Question:
how fast is too fast?

I know this question has been asked before, and it seems to generate negative reactions everytime it is...however I am beginning to get concerned. I am currently 10 months post op and have lost 163 pounds to date. Started at 338 and am now at 175. I'm thrilled with the weight loss that I have achieved!! However, what has gotten me to be a bit concerned is that I'm still losing 10+ pounds a month. Last month, I lost 16!! And I'm not doing anything! I'm eating every 3 hours and it hasn't even been mostly protein. My protein intake as sad as it is to say, has been lacking lately. I haven't been exersicing either. So, why on earth is so much weight still coming off so quickly? Is this still safe? Thanks for you answers!! I don't mean to offend anyone that might not be losing as quickly, so please don't take it like that. Thanks again!    — Christie N. (posted on June 30, 2003)

June 30, 2003
I would highly suggest that you add exercise to your life. For one thing this will help build muscle and you won't notice the weight-loss to be AS rapid most likely. And if you aren't eating protein like you should, odds are very good you're loosing not just fat, but muscle as well. Definitely get back to the protein routine. It's not just for weight-loss but a healthy body! Good luck to you!
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 30, 2003
Stay away from those carbs! Eat more protein, and get out and exercise. Why?? You must be starting to burn muscle... I know I went through that... Im 18 months post-op and down 220... I went down really fast, too. Now, since I have increased my protein again, reduced my carbs to nearly zero (except for those veggies), my weight has stabilized and I am building muscles. I still look like I am losing weight, but I am losing fat and gaining muscle. See my profile for help and feel free to email me!
   — Sharon M. B.

July 1, 2003
Christie, I don't know how close you are to goal weight but you can slow the process down or get it to stop by adding more calories to your daily diet. Whatever you are doing now, it is enough to continue to lose 10+ pounds a month. So, start by adding a few hundred calories (make it protein if you can) a day and weigh yourself at the end of the month to see how much you lost,and adjust accordingly. Keep upping it until you find what works for you. For some post-ops, we struggle to get down to goal and for others they get there and surpass without effort. It happens, but it can be controlled.
   — Cindy R.