Anyone else who didn't lose 100 lbs in their first yr?

I always did lose wt slower than most, but I figured with this surgery, I would lose at least a 100 lbs within the first yr. I only lost 75 lbs within the yr and since then, another 5 lbs. I admit I don't exercise as much as I should, but my surgeon told me it wasn't necessary. He said as long as I'm doing things to stay active and having fun that should be enough. I know my diet is good (very healthy) and I haven't really had any other problems. I'm religious with my vitamins, and all my tests have come back okay. I do hold some water wt, but take a diuretic when I'm feeling bloated. I know I'm older than most who have had this surgery, I'm 53, had the surgery at 52, but I see older folks all the time who lose like crazy their first yr. I do have thyroid disease (had my thyroid dissolved back in '98), but take my meds consistantly and have my levels checked when necessary and they seem to run normal. I feel pretty good most of the time, except for I have fibromyalagia and osteoarthritis, which does limit my exercising somewhat. I went from 272 and am now close to 192, so close to 80 lbs lost. I still have another 45-50 lbs to lose. So I'm just wondering if there's anyone else who is 1+ yrs past RNY and still hasn't lost at least 100 lbs? If so, why do you think that is so? Any suggestions to speed up those last lbs? I'm already entered into a "Biggest Loser" contest on another forum and trying pretty hard to lose. Just dunno what else to do. Thanks for reading!

i think our body knows where it is best to be on the scale. no matter how hard we try. I am at 147 been at 133 was 233.....my body wont get any lower unless i starve myself. i dont have a good answer. I am almost 6 yrs post op. dont know. tammy

Shame on your surgeon for saying exercise isn't necessary!! I lost all of my weight the first year and I owe a lot of my success to regular exercise, both cardio and weight/strength training. I was 50 years of age when I had my surgery. I would suggest asking your PCP what exercises you can safely do and get into habit of doing it routinely. You can still lose, you will just have to work harder at it. Also be sure your goal weight is not too low. (You need to take into consideration excess skin, etc.) Connie -147#

I didn't lose 100 lbs my first year either, however, up until the last couple of months, I maintained my weight from my 1 year weigh-in. I have decided it's time to get back to basics, protein, water, etc., and I FINALLY went to the gym today. Granted, I only did 20 minutes on the treadmil, something is better than nothing, right? There is all kinds of wonderful support/suggestions out here. Hang in there and I hope something/someone offers you some words of wisdom and/or advice. Karla H.

I must say I'm surprised at your surgeon's comments about exercise being optional. I had my wls at age 54, and I KNOW that after so many decades of morbid obesitiy, my metabolism was shot. Even with wls, which admittedly will pretty quickly take a lot of weight off of the great majority of people even without exercise, I think there comes a time that exercise is necessary to finish the task or to maintain. Plus, particularly for women aged 50+, the benefits are so huge, that it's not even debatable. So . . . that's my 2 cents' worth . . . make working out a part of most of your days, and I'll bet you'll shed lbs. more easily. Good luck! Jo

I, too, am surprised at your surgeon's comments about exercise.  Non-gastric bypass patients with fibromyalgia and arthritis are encouraged to exercise to maintain as much joint mobility and flexibility as possible.  So add to that you are a WLS patient, you should be exercising as much as your body will allow you to.  Do you have a PCP or rheumatologist that oversees your fibro?  You should discuss what exercises you can be doing with them. I was almost 50 when I had my surgery, and was alot heavier than you.  I have arthritis in both knees, and I'll admit, I didn't exercise very regularly the first ten months post-op.  But at one year I had lost about 75 % of my excess weight.  In order to lose the rest, at 10 months I started working out four days a week, faithfully.  I really, really, hate it, but I do it.  Every day that I put on my workout clothes and start my workout, I consider a victory.  I truly believe that the exercise is what kept my weight loss going, and helps maintain my weight at goal.  Yeah, it would be really nice if I enjoyed it, but, oh well.  Feeling fit and strong at 51 is a good feeling. Debra M. 351/142 sw/cw

Hi, I just had my 1 year surgery anniversary Feb. 9th. I lost a total of 86 pounds. I haven't lost anything for the past 3 months, but I've maintained.  I feel good though. I'm in a size 12,  and can wear 10 stretch jeans, which I never dreamed would happen! I will be 45 years old a week from Saturday. Maybe age is a factor. I also don't exercise enough, although I am always on the move. My goal when I had the surgery last year was to be healthy, and a normal weight. I'm between 5'6'' and 5'7'' and I weigh 180-186 on any given day. I was down to 178 for a minute, but was throwing up alot then. Now, I eat a great variety of foods, including chocolate sometimes (I'm bad). I don't get sick when I eat anymore except when I eat too much, too fast.  I feel better in general. I know if I cut out all carbs, sugar, and caffeine I would probably lose more. But....I love my cup of coffee or chai latte in the morning and don't see that ending anytime soon. I feel quality of life is the key, and balance is everything. Would I like to be a size 8? Yes, probably. However, many people tell me I look healthy, and not gaunt. Perhaps if I weighed much less I would look haggard. Well, those are my thoughts. I think you look beautiful in your picture. Embrace life, and don't let a number define your success. You are worth so much more than that! Rebecca

Rebecca I read this post and you sound so much like me.  I am now 16 months out and have only lost about 80 pounds.  Went from a size 24 to a size 12 (10 too in stretch).  Everyone tells me that I look good, but I would really like to hit the 150 mark.  Not sure why,  it is just a number, but I made myself a goal and that was to get to a size 8.  But... I haven't lost weight in a long time.  I have gained a few pounds, but not too bad.  Your words were a blessing.  Embrase life and don't let number define your success.  That is so true.  I will get busy and start some kind of exercise regiment, but no more fretting over "numbers".  Thanks so much.  Good luck to you. Terri

You and I have so many simularities. My surgery date was 10/19/2005 . I just turned 50 and have thyroid problems also. My weight loss has been very slow. I have lost 100 pounds but  it happened at around 13 months out and each pound now is a struggle. I watch what I eat and walk 60 minutes a day., 5 days a week. I am thinking about joining a gym for different exercise choices to see if that helps.  It just seems my body does not want to let go of the last 50 pounds I so desparately need to loose.   Good luck and keep  in touch to let me know how you are doing.

I lost about 85 pounds at my one year mark.  It took about another 3 months for me to lose that other 15 pounds.  I agree with the others who say "shame on your surgeon" for saying that exercise isn't really necessary.  It is!  It makes a HUGE difference.  Those who exercise lose faster and maintain more lean muscle mass than those who don't.  It is difficult to be completely happy with your results if you are not exercising.  I didn't really exercise as much as I should and paid for it.  I have also developed osteoporosis since my surgery and exercise will help that situation.  I am seven years post op and work for a bariatric surgeon.  Not everyone loses at the same rate.  Don't compare yourself with others but do all that you can do to be compliant with your post-op instructions, diet and exercise, and vitamin regime.  It is all REALLY important in the long run.  Best of luck to you!!  Happy Valentine's Day!