Question:
Is it reasonable to believe that you can reach the goal weight that is projected by y

I am 5'2" and had a surgery weight of 370. I have been obese since I was 7 years old. My doctor gave me a target weight of 125. In six weeks I lost 31 pounds. However, my mother and my sister are telling me that 125 is an unreasonable weight for me because I have been so fat for so long. That maybe a normal person might reach their goal weight but I should be glad if I lose 100 pounds and that there is no way I'll be able to get under 200 pounds. This is very discouraging to me to hear this. Do people actually reach their goal weights or are we doomed to remain in the realm of the pleasantly plump at best?    — Nanette T. (posted on October 3, 2000)

October 3, 2000
I was just a bit over 5 ft..and 308 when i had the surgery..go to this site..look under deanna durant - nevada for pics..my doc said i would NEVER get under 200..because i had always been obese....i weigh 114 good luck..and dont believe everything you hear...just trust the tool.... blessings, Deanna [email protected]
   — Deanna D.

October 3, 2000
Just to let you know what's gone on with someone who only had 100 pounds to lose. I had open RNY 1/13/00. I started at 228.5 (exactly 100lbs over). It's 9 months post op and I've lost 92 pounds. I weigh 136 and wear a size 6-8. I'm losing very slowly now and I'm glad. I really don't want to get any smaller. I jog now and eat most anything, just smaller portions. I don't dump except on some fried foods. I can't tolerate chicken skin period and fast foods don't interest me anymore. So yes you can reach your goal. My doc said he'd be happy if I'd lost 80 % of my excess but I'm shooting for 100%. You can do it and don't let others who have no medical background try to dissuade you. I'm a success and doing well. Lou Ann
   — Lou Ann J.

October 3, 2000
I started at 411, 5'4". My docs told me the rny guarantees 125 to 150 lbs. So they want me to have a realistic goal of 200, and quite honestly I could settle for that. And that can only be achieved by my own hard work. Now I'm two weeks out and have lost 36 lb. so who knows. As our other friends have said this is a tool. God Bless you and keep you on track.
   — Wendy W.

October 3, 2000
I hate to ask this question, but I hate to see people trying to knock other people down, but who made your mother and your sister the authority on this?? (Actually I'm wondering if it's possible we have the same mother and sister :) sounds just like mine) I am 5'6", my surgeon has told me that I could loose down to 130-140....which seemed very low to me, but if my surgeon thinks that is possible, I'm all for it, and 125 at 5'2" shouldn't be any more impossible.
   — [Anonymous]

October 3, 2000
Your long term results will depend entirely on the surgery performed and the post-op nutrition guide you are given. They are both tools, but be sure you do lots of research. Don't get a hammer and chisel if you need power tools, you know? I will be 6 yrs out this week and have easily maintained 100% wt loss. My husband is 5 yrs out and maintains his easily, too. But our surgery is one of the more radical ones. Our post-op nutrition is very well supplemented, so looks easy to us compared to the constant dieting and measuring still required to try to get everything in with food. We eat food, but we supplement the basics completely, so we have never re-engaged that satarvation mode thing that messes with our wt loss. But keep researching, as you are doing, because our life style may not appeal to everyone. Some prefer the dieting and measuring.
   — vitalady

October 14, 2000
I am slated for surgery 11/28 (Wooo-hooo!). I was very direct with my surgeon and told him point blank what my age, weight, surgical history and medical complications are, and based on that summary, I asked him what a REASONABLE expectation/outcome from the RNY procedure would be. Without hesitance, he said, "180 -- BUT it could be a lot lower if you work with the surgery and adhere to the diet regimen". Hey, that was all I needed! SIGN ME UP! :o) I'm not looking to be a beauty contestant in a perfect size 8 after all this, but I cannot WAIT to look good, FEEL healthy and energetic and be able to MOVE!!! I'm personally shooting for 140-150 (and anything below that will be an added blessing, but not a necessity).
   — Michelle F.

February 15, 2002
I am 5'6" and started at 286 lbs. in Aug. 1999. As of today I am at goal 143 (exactly 1/2 of myself). I never asked my surgeron what to except. (I just assumed I could do it). I keep a daily food journal and average 1800 calories per day. I do 2 miles on my treadmill as many days per week as possible. The surgery has given me the ability to control my appetite (most of the time) and make wise decisons (most of the time). I do allow myself 300 calories of chocolate per day. My passion. E-mail me anytime. [email protected]. Sincerely, Cheryl
   — Cheryl H.