Question:
Meeting weight loss Goals

I read a lot of profiles and I see the people saying "that is all I am going to loose". I am pre-op and I wanted to know specifically what does that mean? I know that there is a window for maximum weightloss to occur but just because that window is closed does that mean you can't make goal? Or does it mean that if you want to make goal you have to really work for it? I would like to lose almost 200lbs and I know it will not be easy but I hate to think that it is impossible.    — davesband1 (posted on September 21, 2004)

September 20, 2004
You can lose as much weight as you set your mind to. I think what some people refer to as 'this is all I am going to lose' is that honeymoon period that lasts about the first year where you have benefits of a smaller pouch and heightened malabsorption of calories. During that period, most people can lose lots of weight even if they don't exercise. After that you have to work for most of the weight loss. No, it's not impossible. Concentrate on that first year of developing good habits nutritionally and make exercise a habit and it'll follow you the rest of your life. But yes, after the first year, most people have to work hard to maintain and make additional weight loss goals.
   — Cathy S.

September 21, 2004
Adrian, (BTW - I love that name - it was the name of my good friend who died of breast cancer last year. Gosh I miss her!) I have a very unscientific response for you - after several years now of knowing different post-ops with different surgeries, I think it just comes down to the fact that everyone has a unique physiology. Some surgeons approach surgery on a cookie-cutter type philosophy - one surgery fits all. As MO, we know that when it says one size fits all - well, it's a total laugh. Yeah, right - try being a 5X and trying to fit into one of those one size fits all type of things! Different surgeries as a whole have different types of outcomes. There's a great graph over at http://www.gr-ds.com/generalinformation/comparison.html - check it out - it's nicely annotated. I also strongly believe it has everything to do with WHO your surgeon is. Look at his/her post-ops over the period of several years and find out what their quality of life is about, how much their surgery works for them, versus them working for their surgery. My surgeon believes in tailoring the surgery to each individual. I like that approach - particularly since I started this journey as a wheelchair-bound 365-lb woman with degenerative joint disease in the back, and grade 4 bilateral degeneration of the knees. Dr. Baltasar knew I would't be out there running any marathon - ever - so he gave me a surgery tailored to me and my lifestyle and the realities of my life. So far, I've lost 210 lbs - I'm blown away at how effortless it's been - I just live real life. I could stand to lose another 25 lbs - he thinks I should probably weigh 130 when it's all said and done. If I maybe started exercising, that might help. LOL! Plastic surgery is probably gonna be a good help, too - since I have pounds and pounds of excess flesh on this old bod. But you know what? I love my life, and I don't look bad. I gave up my wheelchair about 6 weeks after my DS, and my canes a couple of weeks after that. I have a quality of life that I didn't ever dream possible before my surgery - and have SO much to be thankful for. So, maybe this is all I'm going to lose. But if it is, I don't really give a rip. I'm pretty darn happy with where I am. Does that make any sense? Blessings, dina
   — Dina McBride

September 21, 2004
I think this is a very subjective topic - all surgeons are different, and mine focuses on quality of life and health post-op, less on a "goal" number. We never had one stated for me, and I am not unique in my peer group. My goal was to be on NO MEDS, be able to do daily physical activity, stay alive, etc. When numbers are given, all I see people do is suffer about that- the comparisons are tough on every one. The person worrying about their goal is feeling terrible about not being as "thin" as the next person. <br> I also think it is unrealistic to say that EVERYONE can lose as many pounds as they set their mind to, especially since so much can be skin, there is muscle weight to keep, etc. I personally know of two people who are at or below goal and are medical vortexes. What a pity to go so far, doing the "wrong" things, then having medical problems worse than when they were MO. My heart aches for them.<br><br> Also, going by the surgeon's results is iffy, in the "goal attatined" category - would you blame your mechanic if you drove your car badly, then things went wrong because of your behaviors? No. We have a fantastic team in place, with great after-care, but if the patient does not follow the routine, go to support groups, does no exercise, how can we blame the surgeon? This too happens way too much. <br><br> A lot of people simply decide to stop trying so hard to lose after a year or two... that is probably what you are reading. Some people want to stop because they are not willing to go to extraordinary lengths to lose more. If you know realistically that you cannot do a more disciplined routine post-op, long-term, why would you set an unrealistic goal? There is a beauty in knowing that you are satisfied with your results and knowing what your lifestyle limitations are. I KNOW I could lose 20 more pounds, by the charts, but how much can I live with day to day?<br><br> I think that window is different for everyone. I was on a 6-month plateau, then suddenly I lost another 20 pounds at 18 months post-op. So who knows what that window is until you are there. <br><br> Do the best you can for YOU, set realistic goals with your team, and don't ever forget from whence you came. That seems to make a big difference.<br><br> Good luck on your journey to better health.
   — kultgirl

