’5” 49 years old, female

Hello!

I’m in my 5th week post opt from Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and have lost 17.5lbs. But the last 3 weeks I have only lost a total of 5lb. It’s incredibly frustrating and I know it’s not about the short term, but it’s a long term change. I hear it all the time. But why can’t I accept this and be happy instead of feeling like a failure, frustrated and like this was a lot to go through for unsatisfying results.

I’m hitting my protein (70-80) and water goals (64+) everyday. My daily calories average 500-600. And I walk 30mins a day about 3-4x per week. After next week, I can start to workout, lift weights.

Anyone been in the same boat?

Thank you!

 

[dianeseattle]

Your daily caloric intake may be too low for weight loss. When your body doesn't receive enough calories, it goes into "adaptive thermogenesis," or "starvation response." Your metabolism adjusts so it won't burn too many calories, which are needed for survival. This is a common problem for post-op patients, but it might be a good idea to break out of it by increasing, then decreasing, then increasing, etc. your calories until your body understands you're not really starving. Since a maintenance calorie intake for women is about 1200 calories a day, you've cut your body's "survival need" in half. So your metabolism slowed down to keep you from starving.

It could be something else, but that's the most common reason people stop losing. Tell your doctor and/or nutritionist and see what they advise. You can also add and subtract calories while you wait to see a medical professional. But you shouldn't be counting calories at all. You are not on a diet. You should be eating a normal post-op diet, based on what your nutritionist suggests. They usually send you home with a lot of paperwork explaining how and when you should be eating.

 

[LeslieH]

Thanks for the info! Super helpful.

My nutritionist asks that we count calories on a tracker that they monitor. I assume to make sure we are getting the correct macros and calories. At 5 weeks, she said I need to be between 600-800. I have a very hard time getting into the 600’s because I’m so full. But it’s getting better. I will push to get closer to 800 and see if it helps! Thanks again for the response!

 

[dianeseattle]

You're very welcome. I think the most helpful thing I could suggest would be to increase and decrease caloric intake. That's what your metabolism feels and responds to. I hope you will ask your nutritionist that.

I had my RYGB surgery in 2008. In 13 months I lost 115 pounds. I also started hiking in the mountains and working out at the Y when I wasn't hiking. I've kept the weight off with no problem at all since I hit my goal. I also drink about a gallon of water every day, mostly because I love water. But I only drink spring water or filtered water, no city water.