Question:
Some say the smaller you are the slower you lose?
Some people say the smaller you are the slower you lose is this true. I'm not very small I'm 5'4 weigh 260 pounds, my surgery date is Sept. 15th, and my birthday is December 20th, I want to be able to wear at least a 18 by then. Do you think that's possible? Also some say your hair fall out is this true? I'm having the RNY lap done. Please inform — noweapon (posted on August 20, 2003)
August 20, 2003
Hi,
I belive you can,I myself had my surgery on May 7th of 03.I started at 264
and almost 4 months later I'am down to 196.Just do what everyone here
says.Protien,water and movement.I did not do very well on the protien the
first two weeks,but I have done alot better since.As for your hair the
protien from what I understand helps keep your hair healthy.I also hit a
spot in my weight loss where the scale did't move for 2 weeks.So good luck
we will all be praying for you.
264/196/140 5'4" I'm getting there slowly but steady :) Robin Burch
— madbird
August 20, 2003
Though the medical stats may bear out that the less weight you need to
lose, the slower it may come off, it's really relative to the amount of
effort you put forth. Our re-worked insides and pouch are but a mere tool
to assist us on this journey. YOU will determine how much you will lose
based on a number of factors: 1. how well you follow your surgeon's
instructions for post-op care and program implementation; 2. how much you
concentrate on PROTEIN first with all your (small) meals 3. how viligent
you are in taking your vitamin supplements every day; 4. how focused you
are in drinking AT LEAST 64 oz. of water EVERY DAY; 5. how serious you get
about an exercise program. IF you follow this basic guide, you will be
amazed at your progress within 12-15 months post op. Of course, in the
first 3-4 months, you'll see a significant weight drop. I think by that
point, I had lost 60-75...definitely size 18 territory.
I'm 5'3-1/2" and weighed 276 this time last year (prior to my 9/16/02
surgery), and now weigh 166 and wear a size 10. It is not without much
hard work, mental planning (for meals, getting the exercise and water in),
that I have done as well as I have. And I'm not done. My recommendation
is to get to know your program's nutritionist very well to help guide you
through a sometimes confusing set of food rules. Also, seek out a personal
trainer (even at your local YMCA) for an initial consultation in connection
with setting up a reasonable exercise program. I've gone this route and
couldn't be more pleased with the sound guidance I've received. All the
best.
— Kimberly L. A.
August 20, 2003
WARNING! I'm going to get on my soapbox again. I strongly urge pre-ops and
new post-ops not to make this about numbers and arbitrary goals. You only
set yourself up for disappointment and a feeling of failure, when that
feeling isn't warranted. What difference does it make if you're in a size
18, or 16 or 20 on December 20th, or November 12, or January 19th? If you
are having this surgery your primary motivations should be your health.
Wallow in the knowledge that you are getting healthier. Take pride in the
little things: the ability to walk up a flight of stairs without being
winded, the ability to get into any car and not worry if the seatbelt will
fit, to not have to think about if you're the biggest person in the room,
to be able to wear fashionable clothes that you can buy at reasonable
prices, to not stand out in a crowd, to get through a trip to the grocery
store without sweating through your clothes and having a backe ache and a
sore knee, to be off medications for your co-morbidities, to not have to
worry about developing new comorbidities. These are the things you should
measure your success by. Not what the scale says, and not what the tag in
the neck of your clothes says. If you knew for sure that you would be
wearing a size 20 on December 20, would you decide not to have surgery
because you wouldn't meet the goal of a size 18?! I hope not. Please
don't lose sight of what's important about this. I'll get off my soapbox
now, and say congratulations on getting approved, and on making this
life-changing decision, and best wishes for a speedy and uneventful
recovery.
— Vespa R.
August 20, 2003
Hi, I started at 253 at 5'3". I was wearing a 22 at the time of
surgery. I had surgery on 03/03/03 and on 04/04/03 I could wear a size 16
jean. I lost 31 lbs the first month. So yes it is possible but like
everyone will tell you it is all about how your body works with your new
tool. Good luck. Carrie laprny 03/03/03 253/173/125
— kaysjourney
August 20, 2003
Lisa, I am 5 ft tall and weighed 261 lbs, SURGERY on 12/05/02 and I have
lost 91 LBS. I started out size 26-28 and am just now in a size 20 Jeans..I
think my weight shifted or something..because at one time I weighed 150
years ago and could wear a size 10!!!I can say that lately I have not done
enough exercise..or I would probably have lost more. Nancy
— NANCY P.
August 20, 2003
It is true, the lower your BMI when you start out, the slower you will lose
in comparison to those who had a higher BMI. This is a generalization as
there are always exceptions to the rule. I started out 4/07/03 at 235 lbs
5'2" wearing a size 22. Now, 4 and 1/2 months later I am at 162 and a
size 12. The other day my step-mom, who hadn't seen me in a couple of
months, said she didn't think I needed to lose any more weight! I'm still
36 lbs from goal, but that was nice to hear anyway! Being a
"lightweight" myself, I would tend to agree with those who advise
us NOT to compare our progress with others. You'll just be in for a let
down. The best advice I can give you is to eat wisely and exercise. I can't
believe the number of posts I read about people eating all kinds of crap
(pizza, pot pockets, etc). At 4 and 1/2 months, I still haven't had any
bread or potatoes! I believe that if you stick to protein first, you won't
want all the garbage and you will see the weight come off faster. You'll
also feel better about yourself. Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now!
— Barbara C.
August 20, 2003
I didn't see this part of your question addressed. Yes, it is true that
some, not all, peoples hair thins out for a few months and there is not a
lot you can do about it if you are one that is going to lose it but don't
worry it comes back.
— Delores S.
August 20, 2003
Lisa, it also depends on your metabolism. Some people have a racy little
metabolism goin' on and they lose VERY fast. I know one thing for
sure....you have to EAT to LOSE. People who skip meals thinking they are
conserving calories, only conserve their metabolisms. Do the protein first
and drink lots of water and move, move, move.
THIS WORKS!
P.S. I sure DID lose hair. LOTS of hair. Got waaaay thin. But it
suddenly stopped falling out (by the handfuls) and it has grown in nicer
than it was before.
— Ginger M.
August 20, 2003
Anything is possible with this surgery. My goal was to not take insulin
any more. I've reached that goal and so much more in 4 months. I'm
5'3" and weighed 232lbs when I had open RNY. 4 months later I've lost
70lbs and went from wearing a 20-22 to an 8!!! I even wore a size 6 pair
of pants yesterday. I think that was a fluke. They had to be sized wrong.
I eat very healthy now days, and I exercise a lot. I think that the
exercise is the key. Do what you can each day after your surgery and get
in a good routine of exercise. Make sure you keep it up daily. Everyone
is different. Good luck in your journey.
— Lisa C.
August 21, 2003
Thank you all for responding to my question. I really am doing this for
health reason and to get my life back, but I want to look good in the
process. As for protein, what do you eat to get in protein or drink? I'm
very curious! And what are some good protein drinks, or food after surgery!
I hate water, but I'll learn to love it. I dont exercise now, but I know
once I see the weight coming off, that will be my motivation to exercise,
and do whatever else it takes to keep losing! Thanks again!!
— noweapon
August 24, 2003
I am 5'4" and weighed 238 and had my surgery on the 8th of July. It
is August 24th and I have lost 38 lbs. I have also gone down two sizes in
clothes, now in a size 16. I believe it is very possible for you to get to
your "goal" by December. Good luck!
— Amanda B.
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