weight loss percentage

Quick question...I've heard that you know you're on the right track according to the percentage of weight loss you've had rather than how many pounds. How do you figure this percentage? I'm a lightweight so it has been slow. I know nothing is a good excuse but with my kids home over the summer it prevented me from exercising like I should have. I'm really interested in knowing if I'm on the right track with my weight loss percentage. Thanks!

Let me see if I can help. I had read that with wls one can lose up to 70% of their excess weight. I weighed 231, my correct weight should be 150. I subtracted 150 from 231 for a total of 81 pounds of excess weight and multipied that times 70%.which equaled 57 pounds. So 57 is equal to the minimum percentage of weight I should expect to lose with wls. Despite what I read, I expected to lose it all and have lost 74 pounds so far with 7 pounds to goal. I hope to achieve that by my 6 month anniversary. BTW - If my info wasn't clear, just email me your start weight and goal weight and I'll figure it out for you. Good luck. Louise

You are doing terrific, Louise! Congratulations! Joy

Hi Karel-- I have also heard some doctor's give very good guidelines for where you should be at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, etc. Mary on our over 50 forum knows those figures, but is moving right now and off line for awhile. I did read that 1/3 or your excess weight should be gone by 3 months, and 1/2 by 6 months and the rest by 12-18 months. This guide is average, and lots of people lose faster, but for lightweights it is reassuring. I have lost 50 pounds at 5 months and have 20 to goal, but hopefully may lose a few more too in the coming year. Sally

I am at 6 months and have lost 62 lbs. I have about 20 to go. I've been in a stall for about a month, but I think it will break sooner or later. As a light-weight that puts me at about 75% of my goal at this point. Joy