Question:
Weighed 397 lbs. and have only lost 15 lbs. in first 3.5 weeks...scared about this...

I had the surgery a month ago. My beginning weight was 397. At 3 & 1/2 weeks post-op, I had only lost 15 & 1/2 pounds. I thought this was my "melting phase" where the weight would just drop off and eventually slow down. It's already slow!! This scares me. Can anybody give me some words of encouragement and/or advice, especially if you've dealt with this??? Please e-mail me at [email protected]. Thanks.    — Traci B. (posted on July 13, 2001)

July 13, 2001
I was exactly where you are right now just a short time ago. I had surgery May 1, 2001 and weighed in at 321. I lost 11 pounds the first week, then only 2 lbs a week for 2 weeks. Then nothing for several days. I was frantic! I added a protein supplement and things started moving again. So far, I'm down 41 pounds. I've always been a slow loser, so I guess I'm doing pretty good. Don't worry. You WILL lose more weight. Your body is just adjusting to a very traumatic experience. Give yourself a break and stay off the scales. You'll be losing again in no time!
   — Lynette H.

November 4, 2003
I am a slow loser. At 5 1/2 weeks I had only lost 16 pounds. It was very discouraging for me. I started drinking a protein shake, high in protein low in carbs. That got the scale moving a bit. I am now 7 weeks Post Op and have lost 22 pounds. Not as much as I had hoped, but I am told the slower the better, less hanging skin.
   — Denise H.