New to the forum

 So, I am new to this forum and I have questions.  As a "lightweight" is it true to assume that you are going to lose slower? I had surgery about 10 weeks ago and I have been losing slowly (only 27 lbs) despite doing everything that the surgeon's program asked. I have just been cleared to do a more strenuous exercise program- could the lack of strenuous exercise be the reason I am losing slowly? Is there anything that I can possibly do to jump start my weight loss? I would hate to have gone through this and not get to a healthier weight! 

Hi Janine

I can't answer your questions as I'm a pre-op, but I'm interested in the answer too!  It looks like you lost quite a bit before surgers - did you do a lot of exercise then?

Welcome to the forum!

Welcome! I don't think lightweights lose slower, we just have less to lose and it's more about percentage of excess weight lost, than pounds lost. Many lightweights make it to goal in less than a year, so not so slow really. 

Are you drinking protein shakes and low carbing? Many surgeon's programs have us eating too many carbs early out, so just asking. 

--gina
 

 No, my program has us phased out of protein shakes by 4 weeks post op! I am a high protein low carb plan. I don't have anything "white" (like potatoes rice and bread). 

You might want to experiment by adding a couple of protein shakes back in to you daily routine. See what happens in a couple of weeks. Oh, and if you can, increase water/fluids if you aren't at or over 64oz of fluids a day. If you have to cut back on dense food to add the shakes in, don't worry, just an experiment.

--g

Actually , 27 lbs lost in a little over 2 months, I think, is pretty good.  My first month was 10, my 2nd 9...

As far as protein drinks go, you'll probably find we are HUGE fans of them here.  You need protein to lose weight and to keep your organs, tissue and muscles healthy.  With the RNY you are malabsorbing a LOT of your nutrients, including protein, thus the protein shakes.

I know Dr's have different programs and its up to you and them the best course of action for you. 
Like Gina said - its the percentage of weight loss that keeps us sane during these times.  Also, hopefully you took your measurements beforehand.  You'll find during "stalls" you are still losing inches, and it too helps keep us sane...

I've lost 100lbs since Sept last year.  Didn't seem slow to me.  I guess if I had 200 to lose, I wouldn't be thrilled but I have lost 100% of my excess weight in less than 1 yr.  Not many heavyweights can declare that. 
I found I lost best with 100+g of protein whi*****luded 2 shakes, carbs under 40g and 84oz fluid.  I couldn't live without my protein in my decaf each morning and my protein dessert each night. 

I am getting close to 5 months out and have "only" lost 35 pounds since surgery.  I am thankful for everyone of those suckers....I am 62 pounds lighter than a little over a year ago.  I have worked out since 3 weeks post surgery and exercised 4-5 days a week before surgery.   I have no real words of wisdom about how to lose faster.....as Gina said our % are probably the same as someone at a higher weight but the # lost each week is smaller.  I am very compliant, get in 90-120 grams on protein a day, and am currently trying to add another protein shake a day to see if that might help with additional weight loss.

Good luck to you......celebrate every pound off and celebrate even more the greater health we receive each day.

~~Jennifer

p.s. this is a great board.....stay and read and post.....very supportive group!

Welcome to the board Jeanine!

You are averaging 2.7 lbs. per week!  That's more than me, girl!  LOL  I average 2.5 lbs per week, and have lost 55 lbs in 5.5 months.  So, yours is a good loss and nothing to be concerned about. 

My Bariatric Team definitely said protein shakes are imperative ... although, they add the disclaimer "Until you are able to get your protein in through foods."  Dah.  Who's ever going to be able to eat that much meat, eggs, and dairy every day??  Not me.  I won't say not ever, but I can't picture it.  So, I'm staying with protein shakes as my body adjusts and will probably always have 1 or 2 just in case I can't make the protein quota for the day.

I know we all try our best to follow the plan given to us by our surgeons, but there comes a time when we sometimes want to start asking questions and exploring our options... one of which is coming to this forum and I applaud you for that.  There are long-time weight loss patients here who have done the experimenting for us and I'm convinced their personal experiences and researching has given them the upper hand over most Bariatric Team members who have their personal forte as well as guidelines they must follow.  No offence toward anybody's surgeon whatsoever, I love mine too, but he's not my go to guy when I have questions about food.  My NUT either... she's very diplomatic but inevitably defers to her "big white book" from the American Bariatric Association of whatevers it is.

Keep coming back and asking questions.  You be the judge of whether or not you are getting sound suggestions from the group.  So glad you are here! 

Welcome to the LW's!

You are doing great! Conrats on your success so far!