Is that it? Not going to keep losing after six months?

Hey everyone, I am six and a half months out from surgery. I have lost 87 pounds, thus far. I am mad at myself for not exercising nearly enough in the first six months, because I probably could have lost more weight. Nonetheless, I didn't, though I do exercise faithfully now, for about the last two months. I'm really enjoying it! I have noticed that people are saying that the first six months we lose the most weight, then after that it slows down. (Somehow I missed that bit of info beforehand, not that it would have changed my mind) I'm seeing that in myself, for sure, and it's really bothering me. I lost zero pounds last week, one pound this week. Seriously, I could have lost that much pre-surgery on South Beach diet or something, you know? Why is it harder now to lose weight than it was *pre-surgery?* I am so thankful for the rapid loss of the first 80 pounds, for sure, but is it always going to be this hard for me to lose any more weight? I mean, it could be two more years before I lose the las 67 I need to lose, at this rate! I'm not looking for anyone to validate that I did the right thing by having surgery, that I'm more successful than I would have been on yet another diet, etc., but I'm wondering if anyone has anything to say about the rate at which we lose, or don't lose, the second six months after RNY. Thanks in advance, Steph

I think you need to be patient with yourself. Keep exercising and making good food choices and the weight loss will start up again. My weight loss has always been slow and steady. It has taken 18 months for me to lose 125 pounds, I still have 15 to go and I have been stuck at the same weight for maybe 2 months. I exercise morning and evening 5 or 6 days a week. Every few weeks I go back to liquid protein for breakfast and lunch then have a small portion of dinner. What helps me is to concentrate on 10 pounds a t a time. Don't think about 67! Keep a positive outlook and it will start again!

Thanks for the encouragement, Mary. You're right, I need to keep my focus on smaller goals; that will help somewhat. You've done great! 125 pounds is a great success. Congratulations! Steph

It will keep coming off! You have done great so far. I had a slow down at six months too. Then the weigh loss picked back up. Most likely, you will continuing loosing for and additional 6 months to a year. Your body has gone throught a huge change it just needed a little break. I stopped consistently loosing at about 14 months. I have and continue to battle out the last bit. Keep the faith, IT WILL COME OFF! I don't have any great advise for you about taking it off, I just wanted to say, don't get discouraged. Take care! Erin

Erin, I certainly hope you're right, that my body is just taking a little break! I'd like to think there will be the occasional drop of several pounds instead of, like, one a month! That's discouraging, I have to admit. Thanks for the encouragement, though, and I will keep your experience in mind. Steph

I think what you are hearing about the 6 month thing is "the golden period" and yes you can hardly go wrong during this time .  But of course you can still lose weight I think the 18 month theory is about right, but you still have to do the right things.  And yes the stalls that your body goes through are a negotiation of sorts because you are in essence starving it.....in the stall your body is saying wait stop...this is a good weight for me no more please.  Also I would stay off the scale some just put it away it's not that important , you will notice the difference in the fit in clothes , etc. then get it out and be surprised , your weight can fluctuate so much even during the day its silly to me.  There are people that weigh many times a day and get hystericql qbout it.  I personally lost about 130 lbs at 6 months out starting at 287.and now I hover around 130-135.  But I am very active and it does more than you can realize I HATE excercising seems fruitless, but if I am in the garden or walking with my friend, riding my horse, cleaning up manure then I dont realize I am excercising  works for me.  Dont beat yourself up you are early out, but remember you lost that weight so far and you KNOW you did not excercise like you should that was your golden period it will end all too quickly, and you will regain if you dont change it, well not you personally but that is the most common people have regain , is the initial loss requires not much of anything other than recuperating.  deep breaths and dont worry you are making great strides

Unfortunately I have had the same problems. I lost 85 pounds the first six months, but only 1 or 2 pounds since then. Even when I was working out 4-6 days a week, I did not lose very much. Now, I am almost 1 1/2 yr out I have not lost anymore, my back is killing me, and my depression is now twice as bad and I have anxiety problems too. I don't regret surgery, but I wish I was strong enough to get through the pain. I still need to lose 50 pounds and I have sort of given up. I do not know what to do. I have sent my dr's 2 or 3 messages and they do not reply to me. I am very dissapointed in myself and my doctor. I am going to pray for the strength I need to get back on track and I hope the Lord will help me. He is the only one who can/will help me now. Blessings to everyone Robin RNYGB 10/28/05 309/292/229 my dream weight 170

Oh Honey!! Find yourself a doctor that will prescribe an anti-depressant for you!! And, do NOT give up on losing those last 50 lbs. I know that seems like a lot, but compared to 85, it's not really that much. I have no idea "why" you are having depression and anxiety problems, but anti-depressants REALLY can help you. Go to a doctor's office and explain your situation to him/ her. Keep going until you find one who will prescribe anti-depressants for you. I am not saying that they are the "only" answer, but I can certainly tell you that they can make your life easier!! Hugs, Pam

Robin, I am sorry you are having such a hard time. I have been there in the past, depressed and feeling hopeless. I did get some free counseling from a Christian psychologist at a large local church, and my PCP prescribed Cymbalta for my depression and Ativan for my anxiety. I had a few years of this, but now am free from it and off the meds, other than an occasional bout of pms blues. I feel so much better. I'm sure your back pain is exacerbating your feelings, understandably. Are you getting any kind of help for that? It's pretty amazing that you only have to lose 50 more pounds. That is so DO-able! Even without your tool you could feasibly do that; I know with it, and a bit of exercise as you are able, you can get it off. Something like Tai-Chi might be helpful for your back, as well as your depression. I'm not into the spiritual/eastern mysticism stuff AT ALL, but the exercise itself is very relaxing and soothing if you can find a strictly for exercise class in a gym or the YMCA or something. Sometimes even hospitals offer it. Just a thought! So, I guess we might be bummed that we aren't losing weight fast anymore, but we can still stick it out and take care of ourselves and ultimately see results. If we go back to our old habits, we only get deep depression, bad health, and fat again. We don't need that in our lives! Blessings, Steph

Hey Steph - I'm only going to "flame" () you for one thing.... being too hard on yourself!!! 87 pounds in six months?? That's awesome!!! Furthermore, are you SURE your body is finished??? You mentioned last week that you didn't lose anything, but you lost a pound this week, yes? Well, a pound is a pound in my book, and that is certainly one less pound that you have to concern yourself with!!! Have heart - keep making good food choices, drinking all tha****er, and exercising regularly and the weight will come off. Also - make sure that your weight loss goal is a REALISTIC goal. Many people set their sights on a particular number on the scale ****rtainly did!) and it is simply not a realistic weight for their body size. Those demonic weight charts are not always accurate!! Remember that many factors play in to how quickly your weight comes off - how much you have to lose to begin with, your metabolic rate, your exercise level, your age, your genetics, etc. Two people may have the exact same # of pounds to lose, but one will most certainly lose differently than the other. Stay focused and you will do just fine!!! Hugs! Kristi