Question:
HOW MUCH WEIGHT CAN I LOSE?

ON THIS WEBSITE I LOOKED UP MY BMI AND GOAL WEIGHT RESULTS. I STARTED AT 257 LBS, AT 5FT 4" TALL. CALCULATIONS TOLD ME THAT MY IDEAL WEIGHT IS 134 LBS, BUT I "MIGHT" LOSE 80 POUNDS, PUTTING ME AT 177. DOES THIS MEAN I WILL NOT REACH MY IDEAL WEIGHT OF 134 POUNDS? THIS IS VERY DISCOURAGING! PLEASE HELP!    — APRIL P. (posted on June 9, 2002)

June 9, 2002
I weighed 222 the day of surgery at 5'2", and have to date lost 98 pounds. Weight loss will depend on you not on the "charts"! Good Luck!
   — Sherry C.

June 9, 2002
On the day of surgery, I weighed 314 pounds. Eight months later, I've lost 125 pounds and still going. I am only 29 pounds from my goal weight! It IS up to you -- Those charts say I'm still "overweight" and yet I'm 5'9" and wearing a size 14. After years in a size 26, I feel wonderful! If I never lost another pound, it'd be fine with me as I feel GREAT! Don't lost heart -- It IS worth the journey. Nothing is as important as good health. NOTHING.
   — cjtich

June 9, 2002
I am 6 months out (RNY/distal) and have lost 81 lbs to date. I asked my surgeon at my last visit how much more he thought I could lose, he said 40-50 lbs. I was looking for another 70lbs. At first I was discouraged, but then I had to realize..Jeez...how could I possibly be upset about not getting to "goal" weight! I should be happy with the weight loss that I get, as long as I used the surgery the way it was intended and gave it my all...I will NOT be disapointed. I did this to be healthier FIRST, to look better second. I hear people that have not even had surgery yet complaining that they may not get to "goal" weight..I can tell you what 80lbs less feels like and it is HEAVEN! Don't stress abouth charts, and what others , even doctors "predict" you will lose. If you get surgery and use the tool correctly..you will succeed and feel great! Tricia
   — Patricia R.

June 9, 2002
I started out at 266 lbs. and am also 5 feet 4 inches last June. I have lost 112 pounds in just about a year (10 days shy). I lost 100 of those pounds in 7 months and it has truly been slow going since that time. I guess I hit a few plateaus, yet what seems to happen now is I go up and down a few pounds for a few weeks or a month and then I lose again. The charts said my ideal weight was 135 which I never aspired to as I now that 145 pounds was more realistic given my body fat and muscle mass. My body fat is 27 whch is average now even at 154 pounds. I work out aerobically 3 times a week and do circuit weight training on average 2-3 times per week as well. I feel great and am very heathy. I feel very normal and can wear some smalls and mediums, yet if it has a zipper I need a 12 in pants or shorts. I think that we hear about the window of opportunity and I beleive that I still have some weight loss ahead, yet I really think that the first 6 -8 months is the prime ad critical time for major weight loss. I wish you the best in our journey and remember we are all so different! Who knows? You may lose to 135 or less, but to keep the numbers in perspective as it is overall health that we are improving.
   — Molly S.

June 9, 2002
Started at 264 and am 5'2". I am 17 months post op. I got to my goal weight of 139 at about 9 months out. I now weigh 118-120 and wear a size 4/6. I've exceeded my goal and expectations. The rate and total lost is such an individual thing. BTW-I've not exercised once. Good luck! Shelley
   — Shelley.

June 9, 2002
I weighed 280 at 5'4 on my surgery date. I now, after 3 years weigh 110 pounds. Of course you "can" lose all the weight. It's certainly possible. It's all up to you. Good luck. Barb
   — Barbara H.

June 9, 2002
April, don't take this the wrong way, but this surgery is not a miracle, and alot of people who have it done find out it is alot harder than they expect, some people cheat and start snacking alllllll day long. Some people test their limits so much that they stretch their pouches out from 1 or 2 oz to over 8oz or more. This surgery gives you a tool, it helps you with self discipline, but it does not do everything for you, and since the weight loss expectations are based on the statistical results of all patients, disciplined and undisciplined alike, contribute to that "average" weightloss (as a % of current excess weight). The number I've heard is 70%. So most of those calculators will take your ideal weight, and multiply by about 1.3, and say that is the weight you're likely to reach in two years. You can choose to be above, below, or average, it all depends on how you use the tool. If you like losing weight, and stick with the things that help you to lose your first 50,60,70,100 lbs, then you can just keep going to a weight that is healthy for you.
   — Heather K.

June 9, 2002
I have to agree with the last person who posted. WLS Is NOT the 'MAGIC' tool that does the work for you while you sit back and do nothing. If you are wondering how much weight you're going to loose, then you need to take more time and research the surgery more and what is more important to you. I can't believe the people who come on here wondering when they can have their next alcoholic drink or run to McDonald's following surgery. This is a LIFE TIME change, one that gives you the opportunity to reach a HEALTHIER life style. You will ALWAYS have to work on your weight, but the surgery is a tool that helps you achieve your goal. If you only lose about 90 pounds, holy cow! that's an achievement all its own! I know that I will probably have struggles too and am in NO way perfect or know alot, but please, please don't look at this surgery as 'how much weight will I loose? ' and feel horrible and dismayed at the idea of only dropping 80% of your body weight, at least you lost it. I wish you luck in your journey to a healthier life!
   — Jena C.

June 9, 2002
My surgeon THINKS I won't lose anymore as 70% is his number. I'm at 75% and still manage to lose a few pounds each month at 13 months post op. Up until a couple months ago, I had stopped losing. ;)
   — Danmark

June 10, 2002
Hello I started around the same weight as you. I was 223 lbs and had surgery last July. To date I weigh 117lbs. I am 5'3. I think with exercise and doing what you are suppose to do you can achive the results you are looking for. If you want to see my before and after pics let me know or if you want to talk email me. Good luck
   — Jennifer L.

June 10, 2002
April, I have exactly the same stats as you. I'm pre-op with no approval or surgery date as yet. I know that I am getting ready now, mentally, to give it my best shot so that I can reach my personal goal of 130. I know it's a tool and it's work. Don't kid yourself. It will be hard. I'm using these months of waiting to prepare myself (hopefully). Take care. It can only get better.
   — crawford1213

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