Question:
When does the weight loss stop? Is it normal to gain a couple pounds?

I am 8 months out. I started at 285 and am 177 (5'7"), although a few days ago I was 174. In the last month I have been up and down within 3-4 pounds. Is my weight loss stopping or is this some kind of plateau? What is going on? Is this normal for this much time out? I am probably eating about 1000-1200 calories and I do step aerobics anout 4 times a week. With a goal weight of 150, I have lost 80% of my excess weight. Is this it? Any comments are appreciated! Thanks, Chris    — Chris L. (posted on July 5, 2000)

July 5, 2000
This is very common from what I have heard. We are only expected to lose 80% of excess weight. Any more lost is just an extra blessing for us. I began to plateau at about the same point. I am just over 1 yr out and have gone from 240lbs to 142lbs. I usually fluctuate between 140 to about 143. I also exercise very frequently and cannot seem to get any more pounds off. I have, however, been able to reduce in inches and have started to tone up quite a bit.
   — kelly P.

July 5, 2000
I understand that our window of opportunity for losing weight is 12 to 18 months. Since you're only 8 months out, I would think that your window is still open. You didn't mention water intake. Make sure you're getting at least 64 ounces of water every day. You also didn't mention protein. My advice would be to cut those calories down to 800-1000. Make sure most of those calories are from protein. Make sure you get in the water. You could also try a different form of exercise along with the step aerobics. Good luck and don't give up yet.
   — Tina H.

July 10, 2000
I would be interested to know what type of foods you are eating. I am 6 months post op and down to 184. I started out at 260. I feel like I should have lost more weight. Please advise
   — Barbara P.

May 17, 2002
You sound like you are on the right track. You have lost over 100 pounds. Thats not slow. I am almost NINE months post op and have only lost 65 pounds. I am totally at my wits end and about to give up. Obviously I am one of the few for whom even this surgery doesnt work. Lisa in NY
   — Lisa G.

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