Question:
Suggestions on what to do to continue losing...

I am 5 months out Lap RNY. The day I went in for surgery I was 296 lbs. I have lost a total of 75 lbs so far. My issue is that everyone on this site says that you lose the most weight in the first 6 months. I am almost there and getting worried that my weight loss will slow down so much that I would not be able to get to goal. I still have 75 lbs that I would like to loss. I know that I will continue to lose weight for up to 18 months but not as much as the first 6 months. Will I be able to loss 75 lbs more? Do you have any suggestions on what I can do to continue losing? Thanks for the support.    — amylbarron (posted on January 7, 2009)

January 7, 2009
My surgeon told me that I would only lose 70 pounds the first year but I would continue to lose the weight for three years. I am 7 months out of lap band and have lost 70 pounds and lots of inches. I am at a plateau right now but that is okay, he tells me don't get discourage, it takes time. I haven't been able to exercise due to three weeks of bad case of brochitis and now the pool is closed for routine maintenance. But that is not stopping me. I have 80 pounds more to lose and I am very happy about the lost of weight and the other NSVs (Non Scale Victories) that don't show up on that scale. I was also told that with lap band you lose the weight slower but everyone is different. Good Luck! Diane
   — dyates2948

January 7, 2009
Hey Amy, another Amy here! I had Lap RNY March of 08 and have lost a total of 170 pounds as of todays date my top weight was 389. I am now getting close to being under 200 and have gone from a size 28 to a size 12 or 14 depending. I did loose a lot in the first 6 months, but I have continued to loose. I just noticed I had more stalls after 6 months. Do not let it frustrate you, do the work that goes along with the surgery and you will have success. I work out 5 days a week for 45 min to an hour. I try to keep it high protien all the time, and I do not eat any sugar. I am so happy with doing this and the results I have had so far. It sounds to me that you are doing great don't worry and don't be a slave to your scale, it will drive you nuts. Keep up the great work!
   — Amy C.

January 7, 2009
The day of surgery I was 296 lbs too and now I'm almost a year out and I've continue to lose weight I'm down 130 lbs. You will have more stalls but as long as you stick to high protein and limit your sugar intake as much as possible you will get to your goal.
   — Kathy O.

January 7, 2009
As a comparison for you, I lost 65 pounds when I was at 5 months out... I am now 11 months out, and have lost 109 pounds. I am still losing weight, but at a much slower pace. I wish the weight loss didn't slow down over time but I am just happy to have lost 109 pounds and am happy that the weight continues to come off, albeit slower.... My advice is to keep your diet simple. I found that the larger variety of food I kept on hand, the more tempted I was to over-eat. I tend to eat mostly chicken breast, tuna, fish, beef, vegetables, low-fat cheeses, and a little fresh fruit. I avoid all sugars and starches, anything like bread, rice, cereals, and so on, although I do eat (some, not a lot) Fiber One cereal because it has so much fiber in it and pretty much no sugar. My Nutritionist said the fiber helps "cancel out" the carbs that Fiber One naturally contains. I also take multi-vitamins, liquid B-Complex, Calcium, Biotin, Stool Softener, Pro-Biotics, and occasional Protein shakes or bars. You're doing just fine in my opinion, and although the weight loss will slow down, you will see that once you hit your 1 year surgery anniversary, you'll have lost somewhere over 100 pounds.... P.s. exercise, like walking, helps a lot too, if possible.
   — Gina S.

January 7, 2009
Hey there...I started 315lbs...and lost 158lbs in 15 months...by year 2, I gained back 8 lbs and have maintained 150 lbs loss for the rest of my years...I weigh 165lbs on average + or - 3 ish pounds now and then. Summer I get to about 162...Winter 168 and right back down by spring... It's true that the first few months are the big number losses...and for me the loss tapered off every month...But the smaller losses still add up...it just takes a little longer! You might consider starting a food journal and if you begin to gain or lose too slowly you can adjust your calories and protein, carbs and fats....When I am trying to lose, I cut fats first as they have the most calories and least nutrition (and proteins are often loaded with fat so I go leaner like fish or soy or beans)...Then I cut any sugar or simple carbs...and replace with either leaner protein or complex carbs like fruits, veggies and whole grains and natural foods...Simple carbs (white breads and sugar store quickly as fat) Complex carbs however, take longer to digest and offer me KEY nutrition that I do not want to cut out. I will not cut out complex carbs for any reason (that's just me)...Health is far more important to me than anything... If you start a journal (free one here: http://www.thedailyplate.com/) you can keep a nice close eye on your overall calories and that just takes the guessing out of what you are doing wrong or right! It's some work but pays off when I am watching my cals...After the WL stops...you've got your life to maintain it...Getting to a goal weight is easy...Staying there...well...you know how that goes! No different after WLS! It gets tiresome and you get off track now and then if you don't watch it...I watch it! I watch it closely... I have gained back 10 (year 4 PO) when I was not watching it... and lost it 4 months it took me! LOL and kept it off all year! I do not know how I made it thru the holidays this year! But I did with a fluctuation of only 3 pounds here and there! Not too bad! You can never stop focusing on diet,exercise and nutrition...and you must make it your focus when things get off or you will gain weight at an alarming rate and it can be quite scary and leave you with no confidence in your tool or yourself. Fear keeps me humble...but too much will paralyze me too. You have a great tool and are doing great...Now that you are nearing your year mark...you basically need to learn ease into maintence, but not before you are done losing...That is why keeping a journal and weighing food is such an awesome aid at this point...and for a while too! I do it when I feel I may be off a little...and to keep myself honest! You never want to eat more than you do when your weight loss stops...So knowing your limit will help you avoid over eating later! You are doing great! Kick up the exercise a notch...add a walk or some pilates! In my experience, the BEST weight loss comes when I am exercising regularly...Nothing too sweaty or bouncy or boring....just move my arse...that's all! My fav exercise....Swimming! The best and most fun! Good luck!
   — .Anita R.

January 7, 2009
I was told by my surgeon that most people only lose 80% of their target and not all make it to goal. In the end, this is just a tool and it is what you make of it. Any loss is great in my opinion, and even if it slows down, if you follow the rules, the weight will come off. Good luck.
   — maria09elena

January 7, 2009
Hi there I am in a similar situation I have Lap RNY on 9/15 my weight on surgery day was 296 I've lost 76lbs and have 72 more I want to lose. I started adding more to my work out routine and I hope that helps. I hope things go well for both of us!!
   — krlynn