Question:
I FEEL THAT I SHOULD HAVE LOST MORE BY NOW

I had Open RNY on April 5, 2002. It is now July 12th and I have lost 60 lbs. That's only 20 lbs per month. Please don't say that 20 lbs per month is great because I've seen other who have lost so much more. I am 4' 11" and weighed 235 at surgery time. I now weigh 175. Although I do feel soooo much better, I still feel fat. Also, people that see me on a regular basis seem disappointed that I don't look thinner quicker. What am I doing wrong? I try to drink as much water as possible, I always have a water bottle with me. I do exercise but not every day. I try to eat protein mostly although there are times when I crave carbs. I'm starting to get disappointed. It's been 3 months and I'm afraid I won't have much time left to reach my goal. I still have about 65 lbs to goal. any suggestions?    — Peggy D. (posted on July 12, 2002)

July 12, 2002
What should we say then, other than what you are expirienceing is normal? Technically I am still 40lbs. from goal, and I am two years out. I only lost about 16.5 lbs. per month. Am I a failure, well- in your comparisons, I am - however, no I don't think so. Am I healthy? Yes! You say you exercise, drink water and eat protein. But you do not say in what quantities! I would start tracking everything......... see exactly what you are doing and how much. Weightloss (no matter surgery or not) comes down to simple math, what you put in vs. what you burn = weight loss or gain. We cannot tell you anything until you tell us what your math equals. For me, I don't burn enough and I remain stagnant- however I don't gain either. If I wanted to lose a steady 2lb. per week, I would reduce my caloric intake by roughly 500 calories a day- but for me, right now, I hate math and I am not committed to figure it out. You have time to change your habits and start writing down everything you eat, drink and do exercise-wise.
   — Karen R.

July 12, 2002
Peggy - there are two different standard for a "successful RNY". One is losing 50% of your Excess Body Weight (which is your Actual Body Weight (when starting) minus your Ideal Target Weight). The other is losing 30% of your initial body weight. That means that your surgery is deemed a success if you lose about 80 pounds. You have lost 60 pounds in 3 months. That's great! You are only 3 months into the 12-18 month window of opportunity and have already loast over 25% of your initial body weight. Others lose more because they have more to lose, Peggy. I am going in for surgery on 7/17 and yes, I may lose more than 60 lbs in the first three months BUT I weigh 427 pounds. Losing 30% of my initial body weight would be a weight loss of 142 pounds. >>>>>>>>> SO - don't be discouraged It souds like you are doing fine on the water and the protein. I'd try to get into some type of exercise every day - even if it is just walking. If you want to only do the heavier aerobic stuff 3x a week, that's fine. Try to limit the carbs... You may not make it down to 110 lbs, but I'll bet you end up within 10-15 pounds of it when all is said and done...
   — John Rushton

July 12, 2002
Peggy, you say not to say that it is great? Sorry but I have to say it. You say that you have seen others that lose faster? Well you have also seen those that lose slower. Thats because we are all very different. And you cannot compare to others. I'm sure you have heard these statements a million times, but they are true. It took me 4 months to lose 60 lbs. And I was so thrilled to have lost that much. Am I a slow loser? Most definitely, but I also lost a great percentage by that point which is more important than what the scale numbers are telling you. *Expect* the loss to slow down and then you won't be so disappointed. Its totally normal for it to slow down gradually. I'm 8 months post and mine has slowed to about 5 lbs. a month. So enjoy the quick loss now while its happening. And don't worry about what the others are thinking, its not worth the worry! And you have plenty of time to reach a goal with only 65 lbs. left to goal. With an open window of 18-24 months, you are only down a mere 3 months, that leaves 15-21 months left to lose 65 lbs. Does this put it all in perspective for you?
   — Cheri M.

July 12, 2002
Hi. My date was 4/22/02 and I have lost 103 lbs total--that's ONLY 69 lbs since surgery. I thought that I should have lost more too, but I think this is just how my body wants to lose. My body has changed so much--my clothes do not fit--I look like a bag lady in most of my clothes. Think of it this way, 20 lbs a month means that you will be at goal in, say, 2-3 more months at the most!!! That's really good! You also were a light weight to begin with--you don't have much more to lose! You're doing great!
   — jenn2002

July 12, 2002
At 3 months, I'd lost 53#, of the 150# I would eventually lose. Took me 8 months to reach that first 100# lost, while everyone else around me hit it by 6 months. I was just hoping to lose ANY, but even, so I was "done" at 13 months. A little past goal wt, and ecstatic that I actually made it. I've maintained my goal wt (or neighborhood) for 7 yrs after reaching it. Fast/slow. Doesn't matter as long as you get there, right?
   — vitalady

July 13, 2002
I hardly ever read these questions anymore as I end up reading ones like this one. I am going on 6 months post-op and have lost 80 pounds. I started at 320 so when I read about light weights that have lost 20 pounds a month and have lost almost as much as me in half the time it can be disheartening to say the least. Not to mention the person is not satisfied with the loss! I wish you the best Peggy and believe me, there are many of us out there that wish we we having your success.
   — crishsapig

July 13, 2002
First time posting here. I am a new lurker LOL I too had open RNY on April 9 this year. You sound like a fast loser to me! I am jealous. To date I have lost 43# (about 2# a week for the past 2 months. I walk a lot and eat about 700 to 900 calories a day emphasizing protein. I have struggled with disappointment as I thought it would go a lot faster. But....there are positve things I certainly have learned losing slow. I have an appetite and have already worked and am working on new eating habits....living a new lifestyle. My pouch is a tool and I use it...but I am definately in the drivers seat. I could gain now I think if I did not watch it. But perhaps, hopefully skin will have more time to respond to wt. loss. :) ANd truthfully without surgery this past 3 months I would have put on at least 15# more. I agree with the other posters....if we all get there ...does it really matter how fast? ( I just want to make sure I get there)!! Started at 249 now 206 goal 125. Anyone with a similar loss to mine...please email me! Mary
   — mtelliston

July 13, 2002
I would say that you are about average. I lost 63 pounds my first 3 months and was extermely happy. Have you ever been able to lose 60 pounds in three months? Keep it up, Your doing great! You'll be at goal or near it before you know it. Keep in mind too, that what our mind sees as our goal our body doesn't always see the same thing. My goal was 140 and I never got below 143(1 year), now I'm at 175, 2 years later and trying to get back down to 150.
   — Gayle G.

July 15, 2002
after reading your post i'm beginning to think that maybe I'm doing something wrong I went to the doctor for my 2 week check up and I had lost 35lbs.which means that by the end of this month I could possibly have a weight lost of 70 pounds. Then again you have to remember that the heavier you are the more you lose.
   — Samitra D J.

Click Here to Return