If you have been at the same weight for a while during your weight loss process after having bariatric surgery, don’t be discouraged! As long as you are following the guidelines in your RMAP blue binder (RMAP Bible), then you are doing great. Your stall—or plateau—is most likely a natural stall during your weight loss journey. To consider weight loss at a plateau, you usually stay at the same weight for about six weeks. Anything less than six weeks (if you are following the guidelines) is the body’s own way of shedding itself. Weight loss doesn’t maintain a consistent downhill pattern; weight loss ebbs and flows, vacillating between minor stalls and losses.
If you maintained a certain weight prior to weight loss surgery, it’s not uncommon for the body to want to stay there on its way down as well. As you should be exercising, you may be gaining muscle weight (which has more volume than fat) while losing fat. The number on the scale may be the same, but your clothes may be fitting more loosely.
If you have not being following the guidelines we have set out for you, and feel you have reached a plateau because of poor habits; there’s help! You are not alone on this journey. Think about the habits that may be causing your weight to slow down or plateau. You may find it helpful to meet with bariatric dietitians at St. Mark’s Hospital, or LDS Hospital. Most insurance companies cover visits with the dietitians.
Emotional support is also critical after weight loss surgery. We welcome you to attend support group, which is held on a monthly basis. You may also find individual counseling helpful as well. We work closely with Michelle Lewis, LCSW, CHT at Salt Lake Weight Counseling.
Remember, you didn’t gain the weight overnight, so you aren’t going to lose it overnight either. Enjoy this journey!
Links to similar articles:
How Much Should I Be Eating?
Bodily Functions That Can Happen After Weight Loss Surgery
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Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians
801-268-3800
1160 East 3900 South, Suite 4100
SLC, UT 84124