Question of Averages

During my initial consultation I was told that a good indicator of how much weight a rny patient will loose can be measured at 6 months post-op.  I was told that on average people lose half of the weight they will lose by 6 months and the second half in 6-12 months following. Have any of you heard this or read anything to back it up?  Have any of you been operating under different beliefs? Thanks Scott

My surgeon emphasizes the first 18 months as the "prime time" to lose weight, and has always said to take advantage of that time, because the body is in high gear to lose weight during that time period. I have between 250 and 275 pounds to lose, so I am planning on making the most of this first 18 months!!!!!   I've never heard the 6 month mark as an indicator for total weight loss before - and, in my case, I hope it's not the case - I want my body to be burning fat on the HIGH setting for as long as possible!!!!!  I also think that our weight loss potential has more to do with die****er intake, and exercise than it does with any specific time frame.  Here's hoping the fat burners keep burning at full strength!!!!!!!!!!! Chuck

it all depends on how well you follow the rules.  the surgery is a tool not a fix.  yes, during the first year; the honeymoon phase; weight will drop off; with little or now effort.  during that time you need to make the life long adjustments.  start the exercise routine; watch what you eat; how often you eat; drink your water; keep the protein intake up and exercise.  Within the first year I lost 128 lbs; gained 5 back during the 2nd year; and have been gaining / losing the same 8 lbs for the 3rd year (so far).  I really need to find the time to exercise...  hope this helps.   mark

   Scott,    I can't say I have heard of that particular theory.  I can say that I lost 100 pounds  my first six months and 50 pounds my second six months.  So for me that is how  it turned out.    As others would say, your mileage may vary.                  Life is great,  Rick

Scott, Well, I was at 322 on 12/11 when I had RNY. Today I am 240. that is 82 pounds in 4 months. Following that math, that should put me at 198 at the six month mark, for a total of 123 pounds in 6 months. So, if I lose another 123 pounds in the next 6 months,that will leave me weighing 75 pounds! Ah, I don't think that formula works for me. I have heard that the "golden window for weight loss" is the first 12-18 months, too. But I think any indicators have to be looked at on an individual basis. I have been averaging 5 pounds per week, every week since surgery. I do not know how long this free fall will last, but I'm riding it all the way to 180 before I release the parachute, if it lasts that long. I keep expecting the weight loss to slow down, and I am sure it will at some point. Take care. JP

Hey Scott, I'm with JP on this one. I lost 96 lbs. the first six months. If I lost another 96, then I would only weigh in at 159 lbs. That may not sound as bad as JP's "would be" weight of 75, but I'm 6'3" tall, my ideal weight is 215 lbs. If I weighed 159, then I would be 55 lbs. underweight. Yikes. I also agree with the others about how each of us lose. Your height, starting weight, surgery type, and dedication to the program are all part of the equation. All of our bodies are different, and that is a factor as well.  Are you worried about not losing enough? I've seen most of your Sunday Weigh In's, and you seem to be losing at about the right pace. I wouldn't worry too much about the end result. Keep focused on your diet and exercise and the weight loss will continue.  Ronnie

Thanks Ronnie

I am not worried about not losing enough (at least for now I am not).  I am just trying to get some idea of what I might weigh when I am done losing.  I excercise 5 days every week, and eat right, take vitamins, and drink enough water.  I am thrilled with my loss, but as I am approaching my 6 month in a couple weeks I am just wondering how low I can get.   I thought that the first 6 months of success was a good indicator of future success.  I was hoping to find some studies on success rates and weight loss trends after surgery, but the info is hard to come by.   Anyway.  Thanks to all for the reply.

I've only heard those numbers used in reference to the Duodenal Switch, even then it's just a reference, and not set in stone.  You can lose weight anytime, it just takes a bit more work the further out you are.   I lost 30 percent of my excess weight by 3 months, 50 percent by 6 months and 80 percent by 1 year, and hope to be at goal by summer.  Scott

Scott, I have not heard these numbers before.  I suspect it is somewhat close for the first six months, but not months 6 – 12; at least that has been my experience.  I lost over 60% of my excess body weight in the first six months, and then it slowed down considerably.  Since then I have only managed to lose about another 10%.  Our bigger brothers will most likely lose a larger percentage early on and can probably keep up the pace for a longer period of time.  Everyone is different so don’t worry about what is normal as long as you continue to lose.   BTW, 100 pounds in less than six months is great.  Congratulations!  That is almost as much as I’ve lost in 12 months.