Question:
Did not realize this surgery could fail

I'm 9 months post op (June, 2002). Started at 276, now 210. That's only 66 lbs down, and I hit that 3 months ago. Nothing since. No matter what I do? Anyone post op who have used Zenical to help? Or any other aids. Nothing I do will move this weight. I cry and am depressed about this all the time.    — Georgia H. (posted on March 10, 2003)

March 10, 2003
I am 15 months post op and have lost 88lbs. I haven't lost anything in 6 months so I understand where you are coming from. But I look at it differently. Where have I failed? I have lost 88lbs and keep it off I sure never have been able to do that in anything else I have tried. So I don't look at as this surgery failing I look at as I am just not meant to be a very thin person but I am happier and healthier then I have been in years. I do hope you can start to feel better about yourself and this surgery and just remember the positive and don't let what you consider the negative bring you down.
   — Kelly S.

March 10, 2003
Georgia, you haven't failed! I know it must be so frustrating, and I'm sorry you're upset. I honestly don't think this is a failure for you, though. have you gained a bunch of weight? nope. Even then, post-op it can be easier for us to lose. 66lbs. is a great amount to lose, although I'm sure you are comparing to others, which is understandable, but that can just get you more upset. I know you said you have tried alot of things. Did you increase your protein? How about exercise- that can help alot! Also, try switching what you eat around. Sometimes our bodies can get used to things, and even though they are still healthy, it just doesn't work. Maybe if you are eating alot of chicken, eat less and eat more fish, or something like that. Also how are your carbs? Maybe you can cut back a little there? Maybe you could also go back to the liquid/soft food diet for a couple weeks. Stick with prtein drinks, eggs, yogurt, etc. for a little while and maybe that can jump start the loss again. Don't give up- you are really not a failure. Goodluck to you, I wish you the best!!
   — Lezlie Y.

March 11, 2003
I do wish surgeons discussed this aspect of wls more. Some never mention it and many gloss over it. I'm 5 years out and over the years, I have met several people in our support group who had wls and lost minimal amounts of weight. It was not their fault; nor was it the surgeons's fault. Apparently (for unknown reasons) some people just don't lose much weight. Of course you are disappointed, but a 66 pound loss is terrfic. I learned over the years not to compare my weight loss to other people. We're all individuals and our bodies react differently to wls. I never tried Zenical; but, way back when I was trying desperatly to lose an additional 22lbs. (to hit that 199 mark..), my doc did prescribe phenermine for three months in an attempt to give my metabolism a boost. It didn't work! (lol) and I only tried it for two months.
   — mandy S.

May 16, 2003
Thank you to those who posted to my problem. It's May 16th and why my weight loss stopped is still a mystery.
   — Georgia H.