Question:
I keep reading to expect to lose 2/3 of your wieght.

I weigh 230 lbs which is 100 lbs overweight for my height. If I have this surgery can I only expect to lose 66 lbs? That would leave me at 170lbs which is still overweight as far as I'm concerned. I realize this is a more healthy weight than 230 but If I go through this surgery I would like to be closer to an ideal weight of 140-145lbs. Is this amount due to lack of exercise and bad diet that some people only lose the 2/3 or less or this a cushion # for the doctor so you don't expect too much. Please respond.    — Diane S. (posted on March 14, 2000)

March 14, 2000
I think that 2/3 of your excess weight is the average that RnY patients tend to lose. An average, of course, includes the people that did poorly and the people that did great. If you work really hard at eating right and exercising, I bet you can be one of the "above average" people who loses more than 2/3 or even 100% of your excess weight. Good Luck!
   — Lynn K.

March 14, 2000
Since you are starting off at a lower weight than many - you will probably loose all your weight. You lose the most weight during the first 6-9 months. If you had, say 200 to lose, then it would be much harder to do that ... thus, the 2/3 thing. You have the window of time when it is easier to lose weight and since you don't have as much to loose, you should meet your goal.
   — Shar /.

March 14, 2000
I think that the 2/3 is just a guideline and as you said a cushion for the physicians so that that hopes aren't up to lose more. I weighed about the same as you, 240lbs, I was considered to be 100lbs overweight for my height. I had the surgery on 6-14-99 and have lost 95 lbs thus far. It has slowed quite a bit, but I have started to exercize rather vigorously, kickboxing and weightlifting and can still see inches coming off. I am scheduled for a panniculectomy (tummy tuck) 3-31-00 and am expected to lose about another 15-20 lbs of just skin. I think you will have no problem losing the weight. I think that it is easier because you don't have as much to lose.
   — kelly P.

March 14, 2000
From what I understand, expected loss is 70-80% of the weight you have to lose, not your total weight. And there are people who do lose it all. Important keys are getting enough exercise, plenty of protein in the diet, eating the protein FIRST when you eat, and not eating high fat or high carbohydrate items. Don't be discouraged! This will change your life if you are prepared to do your end of it! Good luck to you! :)
   — Paula G.

April 15, 2000
Actually, Sha.. the more you have to lose, the more you DO lose in that initial time. It's all relative.
   — lisadiehl

April 15, 2000
The surgery is a tool, not a cure. I have a lot of weight to lose, and I plan on getting as close to my ideal weight as possible. My surgeon's office says I will lose the majority of my weight the first 6 months, and then weight loss will gradually taper, stabilizing around 12-18 months. I've heard of people with lots to lose relying on protein supplements as meal replacement and eating actual food only once per day during the first 6 months. I don't know if that's safe, but it seems logical to maximize weight loss. Any thoughts or comments on that?
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