Disppointed @ 6 months

Just back from the surgeon for 6 month RNY checkup. Good news, I have lost 86 pounds and I am happy with that. Surgeon says my goal weight is only 20 to 25 pounds away. I nearly fell off of the chair in disappointment with that news. I had hoped that at 5'6" my goal weight would be about 160 or so and that I could expect to be within 10 percent of that when the loss stops. I am no where going to be near that. I have a large frame, started out at 305 as size 26 and am presently in size16 and have been for a month now. Don't get me wrong, I am so pleased with the results so far, but are my goals of seeing a size 12 unrealistic? Can the weight loss really be finished at me weighing more than 200? Looking for honesty and encouragement here. Please share your thoughts on this. ~Diana~

I think surgeons don't want to set unrealistic goals for us, and don't really want us to be discouraged. My surgeon never set a goal instead he told me "our goal" is to never see the number two as the first number in my weight again. That's fine and dandy, but I'm in this for the long hall and I've set a personal goal at 150. I think the harder you strive for something the more likely you are to achieve it. Keep up the great work, and go with your gut, your doing a great job! Jan

Diana, My surgeon set little goals for the entire 18 months of Post-OP so I could watch where I'm at. The first two goals I was ahead of the game, now I'm 5 pounds behind, very discouraging. However, his goals are for 80% of the weight loss. That's all they expect. I'm 5'10, according to our surgery, even though I'm really 5'11. I used to be 6' but I'm shrinking! Anyway, he has my goal at 189. I'm setting my goal for 169. I'd be happy in the 180's, but my friend is built the same way as me and she rocks between 155 & 165 and wears a size 8, so if she can do it, I know I can too. We have similar weight loss. I started at 300 and am down to 215 and I'm just now getting into size 16s on the bottoms, 14's on the tops. I do think that even though the number might not be as low, the inches will continue to drop so you will be able to wear smaller clothes. I know that was the case for me. I haven't lost much weight at all over the last 2 months, but I went down 6 dress sizes. So hang in there and see what happens. I think they just don't want us to obsess over losing too much weight. I think they'd rather say you'll lose at least this much, than to over guestimate. Amber

Diana, First I want to say CONGRATULATION on your 86 pound weight loss!!! That is Supppppper!!! Next, I believe that our doctors set 80% of our weight loss as a goal because to them (and us) that is success! I have read so many of the stories on this site and I believe that our goals after the 80% are VERY reachable! Many many wls patients have lost 100% of their over weight weight, and have kept it off for years.... I know our doctors are not tryiing to say we have to stop at 80% they just want us to take it slow after that and enjoy our new lives!! Keep up the Great Work and don't be discouraged, you are a SUCCESS!!! Lynette

I agree with all here who say that our surgeons don't want to set us up for disappointment if we don't lose 100% of our excess weight, because to them, 50 to 80% is a big success, health wise. However, we are not ONLY doing this for our health, right? Let's get real. We want to look thin, too, and while right now a 12 sounds like an amazing dream to me, when I get there I may not be satisfied. If not, I'll still be exercising and getting in all my protein and practicing portion control and I will surely still lose weight. It will likely come off more slowly at that close to goal, but that's fine, it can still happen. Odd how our stats are so similar, Diana. I had my surgery on July 26, I started out at 304, and I have lost 84 pounds. I'm at 220, and I want to get down to 150. I'm 5'6". The difference, darn it, is I carry so much weight in my belly, that I started off in a size 30 jeans, and am now in a 22. So your jeans are a little "hotter" than mine are now! I have lost so much in my chest, my legs, etc., and I have lost in my tummy, just not enough. I will DEFINITELY need a tummy tuck when this is over to get rid of the skin there. Can't wait for that!!! Let's not allow anything to discourage us! We are going to do this and it is going to be fantastic! Yay, us! Steph

Diana- Be encouraged. I'm 5'6" and my surgeon's goal for me is 142...and I started at 361! SO...I say we can do it if we put our minds to it. Strive for your goals, but always keep being healthy as your number one goal in regards to your weight loss. Congrats on your loss...you're doing great! Christina S

Diana, congratulations on losing 86 lbs in six months! How else could you have accomplished that?! My six-month appointment was yesterday, and I, too, have lost 86 lbs, although am 5' 1/2" tall, started at 239, and currently at 153. My WLS clinic states the surgery will force 70% loss of initial excess weight, and once the 70% is gone, the weight loss will significantly slow down, and it's up to the individual to remain diligent following their eating program plus exercise. My surgeon originally set my goal at 'between 115 and 125", and this was agreed upon by his nurse with whom I conferred. I still have absolutely no appetite nor hunger/cravings, and am most challenged by remembering to eat three one-cup mostly-protein meals daily. We're at six months out, and that is the end of the honeymoon phase, where the most weight is lost. YOU decide where you ultimately want to be and proactively work toward that goal. Take good care of you and have a great day! Patti

Congrats to you! There is no reason to be disappointed. You have accomplished a lot in 6 months and I am quite sure your weightloss is not over. Don't be a slave to the scale, just continue to eat your protein first and work out. Hold your head up high, we are all better physically then we were 6months ago. Be proud of yourself. Dee

You've done great so far. I've found that everyone loses at a different pace. My surgery was July 3, 2006 , and by Dec. 21, 2006 I had lost 113.5 pounds. I do follow the diet pretty close to what was given to me, but, I also have pushed the envelope at times, but I get horrid epigastric pain if I eat more then I should, or eat foods I shouldn't. I weighed 348 in May of 2005, and lost to 307 Feb, 2006. I'm 5'8", and a very large frame. My doc wants me to go to 150#, which sounds really thin, but, prior to any injury or weight problems, I was between 150-180. Because I have long legs I look even thinner then one would think. Personally I try to not pay attention to numbers, because at the age of 10 (yes ten) I was 5'6" and wore a misses size 14, and looked 16. I go by what and how I feel, and my medical condition. Oh, yes, I do like how I look now, with clothes on anyway, . Don't forget, everyone reaches a plateau, and then will begin to lose more. And if you're exercising any, this will help too. Keep on hanging in there, and remind yurself, that this is not a destination, but a continuous journey. And sometimes during a journey one must stop and enjoy the roses (not just smell). Peace, love, health, and happiness. Dana

I know that my surgeon doesn't like to set a goal but did help me to calculate a goal at 75% of excess weight lost. This is what is typically expected. For me that was 149 lbs which leaves me in a size 10. Will I be happy there, yes.....will I be satisfied with that, no. I want a size 8 so I know that I will have to exceed that goal. At 6 mos. out my weight has slowed to about 5 lbs a month so I know that I'm going to be waiting a little bit longer but at nearly 7 mos. I am 1.5 lbs from the doc. goal and I never thought I'd be there. Take your pre-surgery weight, subtract your ideal weight (mine was 112.5--yea right), then multiply by 75%. Subtract this number from your pre-surgery weight and that's how I got my 149 goal.