Are you experiencing weight loss plateau and slowdowns after weight loss surgery? But don’t worry- it is a common situation many bariatric patients may find themselves in. But the good news is that the right strategies can resolve it. A pause in the weight loss goal can be frustrating or discouraging. Digestive slowdown is common and should be expected. Think: when we can eat fewer calories, the body will initially try to slow down to use fewer calories. However, if the patient can stick with the same diet plan and exercise routine, then the body will adjust to normal, and weight loss will resume. In this article, we will explore why weight loss slows down after weight loss surgery and how you can break through plateaus to keep going to your weight loss goal.
Common reason for weight loss plateau as per obesity surgeon:
- Metabolic transformation – After weight loss surgery, metabolism slows as you lose weight. The fewer calories your body burns, the harder it is to make a calorie shortage.
- Reduced caloric deficit – After weight loss the body needs fewer calories compared to before, so the same calorie intake can lead to no weight loss.
- Muscle loss – Muscles can burn more calories than fat, and losing muscles can lead to a low metabolism rate, making for harder weight loss.
- Changes in physical activity – After weight loss, daily activity can burn fewer calories compared to before, which can lead to no weight loss.
- Hormonal changes: Stress and hormonal changes (like cortisol and insulin resistance) can lead to weight gain.
Guide to breaking through a weight loss plateau with a bariatric surgeon in Ahmedabad:
- Keep a food journal: When you undergo obesity surgery, a bariatric surgeon in Ahmedabad always suggests keeping a food, exercise and weight journal after post-surgery analysis. Keeping a journal can help patients stay on top of diet and exercise and help to adapt more healthy habits. But once patients get a remarkable change, stop keeping the journal. Many patients can underestimate the food intake in one sitting, but be sure and measure your food. If you are experiencing a weight loss plateau, get back to keeping a journal on your diet, exercise, weight, and calorie intake.
- Reassess your diet: Under the guidance of an obesity surgeon, you need to reassess your diet. Even if you are eating a healthier, more balanced diet than before, adjusting in food intake can help to break through a weight loss plateau. You may need to adjust your macronutrients and protein intake; aim to take daily 60-100g. Reduce hidden carbs & sugary drinks such as sauces, dressings, and beverages, which can add extra calories. Use the calories-tracking app to keep track of taking food potion, even if healthy food.
- Change up your exercise routine: After weight loss surgery, maintaining your exercise routine is essential. If you are only walking, then try some new exercises like swimming, cycling, hiking, dancing, or heavy weight lifting, which helps to build muscles and speed up your metabolism. Additionally, you can go through taking extra steps or choosing stairs rather than lifts.
- Stay hydrated and improve sleep: Dehydration can slow down the metabolism and make you more hungry. Make sure you drink at least 2-3 liters daily. Also, make sure you get enough sleep – at least seven to eight hours at night. Being overtired can trigger more sweet cravings, raise stress hormones, and increase fat storage. If you are falling into this craving, this could be no weight loss.
- Check for nutritional deficiencies: After weight loss surgery, vitamin D, B12, iron and calcium are the most common nutritional deficiencies. After all the effort, if you are experiencing a weight loss plateau, you need to take a blood test to check all the levels of nutrition. The bariatric surgeon in Ahmedabad can recommend bariatric vitamins to support weight loss.
- Manage mental health and stress: A weight loss plateau after weight loss surgery is really frustrating and stressful. It is important to manage your mental health as well as your physical health. Take time and do a self-care routine with a strong support system. If your efforts towards a weight loss plateau are not working, then consult an obesity surgeon to get guidance, support, and a new path to achieve your weight loss goal. Never give up; do whatever you do to revert back to your goal and break through a weight loss plateau.
When to consult an obesity surgeon?
If your weight is stalled after 6+ weeks of following these strategies, then you need to consult a bariatric surgeon in Ahmedabad who will help you adjust your diet and exercise routine. Check your hormonal imbalance and metabolism issues and recommend some bariatric medications for weight loss plateau.
Wrapping up:
Weight loss plateau is common after weight loss surgery, but try not to let it discourage you too much from achieving your weight loss goal. Small changes in your diet, exercise, and habits can help to restart weight loss. If your weight stalled more than 6 weeks after adapting changes in your lifestyle, then consult a bariatric surgeon in Ahmedabad to seek guidance. Weight loss is a journey; stay patient, stay consistent, and progress will come.
