Weight bounce back after VSG in maintenance

I read in another forum that there is often a 15-20 lb bounce back when you reach goal and go into maintenance.  How many of you have had some weight bounce back when you stopped trying to lose?

As for me, I don't want the 15 lbs I have "bounced back".  In my opinion, its just winter weight, and I will get it off once I can start walking outside again.

How do I go back now and lose this weight.  I am a vegetarian so its really difficult for me to eat high protein foods.  Its a good thing that I love my protein shake.

Hi there!

I don't think everyone has the 15-20 pound bouceback but several post-WLS peeps seem to have their weight bounce up a bit at any given time.  The thing is to catch it early and get it off asap.  I kept my extra 20 pounds on for about 9 months so now it's harder to get it off.  I don't think it's impossible but it does get harder to get off the longer we hold on to it. 

I'm not an expert on vegetarian eating but since you love your protein shakes, I would focus on those for a while along with getting in your greens.  Do you eat hummus?  I love the stuff!

Best of luck to you, we can fight it! 

I heard this also and that some people lose an extra 10 in order to have that wiggle room.  Loose the weight by doing whatever you did when you were in weight loss mode.  I found vegetarian bars and shakes at the health food store.  Plus hemp hearts have a lot of protein.  I have a greek yogurt with hemp hearts at least once a day.  Not sure if you are eating dairy or not.  Beans are always a good source of protein and nuts. Though if you are of the low-carb school of thought then some of these options aren't great.  

Get back to basics and you will have your winter weight back to summer weight in no time :)  

I have been in maintenance for three years and only have gained 5lbs in that span of time. I believe there is only a bounce back when you stop paying attention when your out enjoying your new body. You can never let it slip past you. Every morning I get on the scale and eat accordingly to if I'm up or down. I would go back to plan when I want to lose more. Protein shake for breakfast and lunch and high protein meal for diviner. Do you do fish? Hope this helps! 

I've been at maintenance weight for about two years. I've toyed with abt 5 lbs. I haven't been super-strict but I'm also not getting enough protein which is not cool!!  My partner is doing WW. She hasn't had WLS but I think the accountability is a good thing and I would totally do it, modified for my sleeve life!  My surgeon has told me to expect regain bc all surgeries have a certain amount. Yuck!!  Just hope this means I will manage that okay and keep it to a minimum. I'm right at the danger point of 3 years!

I also had my sleeve almost exactly a year before you on 1/10/11!!!!!!

I think that's dependent on two factors: (a) how you live your life after maintenance and (b) how old you are.

First, there could be tendancies with some people to add back the so called "good" stuff they denied themselves during the lose phase.  That will add calories, etc.  Basically it's bad habits creeping back in.  Also, even with exercise, people could get complacent and let all those good intentions start flying out the door once the "final" goals are achieved.  It's much harder to eat and exercise right everyday when there aren't any specific weight goals you're working towards.  "Maintanining" can be far more boring for some.  This can be easily worked around if you're properly committed with both food and exercise.  This choice is in your hands.

Second, age will work against all of us.  As each of us ages, our metabolism will decline and what worked today won't work later.  You just have to keep and eye on this and decide what you want and can do about it.  For some the answer may be nothing, for others it might involve differences in food and exercise.

I'm not quite as far out as you, but have to echo that I'm not a believer in the bounce back theory either. Bottom line is we gain weight because we change our eating habits. 

With the extra flexibility we have in maintenance, I manage that by keeping a very tight rein on what the scale tells me. Granted, I'm likely a lot shorter than most at 5'2" but I only allow my weight to fluctuate by 2 pounds. If I see anything more, I need to diet back down to or below my baseline number. And the small gains are much easier to deal with. 

The good news is you still have your amazing tool and you know how to lose weight. Use your proven track record to motivate yourself and while 15# is a big commitment, you can dial this back to your fighting weight! 

Jane I just noticed we're almost neighbours!!  I'd love to meet you!

Yup it happens and it starts SLOW and we "forget" how real the struggle is!!  Snap it in the butt NOW...

Luv u Ms Shell!  Looking forward to bowing down in your regal presence at OH Conference ;-)