How To Push Past A Weight Loss Plateau

How to Push Past a Weight Loss Plateau

Initially after weight loss surgery, it can be fairly easy to lose a significant amount of weight. This is mostly due to the reduced portion sizes and favorable changes in hormones that control hunger and satiety following surgery. However, weight loss can slow down or even stabilize at the 12-18 month post-op mark, as your body adjusts to its new normal.

It’s important to keep in mind that weight, or the number you see on the scale, is influenced by several factors, including fat mass, muscle mass, contents of the GI tract, and water retention. In addition, intake and physical activity also influence weight, so it’s common to see fluctuations in weight and overall weight loss for these reasons.

Although a majority of patients will experience this to some degree after surgery, a weight loss plateau can certainly be worrying or discouraging after you have already come so far. It is fairly common to wonder why weight loss has slowed or stalled and question if something has gone wrong. Keep reading for tips from Trinity Bariatric Institute’s Physician and Registered Dietitian on pushing past a weight loss plateau.

Focus on protein foods first and non-starchy vegetables second. Dietitian Jessica recommends following the bariatric plate method after surgery to ensure that you are meeting your protein needs and getting a variety of vitamins and minerals through different food sources. Once you are consistent with putting adequate protein and non-starchy vegetables on your plate, then you may consider small portions of whole grains or starch. Usually within the first six months after surgery, it is recommended to leave whole grains or starch off of your plate to maximize weight loss and prevent occurrences of food intolerance. After six months, however, most patients can eat 2 tablespoons (only two or three small bites!) of whole grains or starch at one time, but only after you meet your protein and non-starchy vegetable goals first.

Drink enough water. Generally, the recommended amount of daily water intake for most people is 64 ounces or more, especially in hotter environments or with frequent exercise. It is important to wait at least 30 minutes before and after eating to resume drinking. If you struggle with getting enough water in every day, Dietitian Jessica recommends setting reminders to sip water or other zero-calorie, non-caffeinated, non-carbonated fluids throughout the day. If you generally don’t like the taste of water, try adding in fresh fruit or a few drops of a sugar-free liquid sweetener for more flavor, too.

Get adequate sleep and manage stress. Sleep and stress both play a huge role in weight management. Inadequate sleep and high stress levels have been linked to poor nutrition choices and weight regain after bariatric surgery. Dietitian Jessica recommends getting into a regular bedtime routine and finding activities to manage stress, whether it includes meditating, journaling, exercising, seeking additional support from loved ones or a therapist, or even a combination of activities.

Find exercise that you enjoy and be consistent. The goal for consistent exercise is at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week, as recommended by several health organizations. Dr. Dyslin and Dietitian Jessica recommend opting for a combination of cardiovascular exercise and strength training, to get your heart rate up and build muscle mass.

Track your food intake. There are several applications, whether on your computer or phone, to log your daily food intake. Dr. Dyslin recommends using Baritastic, My Fitness Pal, or Fit Bit to track calories and protein. Everyone will have different calorie and protein needs after surgery, which is why an individual approach is important. Dietitian Jessica knows that one size does not fit all, especially when it comes to nutrition. She notes that many of her patients who are most successful both before and after surgery do track their food and beverage intake. It can be really easy to forget about the sips, bites, and snacks throughout the day, but those calories really do add up and could potentially stall further weight loss.

Seek guidance from your Bariatric Surgeon and Registered Dietitian. Discussing your current diet, physical activity level, and weight loss goals with both Dr. Dyslin and Dietitian Jessica is always a great idea. They can offer support and additional ideas for success as you continue to navigate a huge lifestyle change following weight loss surgery.

Call 817-832-7227 to set up your appointments and discuss your health goals in detail.

Article provided by Jessica Wiklund, MS, RD, LD • Registered Dietitian at Trinity Bariatric Institute, PLLC

Resources: https://asmbs.org/patients/life-after-bariatric-surgery

Bariatric Revision Surgery, Am I A Candidate?

Many Americans that have undergone bariatric surgery have complications.  There are many factors that contribute to the why and how a patient has complications.  This could be because the patient’s anatomy has changed over time, they may have had major life changes that caused extreme stress and anxiety, or the surgeon may have used a technique that wasn’t right for their body.

Some patients gain their weight back over time.  It is important to understand that obesity is a chronic disease, you must treat the disease in mind and body to conquer it.  It is important to look at what the patient has gone through since they started gaining the weight back.  Did they have a big life event that caused stress, did they have a job change that makes going to the gym or eating healthy a challenge? Is the patient getting enough protein and still seeing the dietician? Are they taking their vitamins?  Have they come back for follow up visits with their surgeon every year? These are all important factors we look at when trying to see where the patient’s mind and body are and how we can get the patient back on track.

Occasionally a patient’s anatomy plays a huge factor in how they respond to bariatric surgery.  They may develop reflux or start vomiting after eating.  Some patients complain of abdominal pain or port pain from their lap band.  They may stop losing weight completely.  This is more cause for concern and may require surgical changes to adjust to their body’s needs.

Dr. Dyslin is an expert at bariatric revision surgery.  He can offer compassionate care for patients and help them understand what is happening to their body.  He offers lap band removal, band to sleeve, band to bypass, sleeve to bypass and can treat hernia issues due to bariatric surgery.  Don’t suffer another day with your failed surgery, we are here to help.  Make an appointment today by calling 817-832-7227 or schedule online: https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/b1231xd8/.

#lapbandrevision #fixmylapband #lapbandcomplications #bandtobypass #bariatricsurgeryfail #sleevetobypass #weightloss #bariatricsurgery #lapband #sleevegastrectomy #gastricbypass

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obesity- Severe Risk With COVID-19

The World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 outbreak to be an international public health emergency.  People with obesity-related conditions are at risk and can develop more severe symptoms with COVID-19.

In general, there are many health risks associated with morbid obesity.  Overweight is defined as a BMI of 25 or higher and obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or higher.  Most people with obesity have other underlying conditions such as: Type 2 Diabetes, Hypertension, Sleep Apnea, Heart Disease, Liver and Gallbladder disease, Respiratory problems and difficulty breathing with small amounts of exertion and walking.  These conditions also make it harder for a person’s body to fight infection.

If you are overweight, losing weight may prevent or delay the onset of these conditions.  Losing weight and staying active will help control your blood sugar levels and keep your body strong.  Staying active is important while social distancing.  There are many online exercise programs and walking in your neighborhood is a great way to stay active.  Did you know that just taking a walk for 20 minutes a day can decrease your chances of developing underlying conditions with obesity?

More than 100 million Americans are at a higher risk of serious illness if they get COVID-19.  At Trinity Bariatric Institute, we want to keep you safe, educated and above all, healthy.  If you are looking to lose weight, call us today.  We are still open and caring for patients that are ready to lose weight for good and make a life change.

 

 

Source Information:

www.worldobesity.org

www.webmd.com

www.cdc.gov