Question:
Why is my weight loss so weird

Ok, first of all I know that was considered a light weight, and also considered a slow loser. But I am still happy for the weight I lost but it is just so weird here are my stats: I had surgery (lap-rny) on 3/31/03 I started out at 284 lbs (5'2") and wearing a size 24 comfortably but still able to fit into a 22. Well here I am today down to 231 lbs (I don't care what anyone says 53 lbs is not slow) but guess what I only wear a size 20. so where was this weight in my head because it doesn't seem to be coming off of my body. And I did stall at 5 weeks which seems to be normal for all who are concerned, I had thought that I was a failure and everything else. But as bad as this sounds people I seem to lose weight the further I stay away from MY doctors diet plan. (Before I get crucified I am not saying for anyone else to do the same). And I don't mean eat the wrong foods I mean I try to eat more than he says. he is dead set in 3 meals no snacking I eat 5 times a day I make sure that I NEVER let myself get hungry.    — K B. (posted on July 10, 2003)

July 10, 2003
Our stats are very similar: I had surgery one day after you, am 5'5", weighed 290 before surgery, and have lost 57 pounds, so we're either both weird, or we're both OK! One explanation for your slow change in clothes size could be attributed to your shape. "Apple" shapes carry their weight around the middle, while "pear" shapes carry their weight in the hips and thighs. Because the fat is carried around the abdominal cavity in "apples", many people of this shape have more fat inside their bodies. That is, the fat is growing inside the abdominal cavity, and often on and in the organs (this is why the "apple" shape is a greater risk factor for heart disease than "pears"). This internal fat isn't as visible as the external fat of "pears". If you are an "apple" you may very well be losing the fat from the inside out (which is great because you are getting healthier faster), and it won't show yet in your clothing. Just a possible explanation...
   — Vespa R.

July 10, 2003
We all know it is wise to follow our own doctor's program/recommendations, but we are also all intelligent adults who can clearly see that each program is different. For example, I had surgery at BTC in Illinois and they are adamant about eating 6 small meals a day and getting enough protein. So, I'm not sure that there is a real rule about the number of meals. I think you just have to be smart about managing yourself. When I was in losing mode I ate 5-6 meals a day and now that I am at my goal I eat more like three meals and maybe a snack.
   — Mary U.

July 10, 2003
I would not consider you a "lightweight" with a BMI of 51. I started with a BMI of 55 and at 3 months out had lost 48 pounds - I was thrilled. I am now 1 year out (today!!!) and have lost 116 pounds and have a BMI of 37. My goal is to get my BMI below 30. Anyway, I know what you mean about sizes not changing. I started whereing anywhere from a tight 28 to a 34. It seemed like I would never drop any sizes the 28 just started to fit better. All of a sudden my clothes got too big and I just bought a top that's a size 18, unfortunately, the bottoms are still size 24. I've heard that the smaller you get the quicker the numbers change. Good luck and your doing great. PS - I wouldn't survive on 3 meals a day and no snacks - I eat every 2-3 hours. I do not allow myself to get hungry because then I reach for quick carbs.
   — Sunny S.

July 10, 2003
I think this has more to do with the way sizes run than with the weight you are losing. There is like 40 pounds or so between sizes at the top end of the range and only like 12-15 as you get into the smaller sizes. It took me forever to move sizes at first and then as I got into the smaller sizes I would sometimes "skip" one. I even moved from an 8 to a 6 without losing any weight! (My panni got smaller.) Don't get discouraged. You might try measuring so you can "see" the difference. Yes, you might still wear the same size but you ARE smaller!
   — ctyst