Question:
Okay, I went for my second post op visit and...

my surgeon fussed at me again for only losing a total of 27 pounds in 6 weeks. He says I should have at least lost 20 more. I am doing everything down to the letter. I get my water, I get my protein, I take my vit./min. I walk 30min. daily until my heart is pounding and I am sweating profusely. I mean, I love my doc to death, but he is really starting to make me regret this whole thing. I spent the last 8 years failing one diet after the other and being fussed at by my PCP, now this really sucks. I have my stomach and guts overhauled and still can't win. I just really need a pat on the back here. Anyone else have the same problem?    — Tina B. (posted on August 3, 2002)

August 3, 2002
When I went for my 6-week check-up, I had lost 27 lbs., too. My doc was happy. But if he hadn't been, I would have gotten defensive. I (and probably you, too) have been on a million diets and have ruined my metabolism. That makes us some of us slow losers after WLS. Forget about him fussing at you. Tune it out, or better yet, tell him that you are following directions to the letter and you don't appreciate being fussed at. You don't need to be berated by your doc!! Don't let him get away with it!TAKE CARE! GOOD LUCK!
   — Loretta E.

August 3, 2002
DEAR TINA YOUR DOING JUST FINE I HAVE NOT HAD SURGERY YET BUT THE NURCE SAID THAT PEOPLE WHO WEIGHED UNDER 300LB TEND TO LOSE SLOWER SHE SAID TO EXPECT A WEIGHT LOSS OF ABOUT 10 TO 15 POUNDS A MONTH. MY DOCTORS NAME MYRAIM CURRET STANDFORD MEDICAL CENTER IN CALIFORNIA. SHE A GREAT SURGEON AND SHE WORKS WITH THE DIETICIAN THERE TO CREATE A DIET PLAN FOR US,
   — sheri B.

August 4, 2002
I am still pre-op, but my surgeon and patient counselor told me that the weight loss is not necessarily how many pounds over time, but there is a chart of the percentage of excess pounds that should be lost over time. This is why people with more excess weight seem to lose more pounds in a certain period of time.
   — [Deactivated Member]

August 4, 2002
Wow, Tina. I had to look at your profile to make sure that you didn't have the same surgeon I did! LOL I am almost 7 weeks out, have lost about the same as you and I always feel like it's not enough when I go to the doc or to support groups. My BMI was just 40 and I lost 25 pounds before surgery, but I don't get the feeling that they care about that. I am the one who has to tell myself that I am doing okay. I think this is unfortunate, but at least I've been able to do it so far. I am following every rule to the letter. There's not another thing that I can do differently, so this is good enough. You are doing great and I believe this will pay off for both of us in the end. I have trouble - lots of trouble- with this but PATIENCE and relaxing the competitive spirit is what we need. Best of everything to you! Cathy
   — Cathy K.

October 5, 2002
I am really sorry to hear that your surgeon isn't more supportive or realistic. I am 6 months post-op (Lap RNY). I lost 23 lbs. in my first month and an addiitional 24 lbs. after 3 months. I was so upset because I thought I would lose more. My surgeon, nutritionist and PA were all thrilled that I lost the amounts that I did. To them it meant that I was losing weight, but also eating and absorbing food. You didn't mention if your blood work showed any problems. It is a very individual process. I am now down 100 lbs. with no complications from the surgery. My blood work is excellent. If your surgeon continues to be unrealistic in his weight loss expectations I would consider finding a new surgeon for post-op care. Are you attending a support group? If so, what have they said about this? Good luck and keep up the great work!
   — Sarah M.