Goal on the horizon question!

Hello Lightweights!

It has been a long time since I have posted here. I am usually lurking or posting on the VSG forum.

I am 2 pounds away from my personal goal of 145. My doctor does not believe in giving patients goal weights. Last month I saw the doctor and she declared me to be at her "goal" when I was 157.

I am 5'5,39 and small framed. I want to lose a bit more in case of "bounceback" (which seems to be a bit different with vsg-vs-rny) do I go 5 or ten pounds under? I really don't want to go too far down because I want to keep some curves--have to keep hubby happy.

At 4'11" and 62, I would have been happy anywhere in "normal" or 124.  But my body decided 111-115 was better and went to there.  I have pretty much stayed there with no specific changes in how I am eating except I know I am more relaxed about it than before.  I'm RNY so maybe some VSG can tell you what they wanted for bounceback.  Congrats on your success. 

 My surgeon says that with Sleeve compliance there should be no more than 5 pound bounce back.  He thinks that even that is a high estimate.  He believes that eating protein first, 3x a day with no snacking should keep us at goal for life.  He definitely thinks that any gain with VSG is from choices of what I eat.  That's a good challenge to live with my sleeve as it was intended.

I'm seeing him this month for my two year follow up.  It should be a fun conversation.

Another surgeon in the group said making it with no gain in months 18-24 is a good indicator for long term success.  yay!

That is what I have been told, although, I don't agree with the no snacking part. I think planned snacks are okay due to the increased gastric emptying that occurs with the sleeve. Ask him about that. It is a real thing and I was told not to go more than 4-5 hours (or was it 3-4 hours?) without eating a planned meal.

Congratulations on your two year anniversary!!! You have accomplished an incredible amount in the past two years. I hope that you feel proud of yourself. Watching you along this journey has been inspirational to me.

Gail

Hi Gail, I've discussed the snacking with the two surgeons that were with me during my surgery, Dr. Baggs and Dr. Fisher.  Kaiser is holding firm to the no snacking law that they have imposed on all WLS patients.  When I discussed at my 1 year post op appointment, I told Dr. Baggs that I was having a string cheese at 4pm because when I got home at 5-6 I was working out and having dinner at 7-8.  He told me that a string cheese at year one would likely become more at years 2-3-4 etc.  He said to knock it off and eat my dinner at 4pm if I had to instead of having the snack.

As you well know, I have not done well with no snacks.  I generally have a planned snack once a day, but I can really see how it takes a lot of discipline to not allow it to grow to more recreational eating.  I really really really want to maintain what I've tried hard to achieve over the last two years, so while I might snack, I try very hard to listen to the guidance of my surgeons as they have a lot more experience with long term success that I pretend to have.

All of my food knowledge and expertise in dieting sent me into my WLS consult at 249.8 and ended me up on the OR table.  I never want to look back with regret that I didn't try harder to avoid the dreaded bounce back.

Well, I generally agree with no unplanned snacking, but if I eat lunch at 12-1PM and go exercise after work, I need some fuel. At Fremont, the dietitians recognize that it is difficult to get all our protein in at one meal, especially in the early months. They said that if I have something left from a meal, I can use that food as a planned snack and their menus reflect that. The key is PLANNED, to prevent grazing. I don't mindlessly eat like I used to. I think the 3 meals/day is to prevent the mindless eating/grazing/snacking.

If I ate dinner at 4 pm, worked out, and didn't eat again until the morning, it would be very, very hard on my metabolism and my body.

I totally agree with the the surgeon's recommendations, but I really don't think that it is very practical for someone who exercises a great deal, including weight training.

When I started this journey, I told myself that I would follow medical advice and for the most part, I have been true to the advice. I have days and moments, when I'm not, but I am certainly not perfect. I follow medical advice, for the same reasons that you do, we don't want the weight regain nor do we ever want to regret not doing everything possible to maintain our weight loss.

I track my food and stay within a specific caloric range, although, that can vary on some days.

There are differences between the different programs. Also, there is increased gastric emptying for many sleeve patients. Ask your surgeon about that. Also, reactive hypoglycemia has been seen in sleeve pts. Another reason to always eat protein with your meals and not to go hours without eating. I think I was told not longer than 4-5 hours. I have to check on that one, RH is very real and has been documented in 3 cases by the Bariatric Internist in Fremont. She also heard about it, at a recent conference that she had attended.

Hope to see you soon!!

Congratulations on reaching your 2 year mark successfully!

Gail

Thanks Lee!

I am losing at a good rate so I might now be where my body wants to stop-or even close to it. I just don't want to mess up during the easiest time to lose post op.

Price-you are so tiny! Is it hard finding clothes? I am in some 4's and 6's (can get in a 2 dress depending on the cut). I'm liking the losing stage a lot!

I agree with Lee. I am almost 18 months out from the VSG and have been maintaining within a two pound window since mid-April.

I'm tiny like Price and have some problems finding pants that fit. I can wear some Girl's size 14 and I know Price has had a similar experience with finding clothes to fit. Tops aren't really a problem, since I am broad shouldered.

I think "bounceback" is more metabolic with the RNY surgery than with the VSG, since we don't have the malabsorption component.

Big Congratulations on your success!!

gail

thanks but actually, I am large boned, sounds funny at 4'11".  I have a few 4s but mostly 6s and some 8s.  Small or petite small tops and dresses. 

Wow thanks ladies!

I am vigilant about the rules, so I plan on sticking to the rules and getting the vitamins, protein and water in. To lose and be able to maintain the weight loss is my main focus