Many people begin their bariatric surgery journey with a clear idea of what success looks like. You might have told yourself, “If I can just get to my healthy goal weight, I’ll be satisfied.” Then you reach that weight. Your health has improved, your energy is up, and your clothes fit better. But instead of celebrating, you start thinking, “I will be happy if I lose another 10 kg.”
This is called shifting the goal post, and it is a common pattern among weight loss surgery patients.
Why the Goal Keeps Moving
It’s natural to want continued progress, but it’s important to pause and reflect. Sometimes, what starts as a health-focused goal becomes overly focused on the number on the scale.
- Are these new goals still about improving my health, or just chasing a lower weight?
- Am I giving myself credit for how far I’ve come?
- Am I setting a target that keeps moving and feels impossible to reach?
Reaching your healthy goal weight is a significant milestone. It often comes with better mobility, reduced medication use, and improved confidence. When you keep raising the bar, you may lose sight of how much you’ve already achieved.
When Weight Loss Plateaus After Surgery
Every weight loss journey has a natural slowing point. This is especially true after bariatric surgery:
- Sleeve Gastrectomy: Most patients reach their lowest weight between 12 and 18 months after surgery.
- Gastric Bypass: Weight loss may continue up to two years after surgery.
Once you reach this stage, your body is settling at its new baseline. Trying to push for further weight loss beyond this point can lead to frustration, burnout, or unhealthy habits.
Focus on Maintaining a Healthy Goal Weight
After the initial weight loss phase, the goal is no longer about losing more weight. Instead, your focus should turn to:
- Protecting the weight you've lost
- Stabilising your routine and long-term habits
- Staying active and mindful with food
- Monitoring health markers like blood pressure, cholesterol, and energy levels
Long-term success in bariatric surgery is not about reaching the smallest possible number. It’s about maintaining your health, your energy, and your quality of life.
Final Thoughts: Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
It’s good to stay motivated. But it’s just as important to pause, reflect, and celebrate your progress.
Your surgery is not a failure if you don’t go below your original target. In fact, reaching and maintaining your healthy goal weight is a major success.
