Question:
Looking for some honest opinions about rate of weight loss.

I had my surgery on October 15, 2001. A little less than three months ago. I started at 250 pounds. So far, I have lost 41 pounds. I realize I shouldn't focus on the rate, everyone is different, however, shouldn't I have lost at least 50 by now. I had been on Optifast a couple of times and usually lost 55 pounds within the same time period. I am only 4'11" so I really do need to get at least down to the 135 to 150 range to just not be considered obese any longer. Any ideas or opinions? Thanks a bunch! p.s. I had an RNY (with my stomach transected).    — [Anonymous] (posted on January 12, 2002)

January 11, 2002
Hi, I had my surgery done on Oct 4, 2001. As of yesterday 1/11/02, I am just now down 50 lbs. I feel better than I have in a long time. The weight will come off, but my doc says that at month 3 you slow down somewhat. I am happy with the 50lbs being gone. Of course this is unofficial, I will know the official weight loss on the 18th of this month. Good luck. Keep up the good work.
   — TONYA B.

January 11, 2002
I had my surgery on October 12th and am down 45 lbs so far. I started at 297 at 5'4". Like you I've been worried that I should have lost more, but keep trying to remind myself that the this is good progress. Slower and steady is healthy, and may help my body adjust to dramatic weightloss better. It's hard to not compare when you read the posts and hear of huge losses, but remember this is a very personal transformation physically and our bodies have different ways of coping to weighloss. A friend encouraged me to track my measurements, so I've been doing that as well. At 252, I still feel really big, but I notice benefits that are encouraging already such as looser clothing, more mobility, and a sense of peace that the scale is finally moving the right direction. My mantra needs to be - Patience--this is a journey and a destination, but I have to complete a significant journey to compensate for the years of weight gain. Wishing you the best of health. Take care!
   — Kathleen T.

January 12, 2002
Had my proximal RNY Sept 18. Pre op I was 5ft/240lbs and "just" hit the 50 pound loss (4months) this week. It is a bit discouraging when you read about the huge losses others have so quickly. Sometimes I think my body is going "oh no here we go again" For that reason, I personally don't set time goals as many posters do. As long as I get my protein, drink my water, & exercise, I know the weight'll come off. Even though it's going ~S L O W L Y~, I'm going to win this battle, and the thing that sustains me is knowing that this it's not coming back. Hang in there, it looks like there are a lot of us slow losers out there =)
   — Denise W.

January 12, 2002
Your weight loss seems just fine to me, and in fact, almost identical to my loss. My weight loss record was: 6/00 - 250; 9/00 - 203 (43 lbs. lost); 12/00 - 180 (70 lbs. lost); 3/01 - 162 (88 lbs. lost); 6/01 - 155 (95 lbs. lost); 12/01 - 138 (112 lbs. lost).
   — kateseidel

January 12, 2002
Wow! Your measurements are almost exactly like mine were, and your rate of loss is close to mine also. I started at 253 pounds (I'm 4'11") on my surgery date 12/11/00. It is now 13 months and I have lost exactly one hundred pounds. I have always been a slow loser, and while it bothered me at first, I am completely thrilled with the results so far. At three months post op, I had only lost about 35 pounds, so you are ahead of my rate. Whether you lose slowly or quickly, it will be at your own personal pace. You can't compare your loss with others, and you shouldn't. I am happy, especially since looking at pictures my sister-in-law had of me last Christmas! UGH! I couldn't believe the difference. Just hang in there, it will happen. Live your life, and the time will fly by. Before you know it, you will be much thinner and healthier! HTH. Good luck, Maria
   — Maria H.

January 12, 2002
I had RNY (distal) on 24 Oct 01 and I have lost 52 lbs. Compared to a lot of others, that is slow too. But my surgeon told me because of my age (55), my loss would be slow and also that I would probably only lose 100 lbs. Hey that's great news, after losing 100 lbs I will weigh 200. However, I've decided not to pay attention to how quick someone loses; I have my own journey and as long as I am doing everything right, I'm okay. I go back to the doctor on 7 Feb and all I am hoping for is to be a loser! I think you're doing great.
   — sudio45

January 12, 2002
Thank you all so much for responding to my question. I feel 100% better this evening than I did this morning. I've really been trying to stay positive about my loss thus far, but still go to bed every night feeling guilty over my "slow" loss. Tonight, I won't feel guilty. Thanks again!!!!!!
   — [Anonymous]