Question:
Am I losing fast enough?

I am 2 mos. out and have lost about 35 lbs. I have never heard a schedule of what I should be losing. Am I on track , slow or what?    — courtney M. (posted on March 11, 2004)

March 11, 2004
None of us ever lost it "fast enough", I think. I would've preferred to wake up from anesthesia at goal wt! LOL! But that didn't happen, and I poked along, but I got there. If I'd sped down at the speed *I* would've liked, I'd have missed savoring each milestone as they came. Being able to perform proper hygiene, cutting my toenails--you know, luxury items. I think it helped me appreciate my weight loss even more because it was hard won. I don't want any of those pounds to find me, so it's good I had a nice long while to consider it, perhaps
   — vitalady

March 12, 2004
Hi Courtney... I'm 2 mths out as well and I've lost 36 lbs and felt like it's a slow loss, but the way I look at it is.. IT'S COMING OFF LOL! That's all that matters. In comparison to everyone else that was my start weight (304) I am kinda behind, but I am thinking maybe I won't have the excess skin in the end to deal with.. I'm hoping anyway. Keep up the good work!! Hugs, Tracy
   — Tracy P.

March 12, 2004
Today is my 1st month anniversary of open RNY, I've lost 25 lbs according to the doc's scale. According to him I am a little behind so I understand your concern and frustration!!! So after being depressed for half hour I figured I'd better snap out of it :) We're losers (in the good sense of the word) and will continue to be, some faster than others, but regardless we're on our way to a longer healthier life. Congrats on your 35 lbs and don't worry, we'll hit our goals eventually. Just do the best you can to remain positive and keep on losing.
   — [Deactivated Member]

March 12, 2004
Your question hit a sore spot with me and brought back a clear memory of one of the ONLY times that I was disappointed with my surgeon. My start with WLS was VERY rocky (see profile) but, to make a long story short, I was on gastric tube feeding for the first 3 1/2 months. I had surgery May 2, 2003 and didn't start on food (that's right, food) until mid-August. Due to the enforced inactivity and the high calories of tube feeding, I had only lost 30 pounds in 3 months. I went to see my surgeon in mid September and was down 45-50 pounds. I could see him do the mental arithmetic in his head and he was disappointed. I wanted to shout at him. I then began to feel bad - and I wasn't feeling bad about my loss until HE showed that he was obviously expecting better results. I could feel my tension mounting and do you know what I usually do when I'm tense???? I want to eat and not healthy! Well, I counselled myself through strenuous mental talking for the hour ride home. I didn't reach for bad food and I decided not to hold it against him. I honestly reviewed what I was doing and knew that I was doing things as well as I could - maybe not getting in enough water at that time, but basically, doing very good. Well, I saw my surgeon for my 9month anniversary last month and, do you know what? He considers me a success. His definition is a loss of 1/3 of your weight. For me that was 110 pounds. I was already 10+ pounds over that goal. So the moral here??? Do what is good for yourself and the pounds will come off - at the rate that may or may not be fast enough (is there anything fast enough?) BUT they are coming off. I'm down 140+ pounds from my highest weight and my 10 month anniversary has just passed. I eat well, continue to work on my mental issues (food addiction is so sneaky!) and work on my physical fitness. I want to still lose 40 pounds or so, but I am also willing to listen to my body. Health is my goal, not what that darn scale has to say! Best of luck to you on your journey. Each day makes you one step closer! 335/193/??
   — Jodie P.

March 13, 2004
Hi. I'm 9 weeks out and down 40#. My nutritionist says not to compare myself with others because we are all different. She says in her practice at 12-18 months out most people are the same- that people like us are slow and steady while others lose a bunch at first and then usually stop or slow down. Don't worry!
   — Susan F.