Question:
At 2 years post-op (BPD/DS) how many carbs/cals should I eat in order to LOSE weight?

I'm 2 years post-op (BPD/DS) and I need to lose another 50-60lbs. I have been a very "slack" post-op eater as I have basically eaten any and everything and still lost over 100lbs (mostly in the first year). Well, now I am 2 years post-op and I want to finally get down to goal. I have very recently (within the last few days) cut out all the junk food and soda, etc. I have upped my protein as well. My question is, at 2 years post-op how many calories and how many carbs a day should I be aiming for in order to LOSE weight? Will the weight come off as slowly now as it does for non-WLS people? Any advice and support from long-term post-op's would be appreciated!    — S M. (posted on April 1, 2003)

March 31, 2003
In a word...EXERCISE. Sweating w/in the first 10 minutes type of exercise. 4-5 days a week. Good luck.
   — Kimberly L.

March 31, 2003
SM. I'm needing the same info as I'm still 30+ pounds from goal at almost 2 years post op. Your not alone.
   — Danmark

March 31, 2003
I would absolutely agree that exercise will be the key! Get your heart rate up, preferably first thing in the morning (but consult a physician before embarking on any exercise program)
   — Patti B.

April 1, 2003
I agree with the exercise and from what I've heard about BPD/DS increasing the protein/fat and cutting the carbs will also increase your weight loss. I'm a distal RNY and we absorb almost ALL our carbs because they are absorbed in the upper part of my intestine that isn't bypassed, the lower part that is more bypassed absorbs the protein/fat so you want to eat more of what is bypassed than what is absorbed - ha! Now, this is my totally non-medical understanding of DISTAL and BPD/DS RNY's. I know myself that my weight loss stalls when I start letting the carbs creep back in BIG time and to get it going again, I cut out the carbs, and increase the protein and exercise, basically Atkins diet - ha! Good luck! Lisa
   — Lisa F.

April 1, 2003
Hey girl, I am totally with you! I am a year and half out, have lost about 110 lbs (the scale keeps yo-yoing due to my eating issues). I am about 25 lbs from goal and am going to be scheduling plastic surgery soon. Hernia repair, abdominoplasty, thigh lift and breast lift. I am also trying to see if I can get brachiplasty for bat wing removal! :) I am hoping that the heria repair/abdominoplasty will help "re-muzzle" me as I have def. become lax and I am totally concerned about the quantitiy I am able to eat. Actually concerned isn't a strong enough word...terrified is better. That monstrously fat woman I was is lurking just below the skin and God, please hear my plea, I can't go back to that. So, why can't I just shut my mouth, control my portions and get my butt to the gym. I guess because as another person responded, this surgery doesn't touch your head and my compulsive food issues are still there. I haven't found a good counseling group and maybe that's part of the problem. I think many people, including myself, "wish" (I use that word on purpose because it's implies a bit of unreality) to just be "normal" after this surgery. Or what we perceive to be normal. Not to obssess about food, how much, in what form, how often, etc. I remember when doing WW Points program, yes it could be fun, but it also triggered all of my obssesive tendencies. Because you spent forever plotting your points, figuring ways to maximize your eating, sharing with someone else so you could eat it all. Yes, that's fun, but the sheer energy invested in food was irritating. Food is already my world, I don't need to add to it. Best wishes! Keep fighting the good fight...though it gets tiring! :)
   — Tracy W.

April 1, 2003
The advice from the other posters is great. Exercise is truly the key for me. As for calories, I think that everyone has a different amount that they can have and not gain weight so to go below that will mean a weight loss. You have to find that amount for you. Use www.fitday.com and you can keep a record of what you eat-that will determine how many calories you are eating now and not gaining weight,and from there you can adjust a few hundred calories down. For most of us, it is 1200-1400, but I know some post-ops that have to have closer to 1700 to maintain. Your off to a great start-you may just find that by cutting out the soda and junk food, and upping your protein and adding some exercise, that may be all you need to get it jumpstarted-a few weeks will tell you if you are on the right track.
   — Cindy R.