Question:
Should I include pre-op required loss when asked?

My surgeon required a 10% loss before surgery. I lost 27lbs. Now when someone asks how much I have lost I always say 27 pre-op and 61 or whatever post-op for a total of 88. Would I be misleading if I just say the total number without going into detail?    — Tawnda C. (posted on February 27, 2003)

February 26, 2003
I am always confused by that one too. I lost 11 pounds in the 2 weeks before surgery and have lost another 37 in the 6 weeks since surgery. I feel like I worked really hard for those first 11 pounds and unless it is a fellow wls-er who would understand the distinction I include it. It is, after all, weight I have lost since the last time most people have seen me. Those ARE pounds lost and they COUNT! I sure remember weighing 277 so why would I only count weight loss from 266? By the way, CONGRATULATIONS on the great loss! All 88!!!! :)
   — Carol S.

February 26, 2003
I have the same problem, I lost 26 preop and have lost 93 since surgery. At first I just counted the since surgery loss but lately I've been saying "From my highest weight" or "In the past year" I'm platueing (spelling is bad) so it sounds better to add it all in.
   — Sunny S.

February 26, 2003
I say, add it all together. Why not? You HAVE lost a total of 88 lbs, therefore there should be no reason not to add it...right? All 88 lbs were due to your WLS Journey...some just before the actual surgery, but still part of the entire journey. Good luck to you and congrats!
   — Renee B.

February 26, 2003
When someone asks how much you have lost, it is the total of pre and post-op. Thats a fact. How is that misleading?
   — Cindy R.

February 27, 2003
I lost 12 pounds between my consult and my surgery, and I add it into my total lost (121 pounds). It's just too confusing to keep subtracting 12. And the reason I lost those 12 pounds (*that* time) was my belief that, with this surgery, the weight would actually STAY off. So in a way, those 12 little guys are as much as part of the family as the other ... oh no ... math headache coming on here ... 109 lbs. I lost since surgery. Point is, they're all "in remission" now, and gonna stay that way. :~D
   — Suzy C.

February 27, 2003
I think that since you are from Jacksonville, and seeing the feeding tube in your profile that we had the same surgeon. I too had to lose the pre-op weight, and lost 32 pounds. Whenever I give my weight loss figures, I will usually say that my total weight loss is 59 pounds, however 32 pounds were lost prior to surgery.
   — sheri H.

February 27, 2003
I tell 'em my total loss...the only folks who'd appreciate knowing pre & post op numbers are here at AMOS. btw I may have even worked harder to lose those first 9pounds so they definately count!!!
   — Denise W.