Question:
Why do we Lose inches not pounds

I am 7.5 months out 4'11 260 now 190 and for the last 2 months have not lost any weight, although I am losing inches. Currently, I am wearing clothes I wore when I was 20 pounds lighter. Does any one know why? It really hasn't bothered me that I have hit this platau because I keep getting smaller every week. Any insight would be appreciated. I work with plastic surgeons and they don't know why either. Thanks for you help.    — Rebecca L. (posted on November 5, 2003)

November 5, 2003
Hi Rebecca: I really don't know why either but I can vouch for the no weight loss/losing inches. I'm almost 7 months out and have not lost any pounds in 4 weeks. However, my size 14-16 tops are way too loose on me now when they fit me perfectly a month ago. Hey, like you, I wasn't looking a gift horse in the mouth...I'll take what I can get.
   — Amy A.

November 5, 2003
Congrats on your loss so far! We all hit these plateaus, but loosing inches is just as good as weight. In fact, I wouldn't call it a plateau, unless you are not loosing either weight or inches. This is way it is so important to measure monthly! And the more you exercise the more inches come off. Your body has to adapt to the weight loss and changes taking place. It will start up again, if you are eating protein/drinking fluids/vits/ and last but not least exercising! I'm 7 days shy of being 9 months post op and I was wearing a tight 24 day of surgery and today I'm in small petite's. I'm a exercising fool and loving it. My health is great! Best of luck to you......
   — Hazel S.

November 5, 2003
Okay, I hope I remember this right, but my dr. told me why we plateau. It is because we are hanging on to fat and losing the water. Because your body is panicing and thinking you are starving it is holding on to it's fat, but losing water. Since a pound of fat is much more dense (meaning that it is smaller) when you lose water weight, you lose inches. Okay, if anyone thinks this is not correct, correct me. I am pretty sure that is how he explained it. Good luck!!!!
   — Kerri 4.

November 5, 2003
Wow,congratulations on your success so far. Losing inches is a good thing. Remember you are more active now than before and you are building much needed muscle tissue in your body. Muscle weighs more than fat and it burns more calories to use muscles than the fat too. So if you are losing inches - "don;t worry, be happy". :-) Good luck, Cathy
   — catleth

November 5, 2003
CONGRATULATIONS! I know that you are frustrated and confused "WHY AM I NOT LOSING WEIGHT"? Your robably saying to yourself "I'm hardly eating anything so why am I not losing weight? I know because I said the same things. I had to do some serious talking to myself. I wrote everything I was doing (eating and exercise) and I was found I was still on track. I talk to my doctor and he stated that you body is adjusting to your new eating and the weight may not come off as fast as in the beinging. I'm 7 months post-op and have lost 130 lbs. He stated you have a 6 to 9 months window to lose weight quickly and then it may slow down. I then to go at times where I can go 3 weeks without losing and then get on the scale and lose 8 lbs. I would say as long as you are doing what you need to do and losing inches YOUR ON TRACK. I'm currently at 188 lbs and found that I'm wearing a size 14 jacket and blouse, and size 16 or 18 pants. I haven't been in a size 14 since I was 14 years old (ha!). Keep up the good work and keep smiling!
   — Linda R.

November 5, 2003
Kerri, I think you have the concept, but I think you put in backwards.....When you lose mostly "water weight" you lose pounds and when you lose mostly "fat" you lose inches....at least that makes sense to me, but I am not above being corrected so if anyone has the facts help us out here...*smile* Open RNY 5/19/03
   — prettygreen13

November 6, 2003
La Tasha, You may be right. I couldn't remember which way it went. But that is how the concept is, I believe. I had a feeling that I was doing it backwards. ;-)
   — Kerri 4.