Need encouragement!

I am 5'4.5", 289lbs. Surgery is in 3 weeks. My surgeon said to expect a 100lb loss with the vsg (obviously if I follow plan). 100 lb loss at my height brings me to about 190. Still unhealthy. My goal was 135. Bypass is not an option. Anyone out there with similar stats that can encourage me? I hate I feel defeated already. PS. 43yo, 2 c-sections. Thank you!

What he gave you was an average. Average is taken from people who lose the most and those who lose the least, right? So there are people who do way better, and those who don't do as well. But that means people *can* do better.

Have you seen the Post Op Planner on this site? If you go to Resources in the top menu bar, it's on the right under Tools. It will let you put in your height, weight, and a percentage of excess weight. It states that the average is 65% of excess weight loss. But there are people on these board who have lost over 100% of their excess weight. It can be done!

I put in your numbers(well, close to them, it won't take half inches) and 65% and it came up with 191 pounds as a final weight, pretty spot on with what your Dr guesstimated. So he's going smack into the average for how much he expects you to lose. Expect more :)

That's my plan too, by the way. We're almost the same numbers, btw. I'm a little taller, same weight, 42, surgery in 4 weeks. When I run my numbers through the calculator, I always put in higher percentages because the 65% disheartens me. And I'd rather go at this like a rabid dog than cut myself short by expecting less than my best effort.

Hi Darcy! Thank you for the reply. I feel better! I have yet to speak to my surgeon about "my" goal as I don't want to hear discouraging words from him. What you explained totally makes sense. I plan to walk and build up to working with a trainer for a bit. My hope is I can get to where I want to be. Good luck to you. We should keep in touch. Are you in any of the FB sleeve groups?

You're welcome! I sent you a friend request here. I'm not on any FB groups, but wouldn't mind one. Got any recommendations?

Sure. Gastric Sleeve Support Group, Gastric Sleeve Support Group POSITIVELY

I am only 4 months post op.. My start weight was 277..I have lost 73 lbs so far.. My goal weight is 150lbs. I think it is possible. It really depends how dedicated you really are. I have taken this really serious and plan to continue losing...

Wow! Amazing work! Can you share what you have been doing these past 4 mo? Incredible loss in 4 mo!!!! 

I'm 5'5" and didn't start quite as high as you (219.6), but my doctor told me the 65% number, too.  I expected to finish about 150 (still not a normal BMI)...instead I am maintaining just under 130 at 16 months out!  About 124% weight loss!  You can do whatever you set your mind to and whatever you will stick to.  I followed the doctors plan from the very beginning and did not alter it until I reached my goal (which originally was to have a normal BMI).  You'll do great!

Hello Daelcare.. I too am around the same starting weight as you were. I have my consultation appointment set for tomorrow :) Did you have trouble getting your insurance to cover your procedure? I am nervous about the insurance and approval process so any advice you can give would be so wonderful!!

There's no real limit t to how much you can use, other than the limits you put on yourself.  If you follow the food plan, you'll lose the weight.  My surgery weight was 305, I'm at 137 now.  Highest weight was 349 when we started the process. Your success is totally dependent on your efforts. It's not easy but can certainly be done.  Lots of folks on this forum have lost tons of weight with VSG.  Good luck!