Question:
Why am I losing more inches than I am pounds (not a complaint, just an observation)

Last month (3 mos. post-op) I lost 6 pounds but 10 inches. This month I'm down about 10 pounds, but I lost 13 inches. I'm not complaining, but I wonder if this is healthy, odd or normal? I'm not trying to compare myself (*oh, who am I kidding) but I see women who have lost more lbs than I have, but I am "thinner" than they are. So, what is happening to me? --Jen, rny 11/11/02 down 4 1/2 feet of fat :)    — Mrs. Rich (posted on March 11, 2003)

March 11, 2003
I, too, have lost more inches than pounds. I had open RNY on Jan. 13, 2003, and I am down from 24/26 to 18/20 and I have only lost 30 pounds. Sometimes, I "beat myself up" that I haven't lost more, but I am grateful to fit in clothes that have been collecting dust for five years now. I now have come to the terms that getting into smaller clothes and being a healthier person is a lot more important than numbers on a scale. I think that if we don't pay attention to the scale so closely that maybe in the long run you and I both will be where we would like to be pound wise. Good luck to you on your journey. Daphine
   — Daphine C.

March 11, 2003
You may also notice that you will fit into sizes that just seem too small for your weight. That is because our bones weigh more than those who have never been fat. When we were obese, the bones gained in density to support our frames. When we lose weight, we don't lose from the bones, so you will always weight more pound wise than someone else who is the same size as you yet pounds lighter.
   — Cindy R.

March 11, 2003
The answer lies not only in the bones but in the muscles. Are you working out? If so, you'll lose WEIGHT slower but will be smaller faster. Make sense? Think of it this way: When you work out after surgery, you are losing fat BUT at the same time you are building muscle. So while your weight may not decrease as quickly as a person who is not exercising, you will be smaller because a pound of muscle is much denser than a pound of fat.<p>This is also the reason that formerly MO people look better and wear smaller sizes at higher weights. You have built more muscle to carry all that extra weight around. Before I gained all my weight I weighed 115 pounds and wore a size 12. Now, I weigh 130 pounds and wear a size 6P. The difference? My body fat before was 54% and now it is 23%. The muscle is simply more compact. Don't worry about the scale. Let how you look and feel determine your goals!
   — ctyst

March 11, 2003
WOW- I never knew that about the bones and muscles (what Cheri and Cindy said before) I always wondered why I am 140lbs. which for 5'2" is the high normal (I have 10 more to go until my goal weight) Yet, I fit into an 8, and now some 5's, too! I feel like I still weigh alot but look kinda little. Jen- you are completely normal. This has happened to me throughout my whole weight loss. Congrats on your loss and goodluck to you!
   — Lezlie Y.

March 11, 2003
Of Course you're normal! Same thing happened to me. I didn't have WLS but I WAS very obese. I started running and doing other exercise and I am just about solid muscle. I think I actually have almost not enough body fat. I weigh 110 and am 5'4", but everyone estimates me at 95 or so because I am tiny. Think of it this way...which weighs more, a pound of butter or a pound of lean beef. Answer? They both weigh the same amount, but the butter takes up a LOT more room. Also, you'll notice that as you're building muscle, you will continue to lose inches/pounds because muscle uses a LOT more calories to sustain itself than fat does. Good luck!
   — Brittany C.