Question:
I'm 2 1/2 weeks post op only 17 pounds down...

at my first dr visit post op i was 13 pounds down but since then going very slowly. Thought it might have to do with not getting enough water but have solved that. Is this normal to plateau so soon, what's going on?    — [Anonymous] (posted on October 22, 2001)

October 21, 2001
17 pounds in 2 1/2 weeks is GREAT! When was the last time you were able to lose 17 pounds that quickly?? Relax!! You are doing great. Some people lose faster than others so don't worry. You are doing fine. Those 17 pounds , you will never see them again. Keep up the good work!!
   — Kim B.

October 21, 2001
My surgeon's "rule of thumb" is to expect to lose approximately 20 lbs. by the first 3 week visit, and 10 lbs. per month after that. I had lost 19 lbs. at 3 weeks, and was SO depressed because my daughter, who had had her RNY 2 months earlier, had lost 50 lbs. at her first visit. The other important "rules" are to trust the process; recognize that every patient will lose weight at a different rate due to a number of factors (age, gender, metabolism, hormones, starting weight, etc...); and try, try, try not to compare your weight loss with others. I had to put my scales in the closet and weigh every month on my new "birth"day in order to gain some sanity and peace of mind. I also started focusing on inches rather than pounds....even when the pounds don't move, the inches do! I sounds as if you are doing great!! Relax and enjoy the journey...it's the best one you will ever take :-)
   — Diana T.

October 21, 2001
WOW...17 lbs in 2 1/2 weeks is great!!!!! I think and I know that I am guilty of this too...that when we go for this surgery we expect overnight miracles. This does not happen remember how long did it take you to get to your current weight it will take time to lose it as well. My Surgeon says to expect to lose the first 60-70lbs in 6 months and I have already lost 50 and Im only 9 weeks Im half way there already (i want to lose 100). Im sure it will slow down and then speed up but I know it will come off and just think by the summer you will be struttn' your stuff in a new tankini! Good Luck it will come off! :)
   — Melissa S.

October 21, 2001
Goodbye forever to 17 lbs.! Yippee for you! Yippee, for that matter, to me, too!
   — Marjorie B.

October 22, 2001
Are we ever going to stop with the "I've lost ONLY..." questions.... when was the last time you lost 17 lbs in 12 days???????? relax the weight WILL come off,but it won't happen overnight.
   — [Anonymous]

October 22, 2001
Someone posted this last week for the same question (Why do they post these any way???) And since it's so true I've copied and pasted it for your benefit. I also suggest you read the FAQ and "Decision" page on the following website: http://www.mygastricbypass.com , it's a great site, with lots of good advice! Here's the post: I read this on a website, it's kind of tough, but very true! - "Quit -- and this is big -- QUIT COMPARING YOURSELF! Do not write in and say so and so loss 50 pounds in six weeks and I only lost 40. What you will get then is one of us post ops telling you to get a reality grip! Consider that you are losing weight fast -- and if you were dieting you would only lose maybe 3 pounds a week tops! Most people would only lose 1 or 2 pounds if not gain! This is not a race. Your only competition is you! Base yourself on where you were last week, month, year FITNESS wise. I have seen hundreds of posts from post ops over the time I have been on this list lamenting that they are only lost 20 pounds since surgery three weeks ago. HUH? Since when is 20 pounds in less than a month too slow? QUIT RACING! Who are you in competition with? Another thing, weight loss and how quickly you lose depends on a variety of factors including age, starting weight, how the weight is carried, gender, how long you have been overweight, calorie input, energy output, metabolism, medications, and hundreds of other factors. The best thing you can do to maximize weight loss is get your protein in, drink your water and exercise. If you are doing all these things then you are doing the right things. So don't worry that you have only lost 20 pounds since February."
   — [Anonymous]

October 22, 2001
There should be a BIG sign on this site saying "Plateaus are normal! Expect them!" I am a year and 1/2 postop and am in my Ideal Weight range. I lost 21 pounds the first month. You've lost 17 in half that time! Don't worry, be happy. Take your measurements monthly on your surgery date. You'll be surprised!
   — Cindy H.