Question:
After surgurey how does the body know when to stop losing weight?

Everyone asks me this, they think after the initial weight loss, I might become anorexic because I'm not eating much. HELP!!    — Lenore G. (posted on March 11, 2000)

March 11, 2000
From what I understand, there is a "honeymoon period" where we eat little and feel full. For most people that ends. Pouches grow larger, weight stabilizes. I met a man yesterday who had the surgery in August and has lost 155 lbs. He is almost at goal. The doc has him switching to a 'maintenance' diet -- going from 1100 calories a day to 1900 a day. He was pretty optimistic that this was relatively easy to do (I don't know what the maintenance plan entails). I've been on this board almost everyday for 6 months now, and have only heard from 1 person worried that they are losing too much weight, so I'm pretty optimistic that this doesn't happen often. Let's see if anyone with this problem responds.
   — Toni B.

March 11, 2000
The stomach can actually stretch to hold the equ of 1 gallon of food. The very tissue it is made of allows for a good deal of stretch. I had the DS and can say this..we are left with a larger size of stomach that can accomodate a NORMAL meal....not what we considered normal before surgery! I am 3 months post op and I can eat a weight watchers portioned meal...small salad, 2 oz protein and 2-3 tablespooons of whatever else..though I limit carbs the most. If I eat too much, I do feel pressure and I know I did too much. I am better at this as I now can eyeball my portions. My Dr says my stomach will stretch a bit more...but that is all under our control, as is with the RNY. This is only a tool. As far as our old habits...you can work your way through any procedure if you want to. You have to decide how you want to do this...the right way or not. As for the DS, yes, a greater malabsorption level will ensure that pounds are lost or maintained, despite eating a bit more. I actuially like this aspect as I have no real limitations as to what I eat. I love salad and vegetables and I enjoy eating a well balanced meal...something I rarely did before. I feel normal for the first time in years and I am learning what a normal relationship with food is all about. With this comes a higher level of caring for myself..I exercise 5 days a week and I am my own first priority! Thank God or whoever you believe in..just be thankful and respectful of what you now have.Jackie
   — Jackie S.

March 11, 2000
Jackie...great post! Thanks for pointing out that NORMAL is a relative term. When I was pre-op my normal meal might include a 1.5# porterhouse steak, baked potato loaded with everything, ceasar salad and a nice big slice of garlic bread. Oh, and dessert too! :-) Normal for me now would be 2 ounces of steak, a little chunk of potato with some salt and pepper, a little salad, maybe a bite of bread, and a couple of hours later maybe one Girl Scout Thin Mint cookie for dessert. I'm 1 year post op, RNY distal. I enjoy food now more than I did before because it doesn't "rule my life" and I'm getting physically fit, actually working out at a gym!!! I would never darken the door of a gym when I was pre op because I was so ashamed. Also...I'm a gourmet cook, cooking has always been my creative outlet and I enjoy cooking and creating new dishes more than I did when I was pre op. I never, ever use fat-free fake food. I love finding ways to make dishes with wonderful flavor with less fat though. Anyway...thanks for your post! Best regards, Roseann
   — Roseann M.