Question:
Only lost 22 lbs in the first 7 weeks and I'm panicking.

I just went for my 7 week post op visit and got some disheartening news. I've only lost about 22 pounds in these seven weeks. I thought I would be losing much more and I'm disappointed. I don't eat too much and I walk for 45 minutes every day. The nutritionist told me that I am just on the slow side of losing weight and that MAYBE I needed to cut out eating beans every day. However, I feel like the surgery did not work for me (lap RNY). I have 100 more pounds to lose and I get the feeling that I am never going to reach that. I read other people's posts and they have lost about 40 pounds by the seventh week. At this rate I'll never get healthy. Has this happened to anyone else? Does anybody have any suggestions? Help.    — Elizabeth B. (posted on March 29, 2001)

March 29, 2001
Why did she mention the beans? Did this person average out your caloric intake? perhaps its too high even if the quantity is small? I've heard of that happening. Try and figure out your calories in a day and see if its an acceptable intake for your surgery.
   — Dawn R.

March 30, 2001
Elizabeth... I am in your shoes.. I am 6 weeks post-op and have lost 23 pounds.. my doc said yesterday that he thinks I am doing a great job. I said but it's only 23 pounds, he told me to look at it like this..... some of his patients have 200 or more pounds to loos... the rapid weight loss they are experiencing early on is fat and water weight. Since we only have 100 or so to loose we have less water weight and therefore are not posting big numbers to start with. I guess the bonus with slow weight loss is that our skin wont be as saggy as if we dropped 50 pounds the first month.... hang in there and know you are not alone ;)
   — audra H.

March 30, 2001
Elizabeth..I am postop10 weeks and I too have been freaking out at my poor weight.loss I have only lost 30 pounds and I am so focused on this lifestyle..I feel so much like a failure..my MD says slow and steady, i am just a slow starter.. I totally know where you are coming from but I did lose 5 pounds this week...finally!!!! Hang in there..we can do this..Barb
   — Barb B.

March 30, 2001
Don't compair your loss to anyone else. I used to do that and freek out. Then I told myself whatever the loss was it was GONE FOREVER I would never have to repeat it. Also I quit weighing myself every day. But remember no matter how long it takes those pounds are gone forever so you will always be moving forward!
   — Rose A.

March 31, 2001
Elizabeth, please relax. All of us tend to forget that this is not a MAGIC cure. It will take work, and PATIENCE. I was the same way for the first three months. It's only been in the past few weeks that I've come to look at this very differently. The time is going to pass regardless of the surgery. I am now 50 pounds lighter. It doesn't matter that it took me almost 4 months while someone else took 2 months or even one month. I am the only one who I have to worry about. Please try to keep in mind that YOU are the only one who matters to you. Just think 22 pounds! before you know it, it will be 40, then 50. I just realized that I've already lost 40% of my excess body weight in a little less than 4 months! 40%!!! That to me is incredible. Think about how much you have lost percentage wise, and you will be surprised. That is a lot in only 7 weeks. Well, hang in there, I know it's easier said than done, but remember, we are all different. We gained this weight at different rates, we are definitely going to lose differently. This is not a race, a competition or a contest. This is our chance to have a better life. Try to concentrate on that, and you'll be surprised how soon you will really notice a difference. Good luck.
   — Maria H.