6 Month post op visit.. couldnt get any better

I just had my 6 month post op appointment (a little over due but hey, it happens)

My high cholesterol is on its way down, my hypothyroid syndrome is improving, my high blood pressure is non existent, my sleep apnea is getting better, my sugar levels are normal- I am no longer pre- diabetic. My weight is sustaining at 217.

I really need to increase my calories as the dietician said that sustaining a 700-1000 calorie diet puts my body into starvation mode and thus wants to hold on to that stored fat/ sugar and causes the losing of weight to stall.

I also need to increase my activity levels. Walking the dogs isn't enough anymore as my body has become accustomed to that exercise. So all in all, I think I did pretty well.

*hugs to all*

I respectfully disagree with your dietician. Stalls happen. I think at 6 months out 700 - 800 calories is plenty as long as you are eating the right things. Protein first. Are you getting all your water in?

Starvation mode is hogwash, but you have to do what you believe is best for you.

That's wonderful news! You are doing so great! Congrats

Congrats sounds like you're doing well, lots of different opinions on what meal plan 6 + months out should look like, but go with what they're recommending for you and you feel comfortable doing.

I'm happy to say I'm no longer an "insulin dependent" diabetic now, saw my Endo yesterday and she said to stop the basal insulin at night, but that I now should be testing more so I can better track lows. It's gets easier and harder all at the same time.

I figure the main reason we do this is for improved health, exercise is harder to add, as not always easy to find the time, but if you can find something you like to do, maybe zumba or yoga, might make it easier to add more. Of course I'm sure the dogs might enjoy some longer more energetic walks too, especially as the snow flies.

Keep up the good work.

It seems that the Centres all have different advice. Guelph said to me that 650-850 calories during the losing phase. I'm not a tall woman so I was closer to 650 calories. You are in the honeymoon period. Lose as much as you can now because it does become more difficult.

You've done a great job so far, I say pedal to the metal until you reach goal.

Great work Squishy!

there's a lot of disagreement over the whole concept of "starvation mode". Many people on here stick to 600-800 calories the whole time they're in weight loss mode.

I was always a bit higher than average on calories during weight loss mode, but I didn't get up to over 1000 until I was about a year out. But you can always experiment and see...

I am over 50, and I have been on so many diets in my life that I honestly can't count.

But starvation mode does not apply to me. Even now, over 10 years post op.

If starvation mode was real, last year I wouldn't lose weight when I couldn't eat much. My body started consuming my muscles, when my body fat % got very low. I had problem eating last year, the type of food and quantity were affected. After I fixed what was wrong with me, and started eating, I gained weight very quickly.

I lose when I eat little, or don't absorb (i.e - food poisoning, or norovirus). Even as far as I am from WLS - over10 years post op RNY, I can lose weight on low calorie diet as long as I am consistent. Like now. When I gained, I gained too much. I got little bit crazy since I suddenly could eat foods I couldn't for a long time before that. So now - I am slowly losing, not only by changing what I eat, but also how much.

Try higher calories, but be careful you don't sabotage yourself during honeymoon time.

Good luck.

I think everyone is different and lose differently.

I have consistently lost since surgery in January (RNY). Granted for the first little while I was eating no more than 800 calories per day. Now I eat between 1,000 - 1200 calories per day however have been known to go to about 1400 per day. I still lose.

I'm also very active and watch my carbs very carefully and follow the rules.

I went to a support group meeting at the Hospital several months ago where the Head Dietician told us that they were encouraging us to eat more calories earlier as studies showed that increased calories earlier in the process helped to stave off the bounce back regain, i.e., going below goal and then gaining back.

This new thought process gets you to goal, eating a bit more "normally" (whatever that is) sooner, and maintaining better. That's the thought behind the higher calorie counts sooner in the process.

Anyway, just thought I'd throw that out there. :)

Congrats! Always great to have good feed back at your check in time. I have my 6 month in a couple days, mines a little late as well lol. I have tried increasing but I stall. I find I have to stay between 600-650 to lose. I'm 49 and 5'2 so maybe that has something to do with it. Also I think my metabolism is messed up from all the gaining and losing my whole life. Not sure if this is accurate but the bottom line is we all have to do what works for us. I am prepared for them to tell me basically the same thing to which I will smile and nod in agreement. I will keep doing what I know works for me. Good luck and keep us posted if you discover your sweet spot ;)