Question:
What is your monthly weight loss after 11-12 months post-op?

Just curious as to what type of weight loss people are experiencing or experienced at almost a year out. I will be a year out in July and would still like to lose another 20-25#. I am still actively excercising but the weight loss has really slowed down and I am worried about reaching my goal. I started at 265 and am now 154# (i'm 5'2'). My goal is 132#. Thanks!!    — lindadougherty (posted on May 30, 2004)

May 30, 2004
Hi -- I'm not sure about longer term, as I am one month out today & have lost 24 pounds. I suspect that you'll get a lot of varying answers!
   — Traci_Lee

May 30, 2004
Linda... I have almost 13 months out and am losing about 5-7 lbs a month. I just keep the hope that someday I'll reach goal. My plastic surgeon says that I have about 30-40 lbs in skin as well so keep skin weight in mind as well. You might have say 10 lbs of skin if you have skin issues. Good luck to you! Shawna G - 445/225/180
   — SMG I.

May 31, 2004
HI there..I am 14 months out and I started at about the same place as you, I was 269 and now I am 187....you've lost faster than I have, if that's any comfort. I'm also taller, 5'5". I don't think I'll get to the 130's but my goal is more like 150's-160's. I'll be fine with that. I'm 46 and that's not looking too bad to me. It's healthy and something I think I can maintain without too much hassle. That's something to think about...what does YOUR BODY want to weigh? Be satisfied with the fact that you have lost as much as you have..the rest is just (pardon the pun) but icing on the cake! LOL! Congrats...you've done great!
   — Akasha W.

May 31, 2004
I asked this question and got an answer from a post-op that was 6 years out. She recalls losing slowing after 1 year, which is what my surgeon told me also. Also, most WLS gain at least 20-30 pounds back, which is not bad considering they lost over 100 pounds initially. Now is the time to see a nutritionist who is experienced with WLS, to set you on the proper and realistic food maintainence program.
   — Anna M.

June 1, 2004
Congrats on your successful journey so far. Isn't it exciting to be looking forward to your one year anniversary. My stats: 5'8", surgery date of May 2, 2003 (almost 13 months PO), starting weight 336, current weight 172, goal weight ???, total lbs gone so far 164. I was doing more convential exercise when it was cold outside, now I'm concentrating on staying active outdoors, walking and gardening. I work on a balanced approach to eating and keep to the "good, better, best" philosophy when choosing and preparing foods. While I have some days of being anxious about my 'diet' or my weight or eating too much or too many carbs, etc. (as I believe most of us do), I am VERY proud to say that I have more days where I think of the amount and choice of protein I am going to eat and the amount and choice of exercising I am going to do. To me, that is changing your lifestyle to a healthier approach. I decided prior to the surgery that I was NOT going to 'diet' and I was NOT going to ingest sugar-free chemicals. You can view my profile for my very rocky start to my post-op journey, but to add the pertinent detail, I had only lost 30-40 pounds during the first 3 months PO. (I was on tube feeding, couldn't eat/drink anything due to complications.) The point is that, even with that start, I have lost an enormous amount of weight within this past year. I haven't done any crazy dieting. I get some form of exercise everyday (and I use MY definition of exercise, which includes housework and yardwork). I eat real sugar on a regular basis; however, I watch the intake VERY carefully. I watch my fat intake VERY carefully - even a small amount of concentrated fat will make me ill (i.e. butter, oil, etc.). I am letting my body tell me when it is finished losing. I want long-term success, not short-term losses. I have concentrated very heavily on my mental health and spiritual health too. I believe that is where our emotional eating issues are resolved. This amazing WLS had, for the past year, taken care of a physical craving for food that, in the past, has ultimately sabotaged my weight. I have felt the hunger returning; I can now eat a LOT more food than what I used to be able to (when not too dense, approx .5-1 cup of food all together). I can also eat a pretty wide variety of food, but I have had a harder road than many when ingesting food. I've been very sensitive since I began eating post-op. Quite frankly, that is OK! It makes me very aware of choices - whether I want to be aware or not! LOL - I believe that I am rambling! Anyway, keep making good choices for your health and for your body. It really is that simple, I think. If you keep that in mind when exercising and eating, how can you not be healthy?? I recommend listening to your body and, while keeping in mind what your weight is and what your goals are, DON'T get down on yourself for not getting to a number on a scale by a specific date. Believe in yourself. You can set realistic goals and have the power to achieve them. Most importantly, remember to be kind to yourself. This decreases my inner anxiety and I like myself more. Continued best wishes on your journey. There are many more steps ahead of you, me and everyone else. I think of that as many opportunities to become better people than what we are today. For me, this includes making me a better, healthier person. Again, congrats on your one year anniversary. (On a purely practical point, be sure to measure and weigh on your anniversary date and put it somewhere special!) Jodie :)
   — Jodie P.