Weight stalls after bariatric surgery
You won’t lose the same amount of weight every week in your post-op journey. And that’s completely normal. Some weeks you will lose more than others – and other weeks you won’t lose a single pound at all.
The 3 week stall
3-4 Weeks after your surgery, you may notice that your weight is stalling. This 3-week stall is pretty common and indicates that your body is adjusting to the hormonal and other physical changes after the procedure. Keep focusing on your goals and on your recovery.
Other stalls
Weight stalls can happen any given time after your procedure. Even if your protein & hydration goals are on point and if you’re physically active – weight stalls can and probably will still happen.
Weight loss isn’t a linear line going down at the same rate every week. Consistency will be your best friend when it comes down to your bariatric journey. Bariatric surgery is not the start of a new diet. It’s the beginning of a whole new lifestyle that requires a new mindset, personal growth and support to get you closer to your goals.
Weight stalls after bariatric surgery
You won’t lose the same amount of weight every week in your post-op journey. And that’s completely normal. Some weeks you will lose more than others – and other weeks you won’t lose a single pound at all.
The 3 week stall
3-4 Weeks after your surgery, you may notice that your weight is stalling. This 3-week stall is pretty common and indicates that your body is adjusting to the hormonal and other physical changes after the procedure. Keep focusing on your goals and on your recovery.
Other stalls
Weight stalls can happen any given time after your procedure. Even if your protein & hydration goals are on point and if you’re physically active – weight stalls can and probably will still happen.
Weight loss isn’t a linear line going down at the same rate every week. Consistency will be your best friend when it comes down to your bariatric journey. Bariatric surgery is not the start of a new diet. It’s the beginning of a whole new lifestyle that requires a new mindset, personal growth and support to get you closer to your goals.
Your set point weight
Bariatric surgery can reset your set point weight. Your set point weight refers to the weight (range) your body ‘feels most comfortable with’ and is mostly out of your control. Set point weight can fluctuate throughout your life and is dependent on many variables such as genetics, environmental factors, such as sleep and stress.
Bariatric surgery is a metabolic surgery and changes gut hormones and alters different pathways related to your metabolism. This leads to the lowering of your set point weight.
When you’re getting closer to your goal weight, your body may get closer to your set point weight. Your set point weight may be higher than your goal weight. This will make it harder to lose weight as your body is automatically doing everything to stay in that preferable weight range.
Lifestyle changes like having healthy eating habits and keeping up consistently with an exercise routine play a key role in weight loss and weight maintenance after bariatric surgery.
4 Questions you can ask yourself when your weight is stalling
Am I consuming enough protein?
Inadequate protein intake can lead to loss of muscle mass. Muscle mass is necessary for a solid working metabolism. Muscle mass partly determines your Basic Metabolic Rate (BMR): the rate of how fast your metabolism is running. The higher your BMR, the more energy you will burn. This in turn has a positive impact on weight loss.
Can I increase my physical activity?
The same can be said about physical activity. Exercise promotes muscle growth which in turn leads to a higher BMR and hence positive weight outcomes. Keep in mind that muscle mass is weight too. Always measure your inches as well when hitting a stall. If you gain a pound of muscle and lose a pound of fat, your total body weight may stall on the scale while your inches are decreasing.
Am I drinking enough water?
Just like protein and physical activity, hydration is a third factor that’s necessary for a solid working metabolism. Make sure you’re trying your best to meet your hydration goals.
Are old habits creeping up on me?
Be honest with yourself. Are you making healthy food choices? Are you taking good care of yourself? Are you experiencing more non-hunger cues lately?
If you feel like your choices haven’t been the healthiest, make sure to start with setting a small goal every day to get you back on track. Reach out for support if you’re having a hard time figuring things out on your own.
