Question:
How much weight do most people lose in the first six weeks after surgery

I am 6 weeks post op and I have only lost 30 pounds. This loss occurred in the first 3 weeks and there has been no weight loss since.    — Sharon L. (posted on October 17, 2002)

October 17, 2002
depends on your startgin weight, if you are a lightweight, that is quite normal. Sodo not fret, you are doing great!!
   — Vicki L.

October 17, 2002
Hey Sharron, at 6 weeks post op, I had lost about 30 pnds, figured that i was just a slow loser and was comparing myself to others, RULE NO. 1 dont compare your self to others, its the most important thing i had to learn. You are doing faboulous, remember we are all different and we are all gonna lose at different paces. I am still a "snail loser" and i am ok with that now. I feel awesome!!!!! and you will two, look when you are 10 months post op, please write me and tell me how you feel, the new you!! good luck hon
   — Deanna Wise

October 17, 2002
I am seven weeks post-op and have lost only 28 lbs. My doctor says that I am right on target. I am going to be one of those slow losers! But, I feel great and I can see a difference in my body already.
   — Nancy M.

October 17, 2002
You really have to be careful comparing yourself to other people. I am not try to repremand you, and that is not my intent, but just a simple warning. Everyone goes at their own pace on weight loss with this surgery. it all depends on your body. I, myself, am 7 weeks out and have lost 45 pounds. However, in going to the support group, there was a girl out 5 weeks who had lost 55 pounds and another that was 8 weeks that had only lost about 40. It all really depends on the person. If you are really concerned that you are not losing enough weight, you need to speak with your surgeon about it. You don't want to starve yourself of the nutrition you need just to try to "catch up" to where you think you should be. I hope you understand and don't find this offensive. That is not my intent.
   — sammygirlwpc

October 17, 2002
you could look at it this way...when is the last time that ou lost 5 pounds a week that you knew was going to stay off...also at 5 pounds a week average, in one year you will have lost 260 pounds!!!!!!!!
   — Becky M.

October 18, 2002
Sharon, My surgeon tells us all not to compare our losses with others as everyone loses at a different pace. There are many factors which determine how quickly you lose, one of them being your starting weight. I started at 346 pounds and I lost 30 pounds the first 12 days. At 10 weeks, I had lost 66 pounds. Then it slowed down some. I am now struggling to get a pound off. It's been almost 11 months and I've lost over 150 pounds but it has really slowed down. My doctor thinks I'm reaching the weight my body is comfortable with. This is a little disappointing to me, but I may have to deal with it. Be proud of the 30 pounds and be patient; you have just hit a plateau. And, try not weighing more than once a month.
   — Patty_Butler

October 18, 2002
Hi Sharon: At six weeks out, I had lost 25 pounds. I was extremely disappointed. I did lose this much in six weeks on a conventional diet, but I would never have been able to keep it off. When I first had surgery, I strongly resisted taking my measurements. Someone convinced me to do this, even if it was after surgery. Seven weeks postop, I did take my measurements. Believe me, it made me cry even more than my weight. But the funny thing is, this works. I have lost 1 pound in the last week, but 6 inches between my chest, waist and hips. How in the world this is possible, I do not know. How can you lose 1 pound and six inches? It seems unbelievable. The good thing is, you know you are getting smaller, no matter what the scale says. Of course, I also want to see the lower numbers on the scale, but I know I am losing inches anyway. Email me privately if you have any questions. I know you are afraid that the surgery is not working when you do not see the numbers on the scale. Believe me, we all have that fear. Try the measurements thing. It will make you feel better. Love Grace
   — Grace H.