Question:
What sort of weight loss should I expect?

Ok guys, I am just curious what the average weight loss with this surgery for someone who weighs around 300lbs preop. I am considering the surgery, but I am afraid that after 100 pounds or so...I won't lose anymore weight. I know someone who had the surgery who is almost 2 years postop, and she could still stand to lose at least 80 pounds more. I am afraid that after going through all this trauma of surgery, that I will still be "fat." I know I will come out thinner than before, but I still don't want to remain a large woman. My friend follows her diet very strictly, and exercises, but can't seem to lose much more. She sorta just stopped losing after the inital 100 came off. I want to get to at least 155-160lbs. So, that would mean a weight loss of around 150lbs. Is this possible??? If I follow the directions perfectly and exercise as much as I can....is it possible to lose this much with a starting weight of 300? Please let me know! Thanks so much!    — [Anonymous] (posted on December 10, 2001)


December 10, 2001
The AVERAGE loss from the RNY is 70% to 75% of what you are overweight by. Now some do loose it all. So lets talk of me. 5 ft 11 inches, 313 pounds start weight, chart weight 185. 70% loss is 90 pounds or so after a year, I have lost 98 pounds in less than 5 months. As a general rule the heavier you are the faster you loose but its less likely the super morbid obese folks will loose it all. So we need your height and build to give a better ESTIMATE, and getting into exercising helps too, but can add muscle mass which is heavier than fat but good for you. So you want to be thin, thats well and good, and certinally what my wife jen wants. But surgery is to make you HEALTHIER, and not necessarily thin. After all how else but surgery can lose you a 100 pounds? Muy surgeon says the frst 100 is HIS job, the last 30 yours.
   — bob-haller

December 10, 2001
Your long term result will depend on the particulars of your surgery and WHICH program you adhere to so faithfully. Some programs actually hinder long term success, even though they appear to work in the beginning. Also, your friend may have had a mechanical breakdown in her surgery and not know it. There are many factors that all contribute to our long term success.
   — vitalady

December 10, 2001
Hi: Well, like others have said, it depends on each person. But since you asked, I can tell you my experience. I started out at 346lbs, at 5'4" tall. I had the surgery on 2/2 of this year. I am not even 11 months out and I have lost 153lbs. I am currently at 193lbs. So, I will be very happy if I can loose another 30lbs. I feel that I have a good chance since the "window" of oppurtinity is up to 18 months. However, I do excerise 5-6 days a week. I watch my diet, but by no means am "perfect". Hope this helps!! Good luck!
   — [Anonymous]

December 10, 2001
Here's my figures...Starting weight 263. Had surgery 1/8/01. Met my goal weight of 139 at about 9 months post op. Currently at 126 at 11 months post op. I was able to do this rapidly and with much ease. I agree with Bob, however. Why consider yourself a failure if you "only" lose 100 lbs? You will be 100 lbs healthier and happier. Can you lose 100 lbs any other way? Shelley
   — Shelley.

December 11, 2001
I was "only" 230 pounds starting out, so I can't really help you with personal experience BUT I can tell you what I have noticed. I have looked at a lot of pictures and profiles and when people who started out at 300 pounds or so get to the 200 pound mark they look GREAT! I think they weigh that much because they have developed heavy bones and muscles from carrying around excess weight all those years. Sure, most of us would like to lose a little more, but I'll bet that you will look wonderful even if you only lose 100 pounds! Not to mention that you will be a LOT healthier.<p>That said, I do know several people who have lost in the range you are asking about. I even know one woman who started at 500 and ended up at 140. It is possible!
   — ctyst

December 11, 2001
I am about 3 days away from my surgery date. I fully expect to lose all my Excess Weight. I am committed to losing all the weight I can. I know it can be done. I know you can do anything you want also. A big reason I think this is because of "BIG" Pete Herida. He started at 803 pounds, and is now down to 245. <HR> here is his Website:http://www.bigpete803.8m.com/ <BR> Here is is Profile: http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/profile.phtml?N=H982614091
   — sbinkerd1

December 11, 2001
I am the original poster of this question...and I have a few things to say. First off: I am not saying ONLY loosing a 100 pounds is in any way a failure. I never implied that. I would obvioulsy be pleased with a weight loss that significant. What I am trying to say, is that I am not going to go through this major surgery, to get to 200 pounds. Which is still extremely too large for me. I am 5'4, and I still look very heavy at 200, and I still feel very unhealthy at that weight. I am not considering this surgery, just so I can lose weight and LOOK better. Of course, that is a bonus, but obviously as we all know...weight is not just a cosmetic problem! I have many other problems from my weight, and a 100 pounds loss would help a lot of things...but not all. And not only is our physical health important, but I believe our mental health is also extrmemely important. It is well known that the happier you are on the inside, the healthier you will usually be on the outside. If and when I get this surgery, I am going to eat the way I should, and exercise as much as possible. I believe that any goal is attainable, with enough hard work and sweat. I will be doing this for both my health and looks. I see nothing wrong with that. Say, I lose just 100 pounds, and then I follow the statistics and gain some of that back 5-10 years postop. So great... Now I did the surgery to lose only 60lbs? I CAN do that on my own WITHOUT the surgery. I want more...and all I was trying to do was ask if it was possible.
   — [Anonymous]

December 20, 2001
I know what you mean. I'm very afraid at this point that I will not lose anymore. I've had plataus in the past but nothing like this one! My highest weight shortly before surgery was 319 (BMI 58). I did lose around 12 pounds or so the month before surgery so my official weight was 305. I had the open RNY on May 8th. The last 5 or 6 weeks I have'nt lost hardly anything, except a puny pounds. My window of opportunity will be closeing in around 5 months. And I CAN NOT get below 202. Then I went up to 210. Now I'm at 204 (BMI 37) I've lost (if you count the 202 weight) 117 pounds and goal is 190 pounds. If I could get to 129 (BMI 24). It's almost as if my metabolism has set itself so low than I can just about maintain my weight but not lose anymore. I'm wondering what I did the surgery for, if I can not get below 200.... and at least 30 pounds from goal.
   — Danmark




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