Weight loss and recovering from surgery

dan_dmc99

So I've lost almost 10kg since February 2016 and I truly feel that I have changed my lifestyle and eating habits. I run about 3 times a week and go to the gym once or twice to cross train. I also have been eating within my calorie goals and I am delighted with the results which were mainly caused by a bad patch in my life last year.

My question is, I had nasal surgery on Wednesday and I still feel like absolute crappy. I can't follow my diet and I'm craving sugary foods worse than ever. A lot of this is due to boredom and being in pain, I have no doubts that I will get back on the wagon once I am recovered but I am worried for the time being. I read somewhere about shifting to maintenance whilst in post op recovery but it put my calories at like 2700, seemed too much. I have instead put it to 0.75kg a week instead of 1kg. I'm not really too bothered if I don't lose, I just don't want to put on but I'm struggling due to how I'm feeling and the fact that I can't exercise and likely won't be able to 2 weeks or more.

Basically I'm looking for advice from folks who have been in similar situations, or just general support.

philippakate197

If you really don't want to go to maintenance, I would set your deficit to the minimum - so 0.5lb per week loss. I've not had surgery, but I've been ill, and your body doesn't really know the difference, just that it needs to heal.

Edited to add, you may see an increase in the number on the scales as your body replenishes its glycogen stores, but it won't be a real gain of fat and will disappear after a while.

Be kind to yourself, being in pain is horrid. Hope you're feeling better soon.

MissusMoon

I had major abdominal surgery about six weeks ago. I was told to consider going on maintenance while I recovered. I still ate at what I typically do and was able to lose 6.5lbs while on bedrest. However, that's me, not you. There is no reason not to go into maintenance while you heal if you need to.

flumi_f

Logging kept me accountable and I was OK with sticking to maintainance during the first phase of recovery. As soon as I felt a little better, I went back to weightloss mode. I also walked quite a bit. Slowly at the beginning. Increased speed and distance as my body allowed me to (this also kept me away from food ). The change to getting back to running was easy in the end, noticed that I didn't lose much of my stamina, just some of my strength.

Note: 2700 seems alot, but I have no idea what your stats are....I only get 1500 in sedentary / maintainance

dan_dmc99

Thanks for all the replies. I think I'm just going to try and eat as best as I can, and definitely try and get a bit of walking done. 2700 does seem high definitely. I'm 6ft 3' and 84kg, down from 94kg. Maybe it's good for me to take a break from strict dieting for a few days anyway, although to be honest I've not been that strict on my journey, which is why it has been successful I've just been able to keep to my calorie and exercise goals

MissusMoon

dan_dmc99 wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies. I think I'm just going to try and eat as best as I can, and definitely try and get a bit of walking done. 2700 does seem high definitely. I'm 6ft 3' and 84kg, down from 94kg. Maybe it's good for me to take a break from strict dieting for a few days anyway, although to be honest I've not been that strict on my journey, which is why it has been successful I've just been able to keep to my calorie and exercise goals

For weight loss, keeping to your calorie goals is all you need.

dan_dmc99

flumi_f wrote: »

Logging kept me accountable and I was OK with sticking to maintainance during the first phase of recovery. As soon as I felt a little better, I went back to weightloss mode. I also walked quite a bit. Slowly at the beginning. Increased speed and distance as my body allowed me to (this also kept me away from food ). The change to getting back to running was easy in the end, noticed that I didn't lose much of my stamina, just some of my strength.

Note: 2700 seems alot, but I have no idea what your stats are....I only get 1500 in sedentary / maintainance

As a guide, when I have it set to lose 1kg a week which is 2.2 lbs, I'm allowed 1700 cals