Two years post op and only lost 50 lbs.

OK..... with white gloves on......

- Can the sleeve stretch...... the simple answer "Yes" it's human tissue, not steel and even steel stretches......

A lot of factors...... technique and sleeve size has a lot to do with it. In general, larger sleeves will stretch more than smaller sleeves because more stretchy tissue is retained.

A proper 32f sleeve will about double in most cases. Starting out with about a 2oz. capacity and eventually mature to about 4oz.

A sleeve 10 numbers higher (42f) can eventually have a capacity 4x greater than a 32f..... think in the 8-16oz. range if abused or constantly eating till full (pressure). Many here on OH who have sleeves in the 38f size range claim the ability to eat an 8oz. steak and a bit of some sides.

- Weight loss slowing or stopping at around 6 months out is VERY COMMON ..... just about the most common trait I've seen on here in over 4 years besides the 3 week stall. 

Weight loss slows for most everybody at or around the 6 month mark and the ones that are effected "most" are the ones on higher cal/carb programs. Typically the ones on 1000-1200 cal programs.

The other commonality..... is that a lot of people at or around 6 months just plain run out of commitment and compliance.

*** There will be a few that have done well with my above mentioned issues.... but I assure you it's just a few.....

I hope you can figure this out and get where you want to be.

frisco

Great post.

Wow, I'm not certain where to start.  I hope nothing that follows comes off as harsh...

First, I'd say the math is fixed and undeniable (regardless of surgery).  If you run a calorie deficit continually over time you will loose weight.  That can be either good or bad depending on how it's lost but this fact really can't be overridden in the long term.

Second, I'd say that given your scenario, something is not working properly.  Six months of loosing weight followed by 18 of stall has to point to an issue of some sort if you're still at a point where there's weight to loose and that's your intention.

I suppose it either has to be mechanical or medical.  If it's medical, and we can't really know, the only answer is to see your physician.  However, I'd expect a physician to focus on possible mechanical options first because there's a surgery involved here.

So, assuming it's mechanical, I can think of 50 ways to work against the tool without even trying hard.  I'm sensitive to your comments about the preaching (I don't like it either), but I think there is something here that needs a more in depth look.  If you really want to get the process rolling again it may take equal parts of (a) reaching out for some more direct help and (b) honesty.

Specifically, you need to entertain the possibility that what you're doing isn't working and go back to the NUT for some assistance.  That's where being very honest about all the foods in your daily diet will be important.  Others would tell you that failing that some counseling might be needed.  Given your comments both of these things seem like they may be tough to swallow but I would tell you same thing face to face if you were here.

Again, I hope this didn't sound harsh and if you hate me for then I'm sorry that was not my intention.  But there is a point where some tough love might be more beneficial.

The amount of stretch that you have is dependent on the initial size of your sleeve. Mine is larger and I can eat more now, a lot more. It varies by type of food. I do not eat to be full and this helps me not regain. I would say that regardless of how much you are eating and if you are exercising you will not lose much or at all after the initial 6 month period if you have what one would consider a food addiction and are not actively seeking treatment to remedy that. The sleeve will not cause weight loss after that initial period unless you actively pursue it.... daily

good luck

In my opinion you have already gotten some fantastic and reasonable answers.  I just want to reiterate what others have already said.

1) Yes, the sleeve can and does stretch.  How much stretch is dependent on the size of your sleeve and the technique used by your doctor but all sleeves mature and can be stretched. 

2)  It is very common for weight loss to slow and even to stop at six months.  I get more email about this than about anything else and I have been here for about four years now.  There are some people that report that they can eat what they want and the capacity alone is enough to get them to goal.  For the vast majority of us, that's not even close to the truth. In any case, if you are not losing that the most likely culprit is your calories and carbs. Remember, you are much smaller now and it takes less calories to maintain a smaller body.  You have found your maintenance range.

