Question:
What is the best thing I can do to ensure the greatest weight loss?

I have read that some people lose 50-70 pounds in 4 months, what do I do to help me be in the higher weight loss class? I have between 150-170 pounds to lose. THanks!    — Krista L. S. (posted on July 30, 2001)

July 30, 2001
Protein (and lots of it) water (lots of it) and exercise, if you can't exercise then walk. But seriously that protein will get you to the goal faster than anything.It did for me. Now to STOP my weightloss I am ADDING carbohydrates and I am NOT talking sugar and sugarladen carbs. The good carbs. So that is the affect protein and carbs have on my body. I hope this helps you.
   — Rose A.

July 30, 2001
I have lost 273 pounds in a little over 11 months. The key for me is water, water and more water as well as lots of protein. The more I drink the more I lose. This surgery is a tool and your goal weight is very possible.
   — DeeDubbs

July 30, 2001
I've lost at least 68 pounds in 12 weeks. I think alot of it is drink LOTS of water, exercise, and protein. The first one I'm good at, but I'm not to consistant with the last two. ;)
   — Danmark

July 30, 2001
I want to lose 190 pounds at least.
   — Danmark

July 31, 2001
WELL I AM 3 1/2 MONTHS OUT AND IVE LOST 60 LBS. MY SURGEON SAYS IT USUALLY TAKES MOST 6-7 MONTHS TO LOSE THIS. THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO FOR YOURSELF IS WALK. JUST WALK. AS MUCH AS YOU CAN. YOU DO HAVE TO WATCH WHAT YOU EAT. REMEMBER THIS IS A TOOL. YOU SHOULD BE MAKING BETTER CHOOSES EXAMPLE: DONT EAT HAMBURGERS, FRENCH FRIES, ICE CREAM, CHOCOLATE, REG SODAS. YOU NEED TO CHANGE YOUR EATING HABITS.. BUT MY SURGEON DOESNT FEEL THAT YOU NEED TO COUNT CALORIES BECAUSE YOUR INTAKE IS SO SMALL, JUST MAKE BETTER CHOOSES.....CHICKEN, BAKED POTATOES, SLICED TOMATOES, CHILI IS A GOOD SOURCE OF PROTEIN, STAY AWAY FROM FOOD THAT YOU KNOW IS NOT GOOD FOR YOU. AND WALK.........IT DOESNT HAVE TO BE MILES JUST WALK, PARK OUT AWAYS WHEN YOU GO TO THE STORE SO YOU HAVE TO WALK....YOU GET THE PICTURE
   — kelly S.

July 31, 2001
Now that I am at my goal weight I don't really obsess over fats like I did the first 12 months post-op.. The first 12 months I pushed low fat/low carbs/high protein to maximize my weight loss .. It worked for me to help me meet and exceed goal weight.. I'm very happy now with my size and weight and now I don't feel the need to obsess over every fat gram .. I will admit by wisely selecting my foods post-op (low fat/low carbs) I acquired an all new/healthy way to eat... With the help of the pouch success was at my feet all I had to do was walk.. My beginning weight was 367 I'm now 140 pounds... If you want a calorie break down by month.. I stayed between 400-600 calories the first 6 months the slowly increased to 800 calories at 12 months post-op.. Now that I am 19 months post-op I stay around 1200 calories some days more some days less.. I don't obsess over watching calories any longer I just eat much more healthier .. protein being my center then veggies and fruit..
   — Victoria B.

July 31, 2001
Best thing you can do is follow the instructions from your DR and Dietician. It is hard not to be overly concerned with the rate of loss. I started with 151 pounds to lose. Have lost almost 85 and am 5 1/2 months post op. My rate of loss is pretty average for WLS. Not high and not low. However, when compared to past dieting attempts (Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, etc.)my rate of loss is very high. I weigh myself every two weeks and see the pounds coming off, but the difference I am most satisfied with is physical appearance and how my clothes fit. Getting into smaller more fun clothing. Moral of story. Relax about your rate of loss. Enjoy the results and know that they will come. Everyone is different and it is important for you not to guage your results against others. Best of luck to you!!!
   — Terri D.