Question:
Do I gain asthe Dr. says or try to lose more?

The Dr. says put the brakes on and start gaining some weight!. I am 6ft. 3inches and weigh 185 now. The Dr. says he wants me about 210 or 215. What do I do? I am having a real mental problem with this issue. Iam 11 months post-op    — David P. (posted on August 11, 2004)

August 11, 2004
David, I can't answer you question but can provide support. My bariatric surgery wants me to weigh between 140-160. Which is where I am at. My family Dr. wants me to gain weight and weigh 170. I am 5'8". I personally am going with what I feel looks and feels best for me that means being around 150-160. I agree it does get confusing when different doctors tells you different things.
   — jmusser

August 11, 2004
David, It comes down to what you are comfortable at but for me 6'3 and 185 would be way too skinny. I float in the low 190's and am 5'9 and am happy with how I look. The lowest I ever want to go is 180, which I will approach after my next PS. If you don't look anorexic and you are happy then stay where you are at. It really comes down to your bone structure etc. There is no one size fits all answer for this.
   — zoedogcbr

August 11, 2004
There is such a thing as bounceback weight gain. Typically happens 18-24 months post-op. What happens is your body loses rapidly and may shoot past it's set point, then over time it adjusts and you may gain back some pounds to put you at or near that setpoint weight. So I would not actively try to gain weight, b/c then you may end up gaining back too much and want to take some more off. In the mean time, you might try to find a counselor to help you out with the mental aspect. Good Luck.
   — Ali M

August 11, 2004
Which doc wants you tio gain weight? The PCP or surgeon? The danger is if your really skinny and get seriously ill, your body will have no spare resources to draw on. I would be very careful eating to gain stall loss. I did that and now fight regain:(
   — bob-haller

August 12, 2004
Has your weight loss slowed down or are you continuing to lose alot each month? If its just a pound or two here and there don't worry about it, but at 11 months post-op you may be far from finishing losing weight and may have to make some adjustments to slow down or stop the weight loss. What do your friends and family say? How do they think you look? Often times we are not our best judge of how we look-too many years of distorted body images. Choose some friends/family you trust and ask for an honest opinion, and if they agree with the doc, take measures to slow down/stop or even regain a little. There is some natural bounceback for most by 2 years post-op but you don't want to lose so much now you become unhealthy.
   — Cindy R.