Upcoming Surgery

Hi All,

I haven't posted in awhile, but wanted to share the news that I've gotten a surgery date of Dec. 11. I'm nervous to have it so close to the holidays because no cookies, stocking candy, or solid food over Christmas is going to be very difficult for me. But I know I can do this.

I'm also planning a vacation in May when I'll be just under 5 months post-op. I'm wondering how much weight I should expect to lose in the first four months? Really just being curious, but if anyone knows the answer I'd love to hear it.

thank you all!

--Gerry Fuhrmann

First of all, everyone is different so there is no way of knowing how much you will lose in 5 months. Too many variables to consider. I am 4 weeks post op and have lost 40 lbs. I expect to lose around 10 lbs a month from now on. I have seen posts from people that have lost less and some have lost more.

Hi Gerry,

Does your surgeon require you to go on a pre-op diet? Many do, in order to shrink your liver so that surgery is safer. My doc wanted me to have 4 Bariatric Fusion shakes per day, for a total of 600 calories, and 108 grams of protein. As always with that type of diet, in the beginning of is a *****allenging, but then I have always found that things get eadier. I mention this for two reasons, one because that type of diet before surgery will result in weightloss (I lost 18 pounds during my 2-week pre-op diet), and two, because it will give your body and psyche a head start on getting used to your new life. That's in addition to it's primary purpose of reducing your liver so you can experience a safer, more successful surgery.

Everyone is different, but I feel it is best to make the decision now that you will truly and deeply invest yourself in being seriously compliant in following a conservative, low volume, protein first diet with minimal carbs, gradually moving from clear liquids to the pureed phase, to soft foods, etc. i

After surgery, you will likely find as I did that foods like cookies and candy just aren't very appealing at all anymore (not to mention that they could very well make you very ill). It really can be easier to comply, emotionally and physically, than you fear it may be. For myself, i can genuinely say that I have never felt food-deprived since my surgery. I am doing exactly what I want to do - reclaiming my vitality and my looks - and for me this process has been very positive, rather than a struggle. (Obviously, I am very much still in the post-op honeymoon phase and I want to ride it for all it's worth!) I hope you will feel the same.

As to how much weight you will lose, there are many factors involved. Presuming that you will be very compliant and will move forward into the protein forward, very low carb, low calorie eating most of us here follow, your rate of loss can be influenced by:

How much you weigh to begin with (heavier people lose bigger amounts over the first several months, but lighter people usually reach their goal weight more quickly);

whether you are male or female (guys may have the advantage in losing a bit faster), I

how old you are (younger people may have the advantage);

if a woman is post-menopausal, weight loss may be slower;

if you are hypothyroid your rate of loss may be somewhat slower;

Certain medications may make weight loss slower.

Exercise is good for you in countless ways, but your food intake seems to be more directly linked to how fast you will lose.

All that being said, today is my 5 month surgiversary! My operation was on 6/12/17. This morning, I weighed in exactly 90 pounds less than when my 2-week pre-op diet began, immediately before surgery. In spite of checking all of those slower weight loss boxes (female, older, post-menopausal, hypothyroid), I am very happy with my rate of loss. Remember that stalls are experienced by almost everyone, but they will end and we resume losing again, we just have to keep to the plan.

Good luck to you!

The Post-op planner under Resources will give you a general guideline on weight loss and timing. Also, many of us list our losses in our signature (I do). I looked for people with my height and starting weight and checked out their loss patterns when I was wondering how much I might lose each month.

I chose my surgery to be done in september so that way id be healed by thanksgiving and christmas, wouldn't be on a liquid diet, id be accustomed to my new diet and will refuse to give into the temptation! You can do it!

I was trying to have my surgery in July but the psychiatrist wouldn't approve me. ? It sounds like you're doing great, keep it up!

Stocking candy?

One of the ideas that I've been trying to pound into my head since this process started was that the weight loss would be incidental to the real life-change which would be learning to eat like a proper adult. I realize that any Joe Schmoe can get RNY done and lose 100 lbs. Keeping it off is the real trick. Cookies and candy are likely one of the reasons you're headed for the operating room. Try not to mourn their loss. They're not your friends. Instead look forward to being liberated from their horrible grip.

Thank you everyone for the replies!

Like most people say everyone is going to go through this weight loss differently. My doc had me on the optifast shake program for 3 months prior to my surgery on Halloween. I lost 75lbs on the shakes and then since surgery I am down about 20lbs. I know I will not continue to lose like this but my doctor said at my size I should lose about a 100 in the first year after surgery. I am shooting for more but will take it as it goes. Now about the not eating Christmas or Holiday stuff I know it stinks cause I am kinda going through it now with Thanksgiving right around the corner but I think you might be able to have some soft foods as long as your doctor approves. Anyway Wishing you great luck with the diet and upcoming surgery.