Seeking Guidance - Weight Loss Struggles After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Hello everyone, I appreciate you taking the time to read my post. I want to share my experience in hopes of finding others who may relate or offer some helpful advice. **Initial Weight:** 429 lbs **Weight Before Surgery (October 8, 2025):** 399 lbs **Current Weight:** 341 lbs I am finding the journey of weight loss after surgery to be incredibly challenging. Honestly, I feel like I haven't made any progress in the last six weeks, which has left me in a very low mental state. It’s tough to think that I'm struggling to succeed with weight loss surgery—something that feels rather embarrassing. **Health Diagnoses:** - Severe PCOS - ADHD - Type 1 Diabetes **Medications:** - Insulin - Pregabalin (I've received feedback regarding Pregabalin's effect on weight loss from this community, and I'll be addressing this with my doctor soon.) - A variety of antidepressants and medications for managing mood and anxiety. I adhere strictly to a diet that is above 1250 calories each day. I’m not indulging in fast food or sneaking unhealthy snacks; I’m diligently sticking to the nutrition plan. My goal is to consume approximately 80-100g of protein daily, which I’ve reduced upon the suggestion of my bariatric nurse, as my current level of exercise doesn’t require higher protein intake. At a minimum, I work out for 45 minutes daily, averaging around 5000 steps, which is quite the change from roughly 1000 steps around the time of my surgery. My hydration is also adequate at around 70 oz per day. I’ve engaged a private dietitian to evaluate my eating habits. After monitoring my intake for four weeks, she made a few minor adjustments but concluded that my diet aligns well with post-surgery recommendations. The bariatric nurse is perplexed as this is an unprecedented case for her in a decade of work. Little weight loss in someone of my size is quite rare. Programs like "My 600-lb Life" depict drastic weight reductions after surgery, and it makes my situation feel even more frustrating. I recognize that comparing myself to others contributes to my struggle, yet it feels overwhelming at times. The nurse is reaching out to other specialists to see if anyone else has encountered a similar situation. Before my surgery, I was on Ozempic for 12 months and continued for four months afterward. It effectively managed my blood sugar levels, but I didn’t lose any weight during that time. Currently, I am on week five of Mounjaro, hoping it would make a difference, but there has been no weight change. My recent blood tests returned normal results, and my doctor has exhausted all possible examinations. I am aware that increasing physical activity is crucial, but the reality of experiencing no weight loss over six weeks is disheartening. Even if I were completely sedentary, it seems unlikely that I wouldn't lose something while consuming around 1200 calories daily. Next week, I’ll be meeting with my endocrinologist as my bariatric nurse suggested. I intend to request a full-body scan to rule out any potential issues, such as tumors or other abnormalities. Has anyone faced a similar hurdle? What can you recommend that I discuss or pursue to reignite this weight loss journey? It’s a dark place I’m in, and I’m on the verge of losing hope. Thank you for reading my lengthy post! ❤️
Answers (1)
4/4/2025, 3:31:07 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really glad you reached out to share your experience. Weight loss after gastric sleeve surgery can be challenging, and the feelings you're experiencing are completely valid. It sounds like you've put in a lot of effort, and it's understandable to feel frustrated when you're not seeing the results you desire. Let's look at some possible steps to help navigate this situation.
Main Points:
- Weight Loss Plateau: It's common for people post-surgery to experience plateaus, especially in the early stages.
- Insights from Hormonal and Medication Effects: Conditions like PCOS, as well as certain medications, can impact weight loss.
- Further Evaluation: Continued engagement with healthcare providers for comprehensive evaluation can provide clarity moving forward.
Explanation:
After gastric sleeve surgery, many patients do experience weight loss initially; however, plateaus are frequent, especially due to hormonal influences from conditions like PCOS and diabetes. Certain medications (like Pregabalin) and weight management drugs (like Ozempic and Mounjaro) can also affect your body's ability to lose weight or respond to calorie deficits.
It’s crucial to understand that weight loss is not always linear and can be influenced by many factors, including metabolic adaptations, water retention, and hormonal changes. Feeling like you've made no progress after so much effort can be demotivating, but often, shifts in weight may not reflect changes in body composition.
Next Steps:
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Stay Engaged with Your Healthcare Team:
- Discuss Hormonal and Metabolic Factors: When you meet with your endocrinologist, talk about how PCOS and diabetes might affect your weight loss and inquire if further testing (like hormone levels) is necessary.
- Evaluate Medications: Discuss the potential impacts of your medications on weight management, particularly Pregabalin. Adjusting or exploring alternatives may be beneficial.
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Consider a Referral for Comprehensive Evaluation:
- Request a full-body scan and any additional tests your endocrinologist may suggest, to rule out any underlying issues.
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Nutritional Reassessment:
- Although you’re working with a dietitian, consider discussing the possibility of a more tailored meal plan that may prioritize different macronutrient balances or meal timing.
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Physical Activity Adjustment:
- Since you’re already working out regularly, explore introducing variety into your routine, such as resistance training or new aerobic exercises, which can stimulate different muscle groups and aid metabolism.
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Mindset and Support:
- Tackle feelings of frustration by connecting with support groups or therapy. Sharing experiences with those who understand can provide emotional relief and motivation.
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Be Kind to Yourself:
- Recognize that your journey is unique. Focus on overall health improvements and physical activity rather than just the scale.
Remember, it’s entirely normal for weight loss to slow down or fluctuate, and your experiences do not define your effort. Keeping a positive outlook while tackling this mindfully can make a significant difference. I'm here if you have further questions or need more support!
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