Question:
What's the LEAST anyone has lost after WLS?
For some reason I'm scared that I'll go through with this life-changing surgery only to lose 30 pounds. (Where I got that number, I have no idea.) Losing 30 pounds would be great, but I'm hoping for much more from something so drastic. Maybe its just the pre-op jitters? I'd appreciate any input... — K. Joyce Smith (posted on April 28, 2002)
April 28, 2002
Well the average loss is 75% of what your overweight by. Some lucky folks
like me loose it all. Lowest loss rate I have ever heard was 50% for the
RNY, and thats very rare. I had the same concern, we all do after failing
at so many diets. But dont worry the weight DOES come off.
— bob-haller
April 28, 2002
Oh, Kathie, Kathie, Kathie . . . you're just used to all the dieting you've
probably done through the years. You WILL lose all you need to lose if you
follow the basics. Don't worry and just go ahead and plan your new life!
Enjoy!!
— Laurie Z.
April 28, 2002
The previous posters are right on! It's just the left-over anxiety of the
diets that didn't work. Although I was absolutely devoted to the surgery,
I always thought, watch, I'll lose next to nothing or I'll gain it back.
Well, I'm 7 months out, down 156 lbs and 30 from goal! :o) It's a
completely understandable fear, but don't worry, you'll do fine!
— Kristin R.
April 28, 2002
I had my surgery may of 2000. I started at 278 by christmas I lost 100 lbs.
I now weigh 137 and holding, I lost all my weight. That is the least I lost
with surgery!! LOL!! You will do well. You are just nervous , I was too. I
was afraid I would be the "one" this would never work for. I was
sure wrong. 2 yrs post and loving life.
— Rose A.
April 28, 2002
I thought I was the only one that felt that way! All the failed diets, all
I wanted was to be healthy. I figured something HAD to be wrong with my
body and metabolism. I figured that the surgery couldn't possibly do for
me what it does for all of the others. Well prove me wrong! 5 months
post-op down 75 lbs. 28 to goal!! Oh, and every time I plateau I go
through thinking the same thing...this is all I'm going to lose...and then
surprise again! Get ready for an awesome ride!
— Cheri M.
April 28, 2002
I have read SOOO many profiles on this site, and it seems like the lowest
number I have heard is 65 lbs. at the 12-month mark. I do have one friend
for whom the surgery totally failed, but it was her own fault. She got the
jitters about being thin after she had lost 30 lbs. or so and decided to
sabotage the surgery by drinking Coke (not sugar-free) as her only source
of liquid. She estimated that she took in approximately 1500/cal per day
from Coke alone, plus whatever food she could get down. Sugar did not make
her dump, so she was constantly munching on candy. Sure enough, she beat
her surgery and gained back all her weight and then some, but she had to
consciously break all the rules and want to fail. She also never exercised
at all. I have combined a decent diet with a decent amount of exercise
(3-4 times/wk) and have lost 177 lbs. in 13.5 months. Most people lost at
least 100 lbs. in their first year. Good luck.
— Terissa R.
April 28, 2002
I wanted to add, take a look at my profile. I started at 313, plateaued for
weeks at 242 and was afraid my loss was over. I now weigh 179... At or just
below goal I am not trying to loose any more. My PCP, surgeon, friends and
everyone else agree I am now skinny:) BMI of 25. YOU CAN DO IT TOO! Post op
is the place to be.
— bob-haller
April 29, 2002
Thanks for all of your positive feedback. I feel a lot better just hearing
that my fears are not likely to come true. I think a lot of my nerves
these days is waiting for approval - its seriously starting to wear on me.
Thanks again everyone.
— K. Joyce Smith
April 29, 2002
Hi, I'll be 9 months post op tommorow and have lost 150lbs with 45 more to
go. 30 of which I have to lose on my own, and the extra my doc wants to
have me remove with a TT. SO yes it is possible. Best of luck to you!!
— Carey N.
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