i know i SHOULD know but...

[mermaid2708]

...those of us who have had gastric bypass...i know we are happy the weight is coming off, but how does it stop when we get to the weight we want??? people keep asking me and i dont know what to say!!!

 

[phatgirl]

Well, it is simple. If you reach your desired weight and the weight is still coming off, you can increase your calories a little until you stop losing weight. Additionally, you can increase your simple carbs a bit, that will usually stop weight loss. However, this is *rarely* a problem. You must consider that surgeons advise you can expect to lose 70% of your excess weight after bypass. Many (me included) have set our goals at our 'ideal' weight according to BMI which would be 100% of excess weight lost. Your weight loss will eventually slow down and stop (somewhere between 1-2 years post-op) all by itself. People who have reached their goal weight and wish to stay at that weight after their body adapts may find that they have to work a bit to maintain the loss. I wouldn't worry about trying to stop your losses until after 1-2 years. At that point your pouch will have stretched some and you will have grown more intestinal villi to compensate for your shorter intestines so you absorb more of what you eat. That is why you will sometimes hear doctors and long term bypassers say that year 3 & 4 are the tough ones and the time when weight can fly back on.

Hope that helps,
Nic

 

[farzu]

Thanks Hun, that was a great piece of info.

 

[Sambucca]

Great question Mermaid, and fantastic response as always Nic. Cant rep ya... sorry.

 

[shelbell]

For me its meant eating more, and eating more carbs. Breaking some of the post op rules like drinking with meals etc. It's quite tricky finding the balance and takes a bit of practice. It's a good idea to allow a few pounds that you would be ok losing after your goal.

 

[topsy]

Really good question and answer - thank you

 

[mermaid2708]

Well, it is simple. If you reach your desired weight and the weight is still coming off, you can increase your calories a little until you stop losing weight. Additionally, you can increase your simple carbs a bit, that will usually stop weight loss. However, this is *rarely* a problem. You must consider that surgeons advise you can expect to lose 70% of your excess weight after bypass. Many (me included) have set our goals at our 'ideal' weight according to BMI which would be 100% of excess weight lost. Your weight loss will eventually slow down and stop (somewhere between 1-2 years post-op) all by itself. People who have reached their goal weight and wish to stay at that weight after their body adapts may find that they have to work a bit to maintain the loss. I wouldn't worry about trying to stop your losses until after 1-2 years. At that point your pouch will have stretched some and you will have grown more intestinal villi to compensate for your shorter intestines so you absorb more of what you eat. That is why you will sometimes hear doctors and long term bypassers say that year 3 & 4 are the tough ones and the time when weight can fly back on.

Hope that helps,
Nic

wow...what a great, easy to understand reply...thanks hun x

 

[fat-girl-slim08]

Great answer, I always find it tricky to answer this, so Thankyou