How is it possible??

i know I have read many many posts about ppl not losing weight in the beginning but this is rediculous.  I am now 4 weeks post op from RNY and I have only lost 12lbs. The day of surgery I weighed 186.6 and 4 wks later 174.4.  I see so many losing 15-20 lbs the firstmonth so im baffled as to what i am doin wrong?? I eat 500 calories a day, no carbs.  Daily menu consists of 1/3 cup fat free cottage cheese with 2 tbs of sugar free applesauce, 1/3 to a 1/2 cup refried beans with 1 tbs of fat free cheddar and 1/2 cup of homemade turkey chili with beans with 1 tbs of fat free cheddar.  I also drink two matrix protein shakes in between.  I track everything on my fitness pal and am getting approx 25 carbs daily and 70 proteins.  I drink all my water and walk a few miles a day.  What am I DOING WRONG??

Just my thoughts 12lbs. is great! Congrats, it could be worse. I suggest that you remember what I had to remember, it did not come in a day and it wont leave in a day. Keep doing the things that you are doing and you will see the results. I am almost 5 months out and I don't do as many things as you do but I am so thankful for my results so far. Pat yourself on the back you are doing wonderful, watch those 12lbs turn to 24, then more.

Thank you for the support!

You didn't have a high starting weight to begin with, so I think 12 pounds is good. I don't know your stats, but keep on doing the things your doctor told you and you will be fine! 

My stats are 5'2", surgery day 185.  I didnt expect the weight to come off instantly but I did think I would have a first good month than slow down from there. I guess Im expecting to much

I felt that way too when I was first out. You are doing great!

How much do you have to lose? 

People that say have 150lbs to lose will lose faster than a person who has 75lbs to lose. 

Some people are just slow losers for what ever reason.  Don't compare yourself to others it will just drive you crazy. 

my goal would be to lose 60 lbs but thats with a little wiggle room for maybe some regain

It sounds like you are doing everything right. The people who lose 20lbs the first month have 100 lbs to lose or more. You don't weigh that much. How much total are you planning to lose? You already weigh what some people have set as their goal weight. You probably should think of your weight loss in terms of percentages instead of pounds.  ie.... If a 300 lb person lost 30 lbs in a month that would be a 10% weight loss. If a 180 lb person lost 18 lbs in a month that would also be a 10% weight loss. 

Thanks, everything you say makes sense but its just hard for me to phathom how i can eat only 500 calories each week and the last two weeks I lost only 1 to 1 1/2 lbs each week.