Question:
I Have Two Questions Re: Weight Loss After Surgery...

1) I currently weigh 320 lbs and once I have surgery, I really hope to eventually reach 125-130 (I'm only 5'3"), but it seems that those losing from the 300 lb range don't seem to lose as low as those who are UNDER 300 lbs starting out -- Is it just me, or do most post-ops tend to 'stop short' of goal weight? How can I ensure MY OWN success? This question really bothers me because I really hope to achieve a 'normal range' weight, but am afraid I'll fall some 40 or 50 lbs shy of it! 2) How does your body know WHEN to STOP losing?    — Michelle F. (posted on September 13, 2000)

September 13, 2000
The type of surgery is about half the battle, the post-op nutrition is the other half. But whatever you give up in calories absorbed, you also forfeit in nutrition. As long as one is clear with that, one can do well either way. If you keep the better absorption, then you keep more calories. Exactly what Barb said! As a very radical distal, I get all my nutrition via supplements, which has some surprising side effects. It keeps me from getting colds and misc "bugs" and it keeps me thin! I wouldn't trade back for anything! Our post-op formula: lots of supplemented protein; lots of water; the correct vites; no milk; no sugar; no grazing; no drinking with meals.
   — vitalady

September 14, 2000
I have some hope for you! I'm just waiting for that insurance approval but can tell you about my sister. She had an open RNY 100 cm bypassed in 2/99 with Dr. Anez in Fairfax, VA. She is 5'3" and weighed 324#. She was heavy all of her life from birth, was active but didn't really exersize. Here is the good news - she now wears a size 4 and weighs 125. She's about to have a tummy tuck and will probably lose 3-5 more. She is very careful about not stretching her pouch and has become a real exerciser. She did this by getting a personal trainer about 6 weeks post-op. She saw her twice a week and exercised on her own 3 days/week. She now sees the trainer 1/week. They change her routines every 6-8 weeks so she doesn't get bored. She just told her trainer that she was planning to lose a lot of weight and that she wanted to minimize hanging skin. She did alot of arm work and has great arms almost no hanging skin. There's alot more extra skin on her thighs, rear, and tummy. She was told that the more muscle you can build, the calories your body uses at rest, not to mention those burned while exercising. Most overweight people have large muscles because of hauling around all of the weight. We just have to work to maintain the muscles. Her tummy skin will be better soon with the tummy tuck. She is not always perfect in her eating but most days is in the 1000 cal range. (I still can't understand how that's satifying, but am taking it on faith from her comments and those on this site). May WLS help you like it did my sister!
   — Marilyn M.