Question:
AFTER 2 MONTHS, I AM ONLY DOWN 18 POUNDS

I had my open RNY surgery on June 17th, and I have only lost 18 pounds! I drink my water, I eat a lot of protein, and stay away from carbs. I started off at 265 with a height of 5'7". I know I am considered a light weight, but can some other people around my weight and height tell me how they are doing? Or what can I do to speed up this process?!!!    — Heidi J. (posted on August 11, 2003)

August 11, 2003
Hey girl. I wanted to tell you that I went and looked at your profile and also at your website that you had a link to...and you don't look heavy at all! You look great! In fact, I bet the 18 pounds you've lost have really enhanced that! With that said, it has to be frustrating to go through the surgery and drop 18 pounds when you're expecting so much more. But I (being a naive pre-op!) have to say, "Wow, you've lost 18 pounds in only 2 months! That's a 2-pound a week drop!" Just from reading posts on this site, I've learned that people go through plateaus sometimes-maybe you're experiencing one of those? Also, what kind of surgery have you had? I don't know if that makes a big difference so soon post-op, but I do know that some of the surgeries give you a faster weight loss, some give you a slower weight loss overall-but in the end, you'll more than likely get where you need to be! Keep your chin up, I know this is only the beginning for you. Best of luck!
   — jenn_jenn

August 11, 2003
Heidi- I definitely didn't start as a lightweight, but I have been able to avoid plateaus of longer than 5 days (which has allowed me to sustain a weight loss after the initial quick drop of about 14 pounds per month); I am pretty much at my goal after 10 months, but now want to lose a little more. Here are two things to consider: (1) are you getting any hidden carbs (things like sweet-n-low or Equal have about 1 gram per packet)? (2) is your protein intake nearing 60 grams a day? When I feel that my weight loss is too slow, I will put myself on the Atkins induction diet for a few days (where you have no more than 10-15 grams of carb a day). During those times, I tend to drink a couple of the Isopure Zero Carb protein drinks (which gives me 30 grams of protein), an protein bar of some ilk (for at least 20 grams of protein) and a protein shake (for another 25 grams of protein), along with some other natural sources of protein. It has seemed to work. I trust that all the other posters will try to encourage you to consider that you have sustained a weight loss over the past two months-- listen to them. Although we all want to lose more weight and do it faster, the key really is to not get discouraged and to continue all these healthy eating habits that the surgery helps us to utilize.
   — SteveColarossi

August 11, 2003

   — Kim W.

August 12, 2003
My surgeon says all the talk about "lightweights" is bunk but even so, I still believe that those of us with less to lose will lose it much slower. My open RNY was on 5/23/03 and I started at 5'2", 235 lbs. At almost 12 weeks post-op I am now at 188. I've lost almost 50 pounds but I have hit plateaus every 10 pounds and stay there for a week or two. It's frustrating! But I'm finding that when I eliminate most carbs, drink more water and add just a few more minutes of exercise, I can get the scale moving again ... then I'll lose 5 or more pounds in a couple of days and another five a few days after that. It's weird! Just remember that the scale is not always the best indicator of how much you're losing. You are also losing inches even when the scale isn't moving. You don't say in your post whether or not you are exercising but make sure you do. As a new post-op, you don't have to kill yourself in the gym but do make sure you get a good walk in every day. I walk at least 30 minutes every evening after dinner. When the rest of my soreness subsides, I'll be starting water aerobics and some light weight training. Even moderate exercise will jump start your metabolism! Good luck!
   — MomBear2Cubs

August 12, 2003
How are your clothes fitting? Do you have anything that was too tight before surgery? Try it on! You might be getting smaller without the scale actually showing it. I had this happen to me - I was dropping sizes but the scale was moving very slowly. I started out a lightweight, and I think we do lose slower. I'm also 47, been overweight nearly all my life, so I think my fat cells are not giving up without a huge fight! You may "woosh" it off - drop several pounds in a few days. Hang in there!
   — koogy

August 12, 2003
Double check your diet... look at my second profile for a good reality check diet (sharon m. brittain). If you find yourself not losing like you want, eliminate a carb serving each day until your weight starts coming off like you want it to... there are hidden carbs, so... double check your diet, okay? Hugs!
   — Sharon m. B.