3) The good news is that you have choices.  The ones that jump out at me are: a) accept your size as you are now, b) lower your calories and carbs and start journaling your food, c) get revision to DS  or something else that I haven't thought of yet.  I hope you find what you need from the answers here or from your doctor or somewhere else.  I wish you success on your journey.

are you eating emotionally?  try journaling when you eat.  I read someone's blog who had a sleeve and when she stalled it was due to her eating in times of stress, etc.  maybe if you can figure out why you're snacking or eating you can figure out where the calories are coming from.

that said...if you can up your resting metabolic rate, you will up your calories burned and break the plateau.  Do this by strength and weight training.  You don't have to be a body builder, just doe weights a few times a week--the weight should be enough you can do 2-3 sets of 10-12 reps.  You build muscle, you get rid of fat and you burn more calories just sitting around.

good luck.

how are you feeling?  do you feel tired all the time? or energetic.  have you had your thyroid checked?  i'd get a blood test, easy enough to do and good to rule out any medical issues first.  if you are okay, then i suppose you need to shake things up a bit and do something different.  have you tried going really low carb to get things going?

I too appreciate all the vet's comments and input...I'm just about a year out and have about 25 lbs. yet to lose..my body feels like it is in maintenance mode...the nutritionist suggested upping carbs and calories a little to trick my body...but I've eaten between 550 - 650 calories/20 carbs for so long I just can hardly do it.  I'm half way going back to liquids but having 3 oz chicken at lunch..I just had about 70 to lose..stuck between 55 - 60...I will not stop!  I just want the magic formula for me to continue my loss.  I also walk/eliptical at least 4-5 times a week an hour each time.  All suggestions welcome!

You are not alone.  I have avoided this board for awhile because I too have had a weight loss stop/stall.  I have not lost any additional weight for the last 3 months.  It is hard to come here and see how great everyone is doing and I still have 70 lbs to go  to be at a normal BMI but i would be happy if I could just lose another 40.  I am still following the guidelines everyone else says to do - 800 cal, 60 plus protein and 64 plus oz of liquids and 40-60 carbs.  I can't go any lower on the carbs or I have episodes of hypoglycemia.  I was sailing along and then bam - stopped - I go up and down the same 2-3 lbs.  I will be 10 months out on Friday and I am disappointed for sure.

I saw the dietician last week - she said to alternate calorie days up and down - from 800 to maybe up to 1400 and to vary my protein sources - add beans (which I avoided before due to carb count) and more dairy sources.  Scares me cause I don't want to gain any weight for sure.  I was self pay (23 K) and it just disappoints me so much.  I only told my family about the surgery and I am glad because I feel like everyone would be critical of my failure to lose the full amount - in fact - I think maybe my family is disappointed too.  

I read all the replies to your post - one suggested switching to a DS - I just can't afford any more self pay surgeries.  While I am happy I lost the 93 - I had hoped for so much more.  Now I have to keep eating low cal just to maintain.  

And like you - I get hungry - while I feel full after eating 1 cup to 1 1/2 cups - then I am hungry again within 2 hours even though I do not drink til at least an hour after eating.  That started about month 7.  

Good luck but know you are not alone.  

Paula

Thank you all for your comments and especially Paula.
I won't revise to DS. I did mention my concerns for the stall at my 1 year check up and the doc said in so many words your body adjusts to the lower calorie consumption and why I'm not losing. I have all the classic symptoms of hypothyroidism but my thyroid tests low normal so they don't treat me.  I think this is still causing me to have a sluggish metabolism and may be the underlying cause of my situation. If anybody knows of any natural ways to help a sluggish thyroid please let me know.

I was hoping the smaller stomach would be more than just helping with the initial post op weight loss.
I never would of lost that 50 lbs without WLS and the sleeve is probably a great aid in maintaining my loss but the bottom line is I will have to eat the rest of my life like I never had WLS.  I must admit that while I'm thrilled about my 50 lbs loss and I was hoping to lose at least 80 lbs. without so much dieting.