Question:
A question for post-ops on metabolism

Does your metabolism change as a result of RNY? I am reading posts of 2+ years out that are regaining weight, and some of them talk about gaining weight eating 1200 calories per day. Wouldn't a "normal" person that did not have WLS be able to eat 1200 calories per day without gaining weight? This is just an example. Could be 800 or 1400. The point is, pre-WLS most would lose on 1200 per day, why do you not later?    — Denise B. (posted on July 17, 2003)

July 17, 2003
This is the reason I keep telling people about the DS! Thanks to not absorbing much fat, we don't regain more than a few pounds; we also have fully functioning stomachs, which is a real blessing. Check out duodenalswitch.com and http://groups.yahoo.com/group/duodenalswitch/ and feel free to email me.
   — Chris T.

July 17, 2003
I think that there are several variables to this. I have crashed my metabolism before by going on a starvation diet. As a matter of fact, that's why I gained all my weight in the first place. The truth is that any time you put your body into starvation mode, it will lower your metabolism to hang onto every last ounce it can. I was very careful to not let myself get into that mode. Once I got past the first couple of weeks, I kept my calories steady at 800-1000 per day. When my capacity and appetite increased at about 6 months out, I ate more food because my body needed it. I eat every few hours to keep my metabolism steady. And I make sure that I eat properly (protein first, then fruits & veggies, then other stuff if I have room). I haven't exercised formally throughout every phase of my wls journey, but I do stay active. I lost all my weight in 10 1/2 months. I have been at the same weight for over a year. And guess what: I eat about 2000 calories a day. I think it depends on careful management of your metabolism. You have to eat right and that doesn't just mean eat the right things but also to eat them when you need to and in amounts that are good for your body. If you starve it by inadequate food intake or overzealous exercise, it will rebel. Your pouch allows you to strike a bargain with your body, but you have to keep up your end of the deal and FEED IT.<p>BTW, you can have just as many problems regardless of the type of surgery you have if you don't eat right. ALSO realize that you'll have to take the supplements you need (for RNY that is multivit with iron, sublingual B-12, and calcium CITRATE) for the rest of your life. Hope this helps!
   — ctyst

July 17, 2003
My nutritionist told me that 1500 calories a day is typical maintenance weight for the RNY, in her experience. That sounded a bit low to me, but I figured, well, okay, if that's what it takes. After I got to goal, I noticed I was still losing on 1500 calories a day. As it turns out, like Cheri, I can eat 2000 calories a day and seem to do just fine on that (with exercise).
   — Suzy C.

July 17, 2003
I wish I knew the answer, but your inquiry seems correct. Why can we gain wait post-op with 1200 calories when before we could've lost on that forever. I eat 1100-1300 calories a day now at 15 months post-op. I am still losing very very slowly. I will not increase this amount- why? Because I fear for that 2 or 3 yr wall that so many seem to hit. I can't give you an answer for your question, all I can say is that as long as you're eating mostly healthy and exercising modrately, you should be ok. And from the people I've talked to who have gained weight eventually- they can usualy pinpoint what they were doing wrong. ANd anyone can say RNYis better, or DS or lap-band. Truth is- they all have their faults and advantages, and everyone is different. ANyone can gain weight with any WLS if they aren't careful, not saying to diet, but just realize it truly is a tool and you must work with it. As for me, I pray that what I do (protein first- 75-80grams daily, 80oz water, exercise, 1200 calories daily and I do have snacks but don't graze) will keep me at 125lbs. forever- I believe the key to it is moderation. Goodluck to you :-)
   — Lezlie Y.