A Concise Guide on Weight Loss and the Frequency to Weigh Yourself

Dr. Ravi Rao
December 22, 2017

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If you are undergoing weight loss surgery at a Bariatric surgery clinic, you should know how important it is to keep a tab on your weight. The weighing scale helps you track how well you are doing and when you lose focus. The device is a big part of the whole weight loss surgery process, but do not let it overpower you.

Most individuals working hard to lose weight usually check the scale every day, which is not the right thing to do. Checking your weight every day may drive you crazy and you may see yourself focusing more on the scale instead of healthy eating habits. It is alright to measure your weight more than once a week, but do not include it in your daily routine.

Weight-loss Facts you Need to Learn

Body’s weight often fluctuates, so you might end up getting scared every time you step on the scale. Even if you are losing weight, there are chances of your weight being temporarily up because of fluid retention in the body. The weight might be up by:

Eating a lot of sodium (high-salt food) in the recent meals
Body holding onto water after dehydration
Eating a heavy meal
During menstrual cycle
Wearing heavy clothes

The Right way to Weight

There’s a right and wrong way to weigh yourself. If you want to save yourself the disappointment of seeing a fluctuated weight on the machine, here are a few tips:

Weigh yourself in the morning
Wear light clothes whole weighing or weigh after getting out of shower
Do not wear shoes while weighing
Choose a specific day in the week as the “official” weighing day

Expectations After Weight-loss Surgery

No two people have the same weight loss experience post-surgery. It is a unique and unpredictable journey, but there are a few things you may experience in the first year:

Fast weight loss in first two weeks, which could be anywhere from 4 to 13 kgs
Stall on week 3-4, when the body catches up
Steady weight loss from 450 to 900 grams per week for some weeks and months
Another stall of 1-2 weeks or even more with no weight loss

Ways to Avert Weight Regain

Once you reach the target weight, you may not be interested in using the scale anymore, but it is highly advisable that you continue as it might help in preventing regain. If there’ a fluctuation of a kilogram or so, don’t be worried, as this is normal. If the weight goes up by 2.5kg, it is time to look at the diet and follow the routine strictly. Stay away from junk food, eat meals in small portions, and eat protein first.

Last few words

A scale is an essential tool to lose weight and keep it off for a healthy lifestyle. It is, however, important to use the scale properly to monitor progress and motivate yourself towards the goal. At Perth Surgical and Bariatrics, we suggest that you do not take a single number on the scale seriously and focus on living a healthy lifestyle to reap in long-term benefits of the surgery. If you have any questions related to weight loss surgery, feel free to reach us at 0865581901.