Question:
What is the window of opportunity and how long does it last typically?
I have heard bits about the "window of opportunity", but am not sure exactly what that means or how long it lasts. I figured I would be able to lose for a long long time, until my pouch stretched out anyways. thanks — geckomom74 (posted on January 28, 2005)
January 27, 2005
I was told the biggest window of opportunity is the first 1 to 1 1/2 years.
You will always have the tool there to use but the best window is those
first 18 months. It will never be that easy again. I have lost 104 lbs in
9.5 months. Not quick but its coming off..30 more to go! I just said i'd
like to be to goal in one year. That way even though i'm pokey i'm not
disappointed when it didn't make it in 6 months or so.
— FaithMills
January 27, 2005
From day one, your body is slowly healing itself and then even trying to
compensate for your malabsorption. At two years out, I'm not even sure
what the real 'window of opportunity' was/is. And I think it is different
for everyone (BMI is a big factor). All I can say is take full advantage
of those early months and work your tool the best you can because the
weight loss will slow down...and it might be before you want it to.
— eaamc
January 28, 2005
I am almost three years post op. I lost 5lbs in the last two weeks. MY
rapid weight loss ended at about seven months. (undiagnosed Endocrine
disease) I have struggled, but have managed to get off almost 200lbs.
Just follow your doctors orders and take full advantage of the first few
months, by increasing your exercise. Good luck!
— Allison M.
January 28, 2005
Hi I was told the "Honeymoon Period" was the first 6 months and
the "Window of Oppertunity" was about the first Year or so. I was
told The Honeymoon period would be the best time to lose the most that You
wouldn't lose that much that fast again. But You should be able to continue
to lose longer but at a slower pace. Best Wishes
— Shell G
January 28, 2005
I agree with Allison. You have to really concentrate on exercise. I was
able to lose about 150 lbs at six months out. Exercising 1 1/2 to 2 1/2
hrs a day. Good luck.
— Randy W.
January 29, 2005
The "Window" is typically 1-1.5 years out. This means you will
lose pretty easy. After that, its work to get more off and easier to gain.
It has nothing to do with "stretched pouch" but not following the
wls rules., grazing, drinking with your meals, etc.
— ZZ S.
January 30, 2005
I know they say there is a window of opportunity. You lose the most in the
first 6 months, then weight loss slows and usually stops by about 18
months. I am here to tell you to do this: maximize the first 18 months, but
don't consider your self a failure if you don't lose all you weight right
away. I stopped losing at 8 months out. Tried everything to get it started
again. Nothing happened. I am now 27 months post op. I've lost 18 lbs since
the end of October (and there were some major food holidays in there!)At
two years, I decided I was now a "normal" person and would eat
that way. And I do. I still get protein in first, veges and fruit, and try
to avoid concentrated carbs. I drink when I am thirsty. I DO NOT eat until
I am full! I have a pouch that can hold a cup of food - but I don't HAVE to
always fill it up! For me, it's making good choices and paying attenetion
to portion size. Surgery is a tool - just have to make it work right for
you, and you have the rest of your life to do it.
— koogy
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