I'm pre-op so take what I saw with a grain of salt.  Not that I am making stuff up, I just haven't "lived it" yet.  

I met with the "Exercise Doc" for a pre-op appointment today.  He emphasized strength training and protein intake to maintain or increase muscle mass.  He said the NUT would probably try to increase my calories after surgery, that people are afraid to "eat too much" and end up eating too little and their weight loss really slows.  He also told me when I exercised, at least initially, not to get my heart rate up too high (don't want to start buying muscle tissue)  Walk.  Walk the dog.  Not speed walking, don't get winded, just move.  

He also mentioned that starting at a lower weight, with less to lose than their average patient, I shouldn't expect BIG numbers that other people with more weight to lose tout about.  (Not that they are bragging, the point is, don't expect it and don't compare)  It's a journey, not a race, and the most important thing is to use the new tool to the best of your ability, using all the resources the Dr's office can provide.  

I'm sure you're going to do great!

Tazz was just about right on her numbers.

As lightweights, we don't LOOK like we lose as much BUT we lose typically at a faster percentage AND almost always get to goal weight within a year. NOT all but most. Heavyweights can take 2 or more years to reach goal.

It's not POUNDS, it's PERCENTAGES!

by Carolyn M.
Two people, both 6 months post-op. One has lost only 63 pounds and feels bad about her "slow" weight loss. The other has lost 96 pounds and thinks she's doing great.

They are both wrong.

Person A had only 105 excess pounds, so she has already lost 60% of her excess weight. She is actually ahead of the game at 6 months out and is on track to lose it ALL.

Person B had 265 excess pounds. At 6 months out she has only lost 36% of her excess weight. At this rate, she will end up retaining 28% of her excess weight, enough to keep her in the obese category.

See what I mean? Don't compare pounds to pounds, that's like apples and oranges.

Percent of excess weight lost: pounds lost divided by total excess pounds
Use a BMI of 25 as a goal weight

On track to lose it all is 25% lost after 2 months, 50% after 6 months, and 80% at one year.

Please note: These are averages. Your mileage may vary.