Good Morning. Metabolism, what we think we know

Metabolism is going to be the topic at our next support group. When I think about what my metabolism was pre-op I use words like busted, broken, burned out, turned off. Now it seems to be more normal and immediately post-op it was burning bright, going full throttle, etc.

How do you think about your metabolism pre-op and post-op? 

--gina

Interesting thought.  I don't think much about metabolism but I do try to do things that are supposedly good for it.

Exercise creates an "after glow" where you continue to burn calories at a higher rate for a while.

Eating more times a day, small meals keeps your metabolism going.

Building muscle, having muscle instead of fat ups your metabolism. 

Eating breakfast kick starts your metabolism.

Let us know if she says those things are true.  As far as before and since surgery, I don't know.  I wasn't burning what I was taking in but that could have been that I was over eating my metabolism, not that it was broken.  I think now I am more in balance.

It will be interesting to hear what she says.

Pre-op my BMR was over 2500 calories a day. I was eating about 1100 (and did food logs for a month as proof. And STILL gaining weight...gained 3 lbs that month).

Immediate post-op it was going full throttle! It's slowed back down now but running much more normal than it ever has.

Liz

Ditto.  I was down to 600-800 calories a day, low carbing, working out 5 times a week and could not lose past 190 lbs.  My doctor didn't know what to do at that point - except tell me not to stop what I was doing or I would balloon up.  Helpful much?

I'm so glad to hear that your metabolism runs more normal after surgery.  I'm hoping mine settles somewhere closer to normal.

I've never thought much about metabolism, but for me it was more thinking about insulin resistance. Can't wait to hear any tips you pick up!

I don't think I can blame my metabolism on my failures pre-op because I loved banana flip cakes, french fries, etc. and I just couldn't diet very long.  My tool helped me with sweets and fats and at 4.5 years out it still helps me make better choices.

SECOND THOUGHT ADDED:  During my 6 month plan before WLS I was on a 1200 calorie diet and only lost 1 pound a month and I was VERY good because I feared not being able to have the surgery.  So I guess that would have been my metabolism failing me.

During past dieting experiences and again after wls it seems to take some time to 'reset' my metabolism and start losing weight. Usually there are a couple of rather frustrating months at the start, but when I get going there's no holding me back!

Before WLS I could lose weight, I just couldn't keep it off.  If I got serious and really watched what I ate and exercised all the time so I don't think mine was broken.  I ate a lot of junk food and ate out almost every meal every day.

I think my metabolism slowed down as I aged.  I find when I exercise it seems to work better.  Never really studied it so those are just thoughts from my wandering mind today....

Linda

I think despite being 259 pounds pre op my metabolism wasn't too bad.  I  stuffed myself with all kinds of carby crap all day long. As much as i was probably eating,  I should have weighed way more. How embarassing to admit.Right now i think it is still pretty good.  I had been losing about 10 lbs a month.  This is the first week i haven't lost any weight. I do eat a good breakfast and exercise 4 to 5 times a week to try to keep it going.

I will be interested to hear what you learn.

 

Anne

Curious tp see what you learn in group Gina.

I would really love to know what my metabolism was over a year ago  as I was using the bodyfit media and would always be in a calorie deficit (I wasnt even a year out of surgery) and was exercising a lot...jogging 10 miles a week with probably another 5 miles of walking and would STILL not lose weight.  I have a feeling I am now even in  a worse place and not exercising as I should .....as have been so, so tired.  Will post about that this weekend when I have more time.  I really think my issue pre-surgery was metabolic syndrome (lose 30 pounds pretty easily and then my body would think I was starving and then my addictive component would kick in with frustration at no more loss) combined with PCOS and my lipedema.  Just so, so frustrating at times and still worrisome to me.

Would LOVE to know my resting metabolic rate now.

Good post!

~Jennifer