How much should we be losing per week?

 Is there an average we should be losing each week or is this on a individual basis??  I am happy that I am losing but when I see other people losing more per week, I start to question whether I am doing something wrong.   Frankly, I feel a little lost right now even though I researched everything I still feel like I am continually learning something new every day.  Does anyone else feel that way or is just me?  Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Erika

Hi Erika,  Looking forward to meeting you this weekend. As for average weight loss, I wouldn't try looking for an average.  Everyone is different.  I had lap band so I know I can say with lap band it's considerably slower.  I also know someone who is 7 months out from lap band who has already lost 66lbs and I'm 1 year and 4 months out and have only 66lbs.  I was on an 8 month plateau yet I still lost 3 clothing sizes.  I'm just happy knowing I only have 34 more pounds left to lose. So don't get too focused on the avg or you'll be getting to down on yourself and then get depressed about it.  I just focused on the fact that I was losing and when I wasn't losing I was maintaining, yet losing clothing sizes. Kathleen

Yep Erika,...you're going through what I think the majority of us go through initially.  My advise....don't compare yourself to others.  Follow your program, concentrate on creating good eating habits, drink your water, and don't worry about the scale...it'll move, believe me!  Yes, we all lose at our own pace.  This is your journey and your body and the tool will work for you!!  We didn't gain it in a month, we're not going to lose it in a month, but we will lose it if we follow our programs! My very best wishes to you as you walk, one step at a time, down the road to better health!! Hugs,

Erika, it certainly isn't just you : )   we have all had those thoughts/questions...    But the others are right - don't compare yourself to other people.  Each person is unique in how they lose the weight.  If you follow the program, you will lose ... some weeks it will show up on the scale, others you will probably notice it in the way your clothes feel, and maybe some weeks you won't notice anything.  But you are normal !  And you will lose the weight you need to lose.   I had surgery the same time as Barb K and boy oh boy if I compared myself to her, I would be in a major depression.     She seems like she is rockin' and rollin' and I am doing kind of a slow dance    But to be honest, I am so happy with where I am - I am so much healthier now and have dropped 5 pants sizes -  even if the scale isn't moving as fast I would sometimes like.    So I have decided not to compare (I admit sometimes it easier said than done) but just focus on how far I have come and how far I can go if I just keep doing what I need to do...    PS - You have done awesome so far!   keep up the good work!!! 

Kathleen, Edi and Cheryl, Thank you for your advice and input, I forget that I shouldn't compare myself to others although, that is easier said than done at times.  But, I also forget that I need to commend myself for all of my accomplishments I have made on this journey thus far and that it is only going to get better from here on out.  I guess I just needed some assurance as well as a pick me up and you all did that for me so kudos to you ladies.   Erika P.S.  Kathleen I am also looking forward to meeting you as well.

Hi Erika  I feel the same way you do....I started off really good and now it's maybe 2-3 lbs a week and ya know what that is still good.....  When ever I feel like it is not working I take out my old picture and look at it then look in the mirror and I know that it still is working for me......  I hope to meet you soon.....take care  Hugs Marsha

Marsha, Thanks it helps to know your not alone in the doubts that we have at times, good advice about pulling out the old pictures to give myself a reality check.  I am starting to definately see the changes in how my clothes are fitting there getting to be way to big, which is definately good.  I would also like to meet you as well, sometimes I wish I could just beam myself down toward the Twin Cities.  Thanks again for your input and by the way may I say you are looking absolutely MARVELOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!  I love the new avatar. Erika

Erika Your doing a GREAT job! If I repeat what others have said I'd sound likea broken record... I dropped 55 lbs my first month then have stayed pretty steady at 10 lbs a month since then. AND i don't lose anytyhing the first 3 weeks of the month then whammo! i drop 10 the last week. we're all so different honey. just relax and keep moving you'll get to the end when your body is good and ready. your doing great! keep it up!

You are doing amazing!!!   It was great talking to you again last night.   I sooooo understand the how it's hard not to compare yourself to others.....I still at 3 plus yrs out have a hard time not doing that.   Soon you'll be smaller than me....Ohhh I can't wait to see you this weekend and see the difference in you.   Everyone loses at a different pace.....just compare to those old pics....take some new ones so you can put them side by side.   That always helps me feel better.

It's been said several times already, but definitely not a fair comparison. I joined Weigh****chers at work in December because I like the focus it gives me in tracking what I eat and a weekly weigh-in rather than trying to obsess everyday on my own weigh-in. I've noticed a pattern for me, which is interesting and, yet, different from probably anyone else I've heard mention (again, not an apples to apples comparison). My pattern is 3-4 lbs per week for two weeks and a maintenance (+/- 0.5 lbs) on the third week. Then back to the same pattern for two weeks, etc. etc. I mentioned to my NP at the surgery center at my 4 month visit and she didn't seem too happy that I had signed up for WW again. But so what...I like it and I still follow the surgery center rules more so than the WW rules (no WAY can I get in 27 points in a day!). I never would have picked up on this pattern of weightloss had I not signed-up for WW.