Question:
Getting discouraged on my weight loss

I will be 12 weeks post op tomorrow. I have lost 43 pounds to date. I started at 251 and as of yesterday I was 208.. I did go from a size 24 to a 16/18(depending who makes the clothes) I just thought I would below 200 by now,I know im loosing inches but I want to see the weight go down as well!..I am doing all my exersise about 10 hours a week, eat my protiens 55-65g a day, My water intake averages 60-96 ounces a day, I take my vitimins , calcuim , B12.. What more can I do to make this weight loss a little faster. I am almost 3 months post op and I only have 3 more months in my honeymoon period. Any advice will be appreciated!    — Catherine B (posted on June 8, 2003)

June 8, 2003
don't worry you doing Great! you have lost more than I have. Ive lost 61 lbs. my surgery was jan 9th (5 mos.) day of surgery I was 257 I'm now 195. it takes time. I went to the doctor last week she was so happy with my progress. I thought I'd lose more, faster. but also when you weigh less you lose a bit slower. you really are doing great. you can lose for up to a year it will slow a bit. I understand where you coming from because I was so disapointed but I'm much happier with my loss. hang in there we all want it yesterday and it dosen't happen that way. people tend to freak out about the honeymoon period. I know lots of people that still loseing up to a year and more. just a bit slower. also I've noticed they all have different time frames for the honey moon period.
   — Joan W.

June 8, 2003
I was down 48 at 12 wks and eventually got to goal. I don't know who say's 6 months is the honeymoon period. I lost until 16 mo out. I think you're doing just fine.
   — ZZ S.

June 8, 2003
You are doing great! The "honeymoon period" actually occurs during the first 12-18 months. There are even some post-ops who have started losing again at 3 years. Like you I am supposedly a "lightweight". I started at 5'3", 260". I lost 90# in the first 11 months and have been riding the mother of all plateaus ever since (I'm 22 months post-op). I've been down as low as 160#, up to 176# (post tummy tuck and breast reduction swelling) and am on the down swing again at 166#. Don't give up; keep doing what you're doing. You'll get where you want to go; it just takes time. Hey- I still hope to get down to 145#!! Don't know how these people lose 100# in 6 months but, don't sweat it!!
   — LLinderman

June 9, 2003
I know the last thing you want to hear is to be patient and it will come off at its own pace, but, sweetie, its the truth. There are some who can lose rapidly and get to goal in a matter of months and others of us (yes, me too) that it just takes longer. Altho the most weight is lost during the first 6 months, it certainly does not stop there and with following the pouch rules, you can continue to lose for a good 18 mo or more. You can't measure your loss against others, it just doesn't work that way, we are all different. Just a few helpful tips-is your exercise cardio? You must get that heart rate pumping to burn the calories-walking without breaking a sweat does not cut it. Are you eating frequently, like every few hours to keep giving the metabolism something to burn? How are the carbs/sugars-they should be low ..and what about your calories-are you getting in enough? By 12 weeks, I'm thinking you should be at about 800 calories a day. Not enough calories and the body will try to hoard what is left and not give it up. Good luck!
   — Cindy R.

June 9, 2003
I was 251 on my surgery on 4-21-03. I am now down to 212 for the first time in 5 years. I also was very down about not losing fast-- I want it all off NOW! But I am trying to be patient when the scale doesn't move for a week. I just concentrate more on exercising and activity, getting in all my water, and eating what I SHOULD be eating and not what my head is craving. My dr. said my rate of loss in normal and "right on track"-- I can't explain how frustrating that was to hear! But all in time... there are tons of people who started where we were at and lost just as slow. I am thinking maybe everyone is right... maybe we ARE normal losers!
   — Angela G.

June 9, 2003
I was 254 lbs (5'1") day of surgery, March 13 and am now between 209-211. You are doing great. Eventually you will begin to get used to the rhythm of your body losing and you will begin to trust that you will succeed. You just have to keep following your surgeons guidelines and ease up on yourself and your expectations.
   — rebalspirit