Question:
I'm almost 4 months post of and have lost 52 pounds, is this too slow?

I know that without this surgery I would not have lost 52 pounds in 4 months, however, I can't help but think i'm doing something wrong. I maintain my water intake at almost 3 liters a day. My caloric intake does not exceed 1000 calories. My protein is a bit difficult to get in at times but is usually between 50 & 80 grams a day. I am grateful for this surgery, I just can't help but feel like i'm doing something wrong. I know it's nuts cuz I'm happy with the loss. Any advice would be greatly apprieciated.    — Irene M. (posted on December 26, 2002)

December 26, 2002
We all lose at different rates. Try not to compare yourself to anyone else's progress. If you feel good and healthy, you are doing things right. Keep drinking the liquids and getting in as much protein as possible. If you are working out, remember that muscle weighs more than fat so you might be losing fat and inches, but gaining muscle. I had my surgery on August 23 and have lost 62 pounds. I am working out every day an know that I am losing inches and gaining muscle. I feel healthy and energetic. Hang in there! You are doing fine!
   — Kelly X.

December 26, 2002
I had surgery 8/27 ....4 months also and last time I weighed I had lost 51 lbs. I was feeling a little discouraged but just recently people who don't know I have had surgery are commenting on how good I look now. I started out as a light weight so I decided that it would not be healthy for me to have lost the 80 to 90 lbs other people seem to loose at this stage. I think you are doing fine also. Let's enjoy the loss even if it seems slow !
   — Sherry S.

December 26, 2002
I know it is hard not to compare ourselves, but try not to. I beat my self up over it for the first few months. We are all different. It sounds like you are doing everything right to me. Keep up the good work.
   — tulagirl

December 26, 2002
Hon!!!! Relax... Do you know how many women out there who go to Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers wish they could lose 52 pounds in the months that you have.. You are doing great and keep it up...... WOW!!!
   — Regina C.

December 26, 2002
Irene--you are doing awesome!!! Dont worry about others--everyone loses at different paces. I had the same thoughts as you cos a friend that had the surgery 2 days after me has lost almost 20 lbs more than myself but the fact is I'm still losing and its steady. I had my surgery 6/4/02 and my start weight was 294.5..now I am 216....my thoughts are...17 lbs and I'm below 200 which I haven't seen since before my mom passed away so I'm thrilled and would do this again in a heartbeat. So dont worry! 52 lbs is AWESOME!!!!
   — Bambi C.

December 27, 2002
Why is it that time and time again, I read of early post-ops who think they have failed or are doing something wrong because they haven't lost 100 pounds by 4 months out? If you have frequented this site then you know that everyone loses at a different rate. EVERYONE! And the key phrase here is that "everyone loses". If you know that you are getting in your water, protein, calories etc, then why would you feel like you are doing something wrong?? Sweetie, you are doing very well and the weight will continue to come off. So, relax and be happy with your 52 pound loss and the additional pounds that you will shed at your own pace.
   — Cindy R.

December 27, 2002
I can relate, and in response to the previous post, I think the early post ops (I am 3 mos out) feel like we are doing something wrong because we are all still in that 'dieting failure' frame of mind. I am down about 50 lbs and I still on a daily basis feel like I am failing. I know I'm not, the scales don't lie, but after years of dieting and failing I think we are just programed that way...I am hoping as I get futher out I will have the failure feeling less and less, until I am on here telling new posties the same thing!
   — Shanchel