Question:
Slow weight loss

Hi Everyone: Can anyone tell me if their weight loss compares to mine. I am 11 weeks postop and have lost 40-41 pounds. I started at 230 pounds, and have already seen those 30-40 pounds heavier surpassing me. Yes, I know we should not compare. But I am concerned. It seems I have one plateau after the other. I get the required protein, exercise, drink water, you know, all the right stuff. I would love to hear from others who are in the same boat as me. Love ya. Grace    — Grace H. (posted on November 8, 2002)

November 8, 2002
Hi Grace. Go easy on yourself, ok? When I was approved for the surgery, I weighed 232. The day of surgery I was down to 226. I will be six months Post OP on Nov 16th and I now weigh 154 pounds (down 78 pounds) and my size 12 jeans are getting way too baggy! The weight loss has been slow, painfully slow sometimes but trust me on this one, slower is better! My body has been able to shrink with me so I don't have any hanging parts (neck, arms, legs...) It's all coming back together nicely. So, when you read that someone dropped 100 in 5 months congratulate them. Don't stress, keep your spirits high because it will all work out for you in the end. Keep me posted ok? I know what you're going thru and you don't have to go it alone. Blessed be!
   — blueyez2668

November 8, 2002
I had my surgery on 8/21/02 and have lost 44 lbs. I only lost 3 lbs in the last two weeks. It's hard when you do what you know to do but it is slow. I eat between 600-800 calories a day and swim 20 laps. Many people say slow is better.
   — Terry C.

November 8, 2002
Here's the answer...everyone is different! I am 24 days out, I had lost 28 prior to surgery. 10 days out I had lost 21 more, 17 days out I lost another 10, and today 24 days out I lost another 8. Was I happy, glad with my loss? NO! I said to the surgeon, "What's going on this is slowing down." He said, "You're down 39 pounds in 24 days!Everybody's different." So, I came home and read your question and felt bad. I was getting down on myself for not losing more. Proving we all fall into traps. Keep your eyes on the prize - better life, longer life, healthier life, and try not to focus your energy on worrying about how bumpy the road to get to the prize appears day to day. Focus on the big picture of a new you. And if you start kicking yourself in the butt about a bump in the road, realize everyone does it and just re-focus. Good Luck!
   — Steve P.

November 8, 2002
Hi, I know they say not to compare, but like you I do compare. I am 8 weeks out. Starting wt. 254 down 36. I to don't like the plateaus but it is going to happen. The funny thing is in the "olden days" before surgery, I would say, oh what the hell, I might as well eat, because I'm not losing fast enough. But now, I say, oh well, I know it will come off eventually since I'm only eating 700-800 cal. a day and sure enough it does, just not as fast as I'd like. Hang in and so will I.
   — Mary M.

November 8, 2002
You know what? I am the slowest loser in history. Starting weight 259, surgery 19 days ago, down 15 pounds. I've been at this weight for 4 or 5 days. And you know what else? It doesn't bother me one bit. Look at it scientifically. If you are eating under 1000 calories a day, you WILL lose weight. And every day that I can eat 600 calories and feel comfortable (heck, at this point, 600 makes me feel full), I am glad I got this surgery. You WILL lose it, it takes time. Think about it this way -- maybe you can avoid plastic surgery!! Good luck.
   — Tamara K.

November 8, 2002
I am one of those fast loosers, that wasn't satisfied with the weight loss either. I think I am not satisfied though because I am one of the ones thats skin hasn't had time to bounce back so I have the wonderful spare tire, I would not call it an apron since it is not only in the front. :o) I pray that either I will slow down, or that my skin will start to bounce back, I hate the fact that my boobs are starting to look like those dreaded tube socks with an orange at the toe. Be thankful to lose slower it will still come off. My best friend had an open RNY a year ago, and almost looks anorexic she has lost so much (no not jealousy) she went from a size 24 to a size 4 and she lost it pretty slow so she has saggy skin, but not the hanging like I do. I on the other hand need to start working out, I just cant find the time with college, my 5 year old daughter, and my husband being deployed. I guess i get some running around on campus, but still I would like to do more. Anyway, be happy with what you have lost you will be just fine. ~Ang~
   — angel_wls

November 8, 2002
I am 11 weeks on Monday & I have lost about 40 pounds or so, started at 275. I haven't lost much the past week or so and have been feeling pretty down, but I was looking at my copy of Carnie's book, and I noticed that at 3 months she had lost 45, and at 8 months it was over 100. So it gives us all something to hope for anyway. And by the way, I am feeling much better, I can tell the difference, people have commented that I look better, my clothes are bigger, my face is smaller and I my joints are no longer screaming in agony. We are all taking little baby steps but we will get there! Good luck,
   — Valerie B.

November 8, 2002
Hi Grace, I am 7 1/2 weeks out and have lost 31 pounds also and I am 47 years old (starting weight 243). The dietician said that I am doing really well and not to worry, so I won't. I guess I'm just not a fast loser, but I believe it will all come off in the end. I know how it feels though, we wait so long to have this surgery, that when it's over, we want results right now! lol Just enjoy the journey! So many changes to be grateful for.
   — joeandteri

November 8, 2002
Hi Guys: I am the original whiny poster here. Thank you all so much for your encouragement. This is so damn difficult for all of us, in many different ways. The difference between WLS and a conventional diet, is that when we used to reach those plateaus, we would immediately go off our diet, saying it was not working and regain. One of the answers said that. I can totally relate. The beauty of WLS is that even though you are on a plateau, you can not go off the diet and eat 4,000 calories a day again. Your body will not permit it. You guys are also right about the calorie thing. If you are eating 1,000 calories or less per day, you have got to lose weight, sometimes later rather than sooner. One of my problems is, that I am unable to eat a non-starvation amount of calories on certain days. When I eat under 600 calories, it seems I do not lose weight. At 800 or 900 calories, I seem to lose weight. Go figure. Once again, you guys are the greatest. Thanks for putting my mind at ease. I think I needed reassurance more than anything, that I would not be the 1% failure. Love Grace
   — Grace H.

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