Question:
33 lbs. in 5 1/2 weeks, average or slow?

I am 5'7" tall weighed 279 at time of surgery and I am 33 yrs. old. I lost 14 lbs the first week, 7 the next week then hit a 7 day plateau, at 4 wks was down 27lbs. Now it is the middle of the month and I have only lost 7 lbs. My surgery was on 1/6/03. Should I be losing more since my surgery was only 5 1/2 weeks ago?    — Jennifer T. (posted on February 15, 2003)

February 15, 2003
Jennifer, I too get worried about my numbers. I am 6 weeks out and have lost the same amount as you. My surgeon could care less about the numbers and simply asked me how I was feeling, how my clothes fit and if I was reaching my daily intake of protein and water. Think about the last time you lost this much weight (and it is FAT!) in 1 months time! I can honestly say for myself, NEVER! That is 33#'s off forever and you are doing a wonderful job. Don't get discouraged, keep off that scale and continue to meet your daily nutritional requirements. We'll get there girl!
   — Margaret H.

February 15, 2003
hi there :) your doing great! :) itll be normal for you to experience a stand still at this point, its very common.as you heal and you get into the new swing of things and your bod isnt as freaked out and your getting more nutrition in ,itll kick in again! :) your weight loss is good! i know quite a few that were in the same weight loss range as you were at 5 weeks out! good luck to you! :)
   — carrie M.

February 15, 2003
Your loss seems about average or even better. It is really common to reach a plateau around 6 weeks. I know I did, and was really scared that my weight loss was ALREADY stopping. Not true! It is still coming off 6 months later. It does slow down thoughk, so dont be too concerned when you don't lose 30 pounds every single month. That is just not possible. I am averaging about 7-11 pounds a month now, depending on if I hit a plateau or not. I will note though, that in the beginning (your first 3-4 months) the weight pretty much comes off no matter what you do. But try to develop really good habits now, because the further you get out...the more you gotta work at losing it. Good Luck! (Open RNY 7/23/03 -115 lbs)
   — Shawnie S.

February 15, 2003
Hi Jenn - Congrats on your loss! I'm 5'5" and started at 281 and I'm 26 years old. I lost 36 lbs by the 5th week and then went on a plateau for about 3 weeks. I am now 3 months out and have lost 62 lbs. I have noticed that my wt. loss is slowing, but I am still happy with the results. I have gone from a size 24 to a 16 in only 3 months. I hope this helps and good luck - your doing great!
   — kandi S.

February 15, 2003
I'm at 5 1/2 weeks (6 on Tuesday) and have lost about 20 lbs so I would say you are doing very well. CONGRATS to you!
   — susanje

February 15, 2003
if you are eating right and doing some exercise then this is just right!! eating right means following the diet your md gave you and exercise at this point might just be walking but if you are doing it then that is perfect..if not then you can answer your own question..as with any qyestions or concerns your dr is the best one to ask! good luck!
   — nan K.

February 15, 2003
Jennifer, the best advice I can give you is to stop asking if your loss is average, slow etc. Everyone loses differently, even those that start at the same height/weight. So, to start comparing your loss to others is futile. Some will experience plateaus of varying lengths of time, some lose nothing for weeks and then drop alot all at once, others do the steady 2 or 3 a week..everyone is different. But you know how we are all the same? We ALL lose!! And so will you. Congrats on what you have lost so far, andwhat you will lose as the months go by..
   — Cindy R.

February 15, 2003
that's great weight loss! Just like the others said, try not to compare yourself to others, it can just make you crazy. And the plateaus will come and go, but you'll still lose weight as long as you eat protein and drink your water! I lost 33 in the first 5 weeks as well, and eventualyl lost about 10lbs. per month thereafter. I am now a lil over 8 months post-op and have lost 105lbs and 15 away from my goal! So, I'm ecstatic :) At your rate, you'll b e at your goal in less than a year! You're doing great!!
   — Lezlie Y.