Question:
Questions to those who did NOT experience the expected rapid weight loss after RNY

This question is to those who DID NOT not experience the typical rapid weight loss that was expected after having RNY. For those of you that had a very slow loss, I'd like to know if you ever reached your goal to lose a majority of your goal weight and how much longer did it take you? Did you find any changes to your diet or lifestyle that helped you to increase your weight loss? Do you have any advice to those of us who are not experiencing the rapid results that were expected? I had my RNY October 20, and at 12 weeks post-op have only lost 28 pounds, far less than most report losing at the same timeframe. I started at 315 in July 09 and lost 29 pounds as my pre-surgical weight loss, which seemed to come off much easier than after the RNY. I was 286 when I had the RNY and now I'm 258. The clinic's nurse practioner and Nut both say I'm doing great, that my diet is on track and there is nothing for me to change. I severely limit my carb intake, not wasting calories on potatoes, pasta etc, and stick to veggies for my carbs. I'm generally getting 80 grams of protein daily and my calorie intake ranges between 750 and 850. I'm generally not hungry nor do I feel overly full or satisfied; it's a non feeling. I'm not satisifed with my clinic's answer that I'm on target and it will come off. However, I'm hugely dissapointed in the results to date and very concerned that my "honeymoon period" is ticking away. Others that had RNY the same week and weeks after me have exceeded my weight loss by 15+ pounds, some of whom had less to lose than me and many of those I have spoken with eat things that should be slowing them down. At this rate, I will not come close to losing the 50% of excess weight within my first 6 months and not even at 9 months.    — Annette M. (posted on January 2, 2010)

January 2, 2010
I am not sure I can answer your question,I have not had my surgery yet .I see the Dr on Tuesday to discuss my date.However I have been reading a lot and I have read you should be taking 100 to 120 protein a day and getting plenty of exercise.Maybe add something extra to the exercise.
   — davonjack

January 2, 2010
I have the same frustration. I am one month post-op and have only lost 14 pounds since the surgery. I do generally get the protein grams in required but the water is hard for me. I am working on that part. I lost about weight before the surgery....about 18 pounds....since April. Don't know why I am not losing now. I have trouble exercising because of a bad back.
   — Lezlie S.

January 2, 2010
Well my conservative Dr told me not to have carbs until I lost 75% of my weight. So, I am finally bringing back complex carbs in my diet. I am 5 lbs from goal.
   — FSUMom

January 2, 2010
Just be patient! I had my RNY on Nov 4th, also starting 269. I had lost 20lbs in the month before surgery, doing high protein, low carbs and of course the 2 weeks of liquid diet pre-op. I have lost about 30lbs since the surgery, but have had entire weeks go by when I have only lost half a pound. Also, no carbs for me...my doctor has me on 2oz/4x day of proteins ONLY until at least my next follow up (Feb). But that references back to an earlier post I did about how different doctors do different meal plans. Anyway, I have also been very disappointed when days go by with no weight loss (I also weigh daily, expecting and prepared for the ups and downs), but then I remind myself that this is going to be a lifelong process, and it was not a magic fix. Plus maybe the benefit will be that my skin will keep up with my weight loss better...lol! So, follow your diet carefully, EXCERCISE, and get in that water! Remember how many years it took you to gain that weight, and be proud that you took this step to a better you...it WILL pay off in the long run. Give yourself realistic MONTHLY goals rather than daily or weekly. Good luck to you, and since we are so close in surgery dates, weight, goals etc, please feel free to contact me if you need to talk. Best of luck and be blessed... Karen
   — Karen K.

January 2, 2010
Congrats on your surgery. Sorry you are not losing as fast as you would like... it does sound like your eating is on the right track, but are you exercising? I am still pre-op, but my nut pushes the exercise and I'm walking a mile a day 4-5 times a week and am seeing results from that. Good luck to ya!!
   — Clumsybarbie

January 3, 2010
I don't know that I have an answer, but I do understand, I am 3 weeks out and only lost 6 pounds total! I really expected more, but hopefully you are measuring your body too. I have done this as well when I get discouraged, because the scales have only moved very little, and I'm still healing so I haven't experienced the great feelings just yet, so I measured to make sure I was losing SOMEWHERE! and I did lose 23 pounds, however, I'm still wearing the same sizes and things. I just try to keep positive and not let it get me down, people tell me to just keep doing what I'm doing and it will go away :)
   — eyeflirt4fun

January 3, 2010
hi I HAD MY SURGERY ON OCT. 29 AND AM EXPERINCING THE SAME THINGS. ALTHOUGH i have lost 45 lbs so far I do not think I am losing as quickly as I should be.I weighed 266 on my surgery day. when you spoke of that non feeling I kow exactly wht you are talking about.I credit the weight loss .I have to working out 60 min. everyday. you sound like you are eating like you are supposed too, so try exercising everyday and see if that speeds it up. Hang in there you are not alone I have been waiting to here if other people wer experiencing the same things as I. Keep in touch and we can support each other.
   — dswing