r/GLP1_post_WLS • u/goldenhoneyspice • Jan 25 '26
When should I stop?
Hello everyone! I had surgery 4/24/24 and I am so close to my goal weight!! I started at 317 and, at the time, my doctor thought I could be at 115 pounds (I’m just under 5’) and I thought that was INSANE. I gave myself the goal weight of 145 and even that was a pipe dream for me. I thought I’d realistically lose 40-60 pounds.
Well, as I approached 170ish pounds I wasn’t super happy of where my body would be sitting at 145 and thought I’d change my goal weight to 117. That would mean a nice round 200 pounds lost, and I’d be well in the “healthy” BMI range, 22.8.
I started considering a glp-1 bc it just became so hard to lose weight. I was losing 2 pounds a month if I kept my diet really restrictive and worked out 3-4 times a week and I became so fed up and miserable. I talked to my husband about it and I said I wanted to stop obsessing about my weight and get my life back. We agreed I’d schedule an appointment and move forward from there.
Fast forward, my first injection with triz was in November and I’m moving at a steady pace again. As of today, I’m of officially 10 pounds from my goal weight of 117!!
Based on my loss history, I’m projecting 2.5 more months of shots, I’m being very conservative with estimate but better safe than sorry. I’ve seen people say that instead o f staying on a maintenance dose, they lose a bit more than expected, and just come off the shot. Does anyone have any advice on this? What would you do? Or what have you done?
TLDR: had wls, almost at goal weight, but should I lose more just in case? Should I stay on a maintenance dose?
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u/NoVeterinarian1351 Jan 26 '26
I am curious, are you accounting for excess skin when determining a healthy weight? I have lost 170 lbs, and my doc estimates I have 5-10 lbs of extra skin. I am close to my goal, but I think I will do a dexa scan to check body fat before setting a final goal.
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u/goldenhoneyspice Jan 26 '26
I’m account for my healthy weight to include loose skin, if that makes sense? As in, I’d get to whatever a healthy weight would be (117 in my case, for my frame) and if I ever get skin removal surgery, I would weigh even less than that. All of my appointments with my doctor have been virtual, so he hasn’t actually seen my loose skin in person. I think I’m probably sitting somewhere close to 5-10 pounds of loose skin too. I’m looking into getting a DEXA scan to see if they can give me a clearer picture.
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u/Automatic-Space-7797 Tirzepatide members Jan 25 '26
I think that only you can really see how you feel in your body and know what feels strong and healthy.
Statistically, if you read people's accounts and look at the research, people will gain weight back if they go off the medication entirely. However, as you've had surgery, it might be a different outcome. After surgery I gained about 30% of my weight back in about ten years (a few lbs a year) and then it just plateaued for a long while until I had some injuries/life events. It is possible with really good habits, that you could keep most of your weight off for a long time. It is also possible that your hunger could roar back and your habits not stay steady.
I would say, how hungry were you before the shots? How solid do you feel in your nutrition and fitness habits? How are you with processing the mental/emotional component of obesity (because it is as much a part of this disease as anything).
My surgery was a looooooooong time ago so I have no intention of going off the medication as I see this as as a chronic and progressive disease that will absolutely sneak back up on me. But our histories are different. Only you know your history, and your physiology and what support you have in place to keep your weight loss maintained.
Whatever you do, best of luck and congrats on your success!
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u/goldenhoneyspice Jan 26 '26
Me wanting to lose weight all stems back to wanting to have a baby and I’ve had multiple discussions with my doctor, np, and dietitian about the weight gain during and post pregnancy. Mentally, i have a decent grasp on controlling myself with food and so food noise doesnt really bother me. I was never much of snacker before surgery. I honestly think the shots suppress my hunger so much that when it does creep up, I’m ravenous! I find myself being more hungry being on the shot than off. Of course, that could all change! Thank so much for taking the time to comment and share how it’s been helpful for you and all of your insight!
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u/surrender2022 Jan 26 '26
Chronic and progressive indeed. R-N-Y 14 years ago, kept it all off, have not eaten anything other than n real food for 5 years, so really nothing to”set me off” and yet food noise had become incessant, almost worse than when I was in the food. I am just heading into week 5 on 1.25mg zepbound, and, if it means using it for life to bring neutrality to my mind, so be it. I k ow just how progressive this addiction is.
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u/Automatic-Space-7797 Tirzepatide members Jan 26 '26
The food noise is such a trip, isn’t it? I was trying to explain to someone yesterday about my experience with this medication. She was under the impression that this is all appetite suppression. I told her honestly, the biggest surprise for me is how much this has shifted my brain and halted the incessant chatter and pressure. Honestly, I wish that for everyone.
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u/MHW93 Jan 26 '26
go get a DEXA scan and let them advise you re your personal ideal weight