Will I Lose Weight After Surgery?

Hi all.  I'm struggling here.  I'm scheduled for my VSG on 2/27.  I've been on a pre-surgical diet since mid January.  I've been eating under 800 cal./day--getting over 90 gms. of protein.  I've lost all of 13 lbs.  I have rheumatoid arthritis, take prednisone, and exercise is really difficult.  I've been walking the mall a couple of times a week (I have to sit every couple of hundred yards because of joint pain--and find I can't do anything for several days after). We also purchased a Wii--WOW--that put me in bed for the day!   I've been told to find a water exercise class, which I plan on doing.  I found out I'm 51% body fat, and only 30% muscle.  If I can't gain muscle will I still lose with the sleeve?  I'm a self pay and don't want to waste all that money if surgery isn't going to work!  Is anyone else in this position?  I lost 90 lbs. 3 yrs. ago by eating 800 cal/day and have now put it on back on plus.  Is my metabolism that shot that I maintain weight at 800 calories?  Thanks for any suggestions!

My best,
Susan

Hi Susan - you have done really well to lose 13lbs, and you are taking prednisone as well which is notorious for encouraging some weight gain.   If you have been sitting on 800cals a day for the last 4 weeks, you probably need to mix it up a bit - add a few more on some days and less on others, otherwise your body gets used to your low intake (starvation mode) and hangs on to the weight.

As for losing weight after the sleeve, in my own experience it has been the easiest thing I have ever done in my whole obese life.   Sometimes I have 3 - 4 weeks stalls, but the weight is slowly and constantly tracking downwards and I am now eating between 900 and 1200 cals a day.   I thought my metabolism what totally shot - but now that I understand the pattern of how I, as an individual, am losing with my sleeve, I no longer worry that the weight loss will stop.........Marion

Thanks Marion--I feel a bit better.  I saw the nutritionist today (wasn't too helpful) and I guess I was worrying.  Are you exercising?  I guess I'm scared I won't lose without the heavy exercise.
Thanks again! (And congrats on your loss!)
Susan

thats almost 1/2 a pound a day!  That isnt bad

To be honest, exercise has not been a regular thing in my life since my sleeve, I sometimes walk moderately fast for half an hour, but not that often unless I am away at my beach house.   I swim alot too when I am there.   However, I have found that since my weight loss my stamina when I do go for long walks up and down hills, is incredible, and without lugging that extra weight around I can crack quite a good pace and am starting to enjoy it.     

I can absolutely say that my weight loss would have been much greater if I had incorporated daily exercise into my routine, but if you find it difficult, I would not worry about it - just do what you feel comfortable with

Just do what you can do. If it takes a few days to recouperate, so be it.
The first three weeks, post op, I'd do moderate exercise, next day or so rest. Way pooped out. I'm at six weeks now and it is much better.
You just need to perhaps ride a stationary bike or a bicycle on the quiet streets. Much less stress on the joints.

I applaud you for losing weight while taking Prednisone.  That steroid assists in weight gain.    You're doing gentle exercise now, I think you will continue to lose post op.  There are many on the forum who lost weight for a number of months before beginning exercise.    Yes, weight loss is better with sustained exercise but you have lost pre-op so I expect it to continue.

Will you be taking Prednisone post-op also?  That may affect how much weight you will eventually lose.  But as you lost weight your need for it might decrease.
Best,
Marci

Thanks all for your input!  

Marci--I've been on Prednisone since 1994--first time I ever broke the 200 lb. mark.  I'm changing from Enbrel to Remicade after the surgery and yes, the idea is to wean me off the steroids.  It's a nasty drug.  Fingers crossed, with the weight loss post-surgery, I'll be able to discontinue some 12+ prescription meds.

Marion--I read your blog regarding your visit to lapland--YIKES!  You poor thing.  Thank the stars you're doing well now.  Gives me hope!

Thanks again,
Susan

Never lose hope Susan - if it has worked for me it will for you - and I am nowhere near as rigid in my diet and exercise as many others here.   Good luck!.......Marion

I hope and pray you'll be able to get off of or at least decrease the dosage on the steroids.  My DH takes a different, stronger steroid for a medical condition and while they certainly serve a purpose, they definitely have their side effects as well.  He has been on the slim side of normal all his adult life and is now 25-30 pounds overweight.  He also had to have cataracts removed and he was only 41 at the time.  

I admire your sticktuitiveness with the exercise, especially considering that overdoing it can put you in bed for a day.  I also have to give you your props on your sticking to your restricted pre-op diet of 800 cal/90 protein.  My WLS didn't require a pre-op diet and it's a good thing because I don't know if I could have done it.  You've got more willpower than me, I must say.  ^5 (high five!)

You will lose weight and improve your lot in life.  Congrats on taking the bull by the horns and forging your own path to better health!