Maintenance Phase:

In the months after surgery, during the weight loss phase, you will be eating between 400 to 800 calories a day. These calorie amounts will increase with time and with each food phase. 

As time goes by and you get near your goal weight your appetite will increase and so will your calorie intake. 

You can increase your calories gradually until your weight is stable. The amount of calories you can eat will be recommended by your surgeon and nutritionist.

By the time you reach the maintentance phase you should be eating around 1200-1500 calories a day. This amount will vary depending on your lifestyle— based on your height, weight, the amount of exercise you get, and the type of exercise you do. 

Understand your body

Understand that weight loss is not always a straight line, there will be ups, downs and plateaus as your body adjusts to its new set point. Studies show that most people experience a 10% weight regain during transition. Having a good plan for meals as well as strategies and plans for handling social, relational, and stressful situation as well as set backs will be invaluable. 

Nutritional excellence

It is a very good idea so take advantage of your nutritional counseling until you are confident that you can maintain your weight loss. Remember, we have had a lifetime of practice dieting, but we aren't quite as practiced at maintaining. Good nutrition and exercise will be an important part of good health both physically and mentally. 

What is success to you personally

After all isn't this what our goal was with weight loss surgery, to able to eat normally and remain healthy for a lifetime.  Remind yourself of why you had the surgery. Maintenance is the key to success.  The key to maintenance is to balance good nutrition, along with vitamins, water, exercise, learing your body's signals and learning strategies for a lifetime. 

Balance you whole self

Good nutrition and exercise will help you maintain a healthy body.  It's also important to seek spiritual, emotional and relational health as well. Be sure to eat a healthy diet and it will be helpful to be conscious of not only what you eat but why you eat.  Learning these skills will determine your weight loss success long-term.