Question:
I started out super-obese. I am now 12 months out and have lost 166

lbs. My question is, do I only have 6 more months that I will be losing weight? Or do those who started out super-obese have a longer "window of opportunity" than the traditional 18 months? I still have 50 lbs. to lose, and I'm only losing 3-4 lbs./month now. I'm terrified that my weight loss will stop before I've reached goal. Anybody else out there who started super-obese and has reached goal or close to it?    — Terissa R. (posted on March 9, 2002)

March 9, 2002
Well it sounds as though your window will be closing soon. Should you want to get to goal I think you'll have to increase exercise and be careful of your intake. It seems to me that only those that work very hard ever get to goal.
   — Frank M.

March 9, 2002
First, let me say congratulations on the wonderful job you have done so far! I checked out your profile and saw the wonderful picture of you at Christmas time... you're looking fantastic! Now, the issue of the "window". There is no literal "slamming shut" of your opportunity to lose weight. You can continue to work your tool forever, as long as it stays mechanically intact. The closer you get to goal, the more your weight loss slows down.. it happens that way for almost all of us. You said you're still losing around 3 or 4 pounds a month. In another year, at that pace, you'll be at your goal. Two years is not a long time to take to reach a goal that was over 200 pounds of weight loss. We all go at this at our own pace, in our own time. If you're not excercising, then I would recommend you seriously consider it.. it really does make a big difference in how you look and feel. Also, protein supplements seem to make a big difference for a lot of people, in continuing to lose, maintaining their loss, and looking & feeling BETTER! Don't tell yourself that you "only have 6 months left." You can do this if you desire it and can work with your tool to the best of your ability. I wish you the best of luck, and that goal is within your reach.. keep reaching!
   — BethVBG

March 9, 2002
I started this journey super morbidly obese. On 8/16/00 I weighed 469 pounds. I am 5'3" and my BMI was 85.9 That was 332 pounds ago. I am 19 months post op and I am 2 pounds from goal. I went from 469 to 137, from a size 8x to a size 4-6. I don't think your window of opportunity ever closes. I have a friend that is 5 years post op and she can still lose if she exercises and eats right. You are doing a fantastic job. Keep up the good work. Your Weight Loss Pal. I had a Tummy Tuck at 12 months post op and it really jump started my weight loss again.
   — DeeDubbs

March 10, 2002
Hi! I just wanted to echo what some others have said. My surgeon, for one, does not believe in the idea of a "window of opportunity"...he sees this as a myth. You might want to consult with your surgeon on this to see how he/she feels. I started out super obese as well; I'm now down about 120 lbs after eight months.
   — CaseyinLA