Question:
16 months out...

I am 16 months post-op and only down 96 pounds. I kind of feel like a failure. I keep reading the profiles on here and it seems like I should be down alot more, especially considering I am one of those people that needed to lose approximately 150 pounds. So that leaves me needing lose about 54 more pounds. I averaged my weight loss out and I have been losing 6 months per month. That seems really crappy. Anybody who DIDNT have the surgery could lose 6 months per month. I dont understand! At first, I plateaued because I wasnt gettin in enough calories. But since I have up'd them I still dont seem to be heading down that losing side fast enough. Am I expecting to much? Am I being too hard on me? Dont get me wrong, I am grateful for the weight loss, I really am, but I just feel like I am not doing something right. Any Advice or words of wisdom??    — Christina S. (posted on November 8, 2004)

November 8, 2004
Dear Christina, You must remember that everyone loses at a different pace. I read your profile and you seem to doing everything right, and also you have a great sense of humor! Keep those two things up, and it will help alot. Also, you have been through many stressful situations. This can affect your weight loss, but not permenantly. (In fact, stress can sometimes throw your whole body out of wack for a time). So give yourself a break and be patient. Hey, at least you are losing!! And they always say that when the weight comes off slowly, it usually stays off. And, don't forget that you are doing many healthy things for your body that you did not do before. Exercise, lots of water, portion control, etc. Even while the weight is coming off slowly, in the meantime, you are toning up, strengthening your heart, lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, etc. So don't start being envious of people who have not had the surgery who are losing as fast as you are--most of them will NOT keep it off, so you still have the advantage. Keep your chin up,and look forward to a healthy future. I hope this helps!
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 8, 2004
Would you have lost that weight if you didn't have the surgery? I don't think so. If you feel you may have some bad habits coming back, write everything down, when, where and how much you eat. How much exercise, how often, etc. We play these games of comparing ourselfs to others and that is a BIG MISTAKE!
   — Linda R.

November 8, 2004
Okay...yes I know exactly how you feel...when through all those feeling a year out. I still need to lose about 60 lbs but I could never have lost 140 without surgery and I could have never kept it off without the surgery and I'm two years out next month. I've read profiles -- these people are at goal, cant stop losing, they are a size 2 ...heard it all and felt terrible..just so bad what was wrong with me wasnt I supposed to end up skinny. I refuse to feel this way anymore and since I told myself to cut it out life has been great. I feel wonderful, I work out everyday, I'm no longer a 5x I'm a 16 -18 and 5'10" and I love all the compliments and I am so healthy! You are a success! You just need to convince yourself...best wishes to you --maybe you just havent really taken a good look at that person staring back at you in the mirror. Be proud and healthy.. we all lose at different rates...maybe you havent lost as much yet your blood work is great...maybe you wont gain any weight back yet the person who is down to goal ends up putting 20% of their weight back...just hang in there and follow this ...no refined sugar no soda and watch the carbs A happy life to you! Deb
   — debmi

November 8, 2004
Okay I am not sure what people are considering goal when they post. Are you seeking the goal that is listed in the AMA's ideal weight spreadsheet or are you going to the goal that your surgeon said you could lose with this surgery. My surgeon said I will lose approximately 70% of the overweight pounds that I have with help from this surgery. I could gain 20%-50% of that weight back if not careful. I would love to get more than 70% off but if that is normal so be it! I am happy with the lose I have had so far. Perhaps you are expecting too much from your body. It may be happy at where it is. I have always wanted to look like Twiggy but I don't think that will happen to me so I will be grateful to where ever this journey takes me. I hope things turn around for you. You have done a great job and deserve lots of applause. Debbie
   — dcox94