September 21, 2004
Hi Adrian, I am over 2 years out, I just recently got back on the right track and lost almost the 20lbs that I put on in the last 3 or 4 months. I am doing everything I can to lose more weight, but I honestly don't think I can, I am eating right, I excercise 5 days a week (3 miles @ 5mph). But do you know I read the other posts, and I agree totally, I am ok with where I am at, if I don't lose anymore weight, I think I would be alright with it. I am one of those people that can't not try, I have to really watch my carb intake. Lots of luck on your journey.
   — Michelle S.

September 21, 2004
It is possiable I have lost 212 it wil be 15 mo. on the 30th of sept.
   — Janine Greenwood

September 21, 2004
I 'm about 19 months out and have lost 135 - 140 lbs started out a 5X size 34 now I'm a 16/18/20 depending on brand I'm 5'10". I would still like to lose another 60 lbs...impossible I dont think so ..will it be hard to do...I'm sure! Some post ops lose so fast others like myself dont it can depend all on types of things like how old you are, your body type, amount of exercize. I am very healthy my labs are great,work out 4-5 times a day for at least an hour strength training and cardio, I dont drink anything but water and coffee and I eat no refined sugar...otherwise I can eat just about anything. I have good days and I have bad --like I can eat anything in the house! My biggest frustration----comparing myself to others ---why can they lose so fast? I have compared myself to people in my support group, on this site, in my home town. It just gets ridiculous and doesnt do me any good. Finally after the first 12 months I got myself together Please understand this was envy (even though I have been so happy for everyone) and I was constantly feeling that the surgery would probably never work for me because I have screwed up everyother means of weight loss. I am happy with the results but I have also realized that the weight loss stops --honeymoon period is over and then you have work to lose more and its not easy but it can be done. Good luck to you!
   — debmi

September 22, 2004
between month 18-24 I lost 20 lbs the reason........ I got mad and got moving Goal was in sight yes my appatite was back depends on how much you want this and draw a line in not the sand because that sifts but in Granit...a weight you will never go over and when approaching it be very afraid I have seen so many regain I have noticed about a 15 lbs bounce back I fight that number constantly I do not exercise I choose to walk my Doc told me early on 2 miles a day at first to lost then after a year to maintain 4 miles a day to lost This tool is just that but thankfully when you begin to regain it is slow and gives you the chance to get back in control not like other diets where the snow ball effect happens where you starve and lose #100 lbs only to regain it in 6 months... I weigh almost everyday I do not belive you can tell by your clothes I can go up 9 pounds before I notice in clothing the scales never lie I do lie to myself Water weight gain is my favorite I can not use my period anylonger and Darn that was such a good excuse I did when stopping my period go on Hormones and noticed I was gaining my PCP asks have I noticed a weight gain I said yes he explained might be hormones I stopped them that day he said you deal with Menopause ( hot Flashes ) or weight gain I will wake up hourly sweating rather then regain also a side effect of Elivil was weight gain stopped that quickly now I look each new med up
   — Kathleen M.

September 22, 2004
You are going to have to work at it. Your body will adjust to your new stomach and adjusts to the small amount of food you are eating. As your body gets slim you will need to exercise a little harder, again, your body is lighter so in order to burn more cals you have to push it a little harder. After about 1 year you will no longer lose 20 lbs a month, you will hit platues, etc. REMEMBER! Your new stomach is a diet tool. You have to look at this surgery as another diet but with quicker results. The months after surgery gives you time to change some bad food habits the we all have developed over the years. I would strongly recommend you join a support group, have a dietitian evaluate your food intake and if necessary seek counciling for any emotional issues that will come up and they will. Remember, we ALL used food to cover our emotions. You will no longer be able to do that. I'm 16 months post-op and have lost 198 lbs. . I wish you luck and e-mail me if you have any concerns...
   — Linda R.

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