Question:
Do people who start out smaller lose weight slower?

My friend and I both had surgery. She is losing much faster than I am and she eats more then I do. We both exercise the same. What is happening?    — Barb N. (posted on April 23, 2005)

April 23, 2005
Where I think it is true that those who start bigger lose faster at first. But What also could be happening is Your body could be in starvation mode where You are not getting in enough calories compared to what you are burning so your body could be holding on to what You are eating You should discuss with Your surgeon a detailed account of what You are eating and exercising and see what he says. Also we are all differant so please don't compare Yourself with your friend. I am sure You are doing great also. Best Wishes.
   — Shell G

April 23, 2005
I am what is was considered a lightweight (not to me). I am 5'3" and started at 214 pounds. I am four months post-op and weigh 167.5, for a total loss of 46.5 pounds I have two friends that had surgery the same day. One has lost over sixty, and the other 100. Both were larger than I to start, and I now weigh less than they do. What my doctor explained is that when you start out weighing more, it takes more calories to maintain that weight. Therefore, if two people each eat 600 calories per day, and one has a maintance level of 3500 calories to stay at, for instance 300 pounds, the the other 2500 to maintain 225 pounds, the larger person will lose weight faster. I have had a hard time with my slow weight loss, but look at the charts and am right where I should be. Just keep doing what your are supposed to, exercise as much as you are able, and other lightweights I have talked to, swear that you have a good chance of getting to goal!
   — lindarodham6

April 24, 2005
I was told that I was considered a lightweight because the day of surgery(Dec. 17) I weighed 239 and I am 5ft 6in, but as of today I weigh 165. The dr advsd that I would lose at a very slow rate but then after my 3month check up he advised me that he was surprised at the rate I was losing weight. He asked was there anything special I was doing, I just follow the pouch rules, I do pilates, walk 2miles and alternate between slim in six and the firm. Good Luck on your journey Courtney
   — courtney A.

April 24, 2005
It seems that in general, the smaller you are starting out the slower you will lose. Kind-of makes sense, don't you think? If you have only 100 to lose, and your friend has 200, it just seems logical that she will lose much faster. What and how much you are both eating doesn't really have all that much to do with it, in my opinion. My son started at 442, and in 3 months had lost 100 pounds. I started out at 260, and it took me close to a year to lose 90.
   — Carlita

April 28, 2005
It took me 10 months to lose 123 pounds (started at 5'2 - 248 pounds).
   — Patty H.

May 4, 2005
If you have less weight to lose, you will lose slower than a heavier person. At 4'11", I lost a lot slower than other folks, but there's a bright side! You probably won't have as much saggy, extra skin, either! Hang in there, it'll come off!
   — Dhelynn