Question:
I'm only 4' 8

but I'm depressed and scared that I'm not losing the way I should be. I started at 194 (was 208 when I started 6 month supervised diet w/my pcp). I'm 5 1/2 weeks post op and my surgeon said 3 meals a day (1/2 cup of food), no snacking, I try to drink as much as I can, I'm more active than before and as of almost 5 weeks, I've still only lost 22 pounds! My clothes don't feel any different, so I know I'm not losing inches. I've lost all patience and I'm extremely depressed. What's wrong with me???    — Joanna M. (posted on May 31, 2005)

May 31, 2005
You're doing GREAT!!!!!!!I just put your numbers in the weight loss planner, and your better than on TARGET!!!!!!! Here's the link so you can do it for yourself. If you use the avg of 75 % http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/PlannerResults.phtml If you use 100% http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/PlannerResults.phtml YOUR GOING GREAT!!!!!!!! Robin W
   — Robin W.

May 31, 2005
Don't be discouraged, you are doing wonderfully. I had my surgery 1/18/05 and even though I have lost 85lbs my clothes have only moved from a size 24 to an 18. We lose weight from different areas at different times and I am sure that your body is doing the best that it can. Keep us updated, we are here for you. Tiffany
   — Tiff's On a Mission

May 31, 2005
Hi-- Please don't be depressed or discouraged!! You're doing beautifully!! Though it probably doesn't seem like it to you, you are most likely considered a "lightweight", so you may lose a little slower than those of us who start out bigger both in weight and height. And everyone loses at the rate that is best for them. I would recommend you concentrate on staying on track with your food and water intake and keep on exercising-- you'll be fine!!
   — lizinPA

May 31, 2005
Hi Joanna OK....take a deep breath. I am 4'11. I started at 211. I was a slow slow loser, and I continue to be just that. It's all OK. I am just over 9 months out from my surgery and I am losing only 2-3 lb/month now. I freaked early on. To date, I have lost 67 lbs. You will lose, be patient. I think our short round bodies want to hang on tight to each and every lb. Just keep doing what you are supposed to do. Water water water. And you know, being active builds muscle. I didn't want to hear that phrase either........I am a nurse and I know it to be true. I just wanted to see the #'s go down. Check out my profile. It's all there. Stay strong. KD.
   — KDescha

May 31, 2005
I wanted to say THANK YOU to all of you who answered me!! As I read your replies (with tears in my eyes), I was overwhelmed with all your kind words of encouragement. Thank you, you've ALL inspired me.
   — Joanna M.

June 1, 2005
I think you're doing great! I'm short too (5'2) and I've found that I'm losing slower then others too. Also, because of our heights, it's going to take us a little longer to see the dramatic changes that taller people do. BUT they WILL happen! Just have patience and concentrate on making those new eating habits permanent. You'll be great!
   — lil_firestorm

June 1, 2005
I'm not a health professional of any type, but, remember how men always lose weight so much faster? I've always read that it is because they have more muscle mass. It seems reasonable to me that a short petite woman is going to lose slower than a taller women. Also, a sedentary job could be making a big difference. The important thing is not the numbers, its getting back to a body you are comfortable with.
   — Jenny X.

June 1, 2005
Hon, I am not a Dr either, and I just got approved for my surgery, but I think we all go in thinking that once the surgery is over, we need to just more or less be skinny in a few months. The average weightloss I have heard is about 20-30 lbs a month. I think it depends on how active you are and it is different for each of us because we are all unique in ourselves. Please be patient and do not be discouraged because I promise you, you will lose! Hugs
   — Angelfirewithwings

June 1, 2005
Hey there! It <b>is</b> true that <u>shorter people lose slower than taller people</u> because of how much (or little, in comparison to others) muscle mass our short, little bodies contain. I weighed 228 before surgery, and measure in at 5 foot and 3/4 of an inch. My weight loss was REALLY SLOW compared to everyone else, and I <b>did</b> work out, did everything everyone else did. The fact of the matter is that shorties do lose weight slower, just like men lose faster than women. It's all a numbers game...the more lean muscle mass on your body, the higher your metabolism. Hang tight, though. It took me a year, but I finally lost 105 lbs. It wasn't as fast as I would've liked it to be, and I'm not going to give you any bull about "i think it was healthier to lose slower, less loose skin," etc. I have tons of loose skin...that's a function of your genetics. I think you should be eating more often than 3 times a day (the body is a furnace...give it fuel, and the fire burns hotter), but that is my opinion, and you should ultimately listen to your surgeon on that one. Good luck...hang in there...it will happen for you! (Open PROXIMAL RNY, 7/7/03 228/123, 5'& 3/4")
   — sweetmana

June 1, 2005
Dear Joanna: 22 lbs. in 5 weeks does not sound like failure to me.Is your assessment in agreement with your surgeon? How much real exercise are you doing on a weekly basis? Does your surgeon permit a mid-afternoon snack? (Mine does.) I ask because MAYBE your body's gone to fasting mode making your metabolism sluggish & the only way to re-set your metabolism, according to my WLS
   — EmbodySuccess

June 1, 2005
Your wt loss is marvelous. Us not as tall ones move a little slower. You might feel better and get moving a bit if you changed that 3 - 4 oz meals into 6 meals of 2 oz each. Same amount of food, no pouch stretching, no grazing and your body will think it's being well fed. Goes without saying that you'll still need to work your water into that, of course. Personally, I do several protein shakes per day, no milk, no sugar, and 4 meals NOW.
   — vitalady

June 1, 2005
Hi all. Well, I called my surgeon's office and the physican's assistant was very firm about the 3 meals. I, too, think I'd do better with several "smaller" meals, and I even asked about adding protein. She told me I could replace 1 meal (not even in addition) with a protein shake! I'm still quite disappointed in myself, but I must say that you all have made me feel so good and I'm so grateful. Alot of times I just feel like giving up, then I get home from work and see more encouraging words and it uplifts me. Thank you all so much!
   — Joanna M.

June 2, 2005
you are supposed to be eating 6-8 small meals a day. whoever told you no snacking was wrong. just make sure your snack is a handful of cheerios thrown in a fruit cup, along that lines. then, you'll see results.
   — heidi C.

June 10, 2005
My surgeon says 3 meals a day also with no snacks. Maybe 1 week after surgery they contacted me and told me to start doing several protein shakes a day (counted as a FLUID). It's worked for me. I think 22 pounds in a month and a half it just fine. RELAX..
   — SJP

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