Question:
honeymoon period

I am 14 months post op. So far, so good. I started at 223 and now weigh in at 141. Seems like so many times before I am at a plateau, however I realize I may be finished with the honeymoon period. Anyone around my size that can share their story too? Am I through losing from the actual surgery? How many months out does one continue to lose? I am happy with the results but would like to lose 15 more lbs to reach my ideal weight for my height. Is this unrealistic? I have heard after a certain period, the actual weight loss is over from the RNY. I do not fully understand how the honeymoon period stops and then you must be even more careful. Will this require more less calories to maintain/lose? Carol S    — carols (posted on November 23, 2006)

November 23, 2006
I am almost to my 12 month date and I have really slowed down on my weight loss as well. I still have another 40 pounds and hope that this is not the last of the weight loss, I found out last week that I am pregnant so that changes things in the weightloss department I'm sure, hopefully I will be back on track when the baby comes. As far as losing your last 15 pounds, you let me know if you do find out how to get over your honeymoon and plateau.
   — speciallady

November 23, 2006
The honeymoon period is the rapid weight loss period & yes, you are right about at that period. Does not mean you can't still lose, just means that if you do not have a set eating pattern & exercise plan that you might start gaining back some of the weight you have lost. I am 3 years out & have gained back 25 lbs. That is due to not sticking to my original eating plan & stepping into old territory. Your old habits can come back & if not firm in your plans & sticking to them this can all be for not. Keep to very low-carb-low-fat & no sugar or no soda & you can still lose & maintiain your weight loss. Make sure you always weigh & measure your food as your pouch will naturally be able to handle more food at this point. If you add more food you can gain. HOpe this helps a little. Yes it does get harder the farther out you get Don't test any old waters & hope this helps somewhat.
   — Marilyn C.

November 24, 2006
Congrats on your weight loss! Since you have hit plateau's before, you should know at this point, you have to "shock" your body back into losing. Exercise a bit differently, eat differently etc...This will help you get out of that plateau and back to losing. Good luck!
   — crystalsno

November 24, 2006
Hi! I am only 2 weeks post op but I started about the same weight as you and my doctor said that 140 is a good goal weight for me at 5'2 1/2". Most weight loss continues for 18 months but for lightweights, they lose most of their weight in the first year. You may lose a few more lbs. but you could be done.
   — Sheri A.

November 24, 2006
They honeymoon may be over but the weight loss doesn't have to be. I lost without trying much up until 18 months out. There were many months I lost nothing. After that I have continued to lose on occasion, still without trying a whole lot but just dropping a meal here and there when I'm busy and don't notice it. It took me about a year to lose the last 10 lbs I have lost, but they came in short spurts....4-5 lbs here and there. I'd say that although the quickest phase of yoru weight loss may be over, you still have some good months of weight loss left over....
   — Dinka Doo