Weight loss with RNY

I'm curious to hear from RNY and/or revision vets what your experience is with percentage of excess weight lost after surgery.  My doc gave me the stand "expect to lose up to 50% of your excess weight."  Is that the expectation you were given? And, is that true for you - a loss of 50%?  I know everyone's story is different, I'm just interested in knowing what real people in my situation have found to be true. My doc also gave the disclaimer that 50% is only intended to be an average - that I could lose more or less than that. And I know it all depends on a lifestyle change from me.  The problem is, my goal weight is another 40 pounds beyond the average. I don't want to go into surgery already feeling discouraged. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

I have lost 146 pounds in 13 months, which puts me at the very top of the "normal" range. My doctor had said I would lose about 80% of my excess weight and I told him that I didn't plan to go through this surgery and not reach my personal goal. He said it was possible to lose more, this was just what typically happened. Ideally, I would like to lose 10-15 more, and I am still losing, just very slowly at this point.  Don't be discouraged.  Follow the plan, do the work. Change your eating habits and add some exercise.  You will get there.  This surgery is a tool that will help you achieve your results.  The rest is up to you.  You can do it.  Good luck.

Thank you for your response!  I agree with you 100% that I'm not in this just to lose a little weight.  If that were the case, I would do it on my own.  I had lap band surgery in August 2007, and lost around 70 pounds in the first 6 months.  I haven't lost any more than that, and I have maintained that loss - except for 8 pounds I seem to play back and forth with.  Even when all the fluid was removed from my band 3 years ago I didn't gain, so I'm fairly familiar with the process.  I just haven't been able to get the scale to move on my own.  I know I can do the lifestyle changes, so I think I'll do ok.  Thanks again for the support!

Sonja

It is the doctors impression/opinion to tell you the standard amount they expect you to be able to loose, however I've well surpassed my surgeons goal and am literally 2 lbs away from my dream weight!  It is up to you honestly, its how you "retrain your brain" on what foods to eat and what not to eat that made you overweight to begin with.  Its about finally making changes and becoming healthy, if you do those things you WILL surpass the doctors expectations.

Thank you for your response and support!

Sonja

Hi there, I've already lost 50% of my excess weight and I'm only 3 months out.  You can do  it!

Thank you!!  50% in 3 months is amazing.  Good for you!

Sonja

I lost 100%, and I've kept it off for almost 4 years.

That's fantastic!  That is my goal as well, and I'm determined to make it happen.  No more diabetes and other health issues due to my weight and poor lifestyle habits for me!

Sonja

I have lost 100% of my excess weight. They get that statistic from the studies that look at patients 5 years out. As with anything the maintenance is harder.  Even with that only a percentage have regain...not 100%... and as proved on these boards again and again you can lose the regain, you still have a tool.

It kind of makes me mad the Docs discourage their patients. My Docs wife works in the practice as well, and the first visit she said to me ...as I was hedging on how much I wanted to lose (I couldn't imagine it) "Why wouldn't you want to lose all the weight?"