Question:
How long is the window for losing weight

I am one year post op with open RNY, I have lost 139 lbs. I was 295 lbs. and now I am 156 lbs. I still want to lose around 20 lbs. but I have noticed that for a month that I haven't lost a ounce. Is there a window for losing and when do we stop losing?    — T R. (posted on May 13, 2002)

May 12, 2002
I've heard the honeymoon period is 6 months. That's the time of rapid almost efortless weight loss. Then the pouch expands and it becomes more difficult. But it's not like one day you wake up and the body says that's it.. window closed, you can't lose weight. You just have to work for it, less calories in more calories burned through exercise. There's really no magic involved, just plain old making great food choices and exercising. As long as you take in less than you burn you will lose weight, although slower of course. Good luck
   — Becky K.

May 12, 2002
The window for losing weight is 12-18 months post op. After that your metabolism basically catches up with your low calorie intake. OP, Where did you hear 6 months? That is definately incorrect information.
   — KCAllen77

May 12, 2002
there are two separate issues, honeymoon period and window of opportunity. the honeymoon period refers to the first 6 months before the pouch begins to relax and stretch allowing more food. During this period of time the weight loss is rapid and easy even if you sit like a lump and do nothing to help it along. The window of opportunity, on the other hand, refers to the time when your pouch is stretching but slowly, and weight loss is still fairly easy. There is no time you can no longer lose weight. Yes, the metabolism catches up and yes it's more difficult, but difficult is not impossible.
   — Becky K.

May 12, 2002
There are two phases after surgery, one is the honeymoon period which is usually the first 6 months. Feel free to do web searches and look it up for yourself. This refers to the time the pouch is very small and weight loss is rapid and pretty much effortless. During this honeymoon period you almost can't sabotoge yourself because most people can't get the volume in to not lose weight at all. Poor food choices and no exercise might mean a somewhat smaller loss, but during the first 6 months almost anyone can lose weight, even if they sit around and do nothing to help. After the honey moon period comes the window of opportunity. After 6 months the pouch begins to relax and stretch allowing more food volume. Weight loss begins to slow although usually remains steady. This goes on until either a year or 18 months, there seems to be varying opinions on this. Afterwards you can still lose weight through traditional dieting and exercising, although the metabolism issues will make it more difficult. Difficult does not equal impossible. That's where I got the 6 months, and as I said, feel free to research it yourself.
   — Becky K.

May 12, 2002
sorry for the double post, my computer did something weird and I didn't think the first one went through.
   — Becky K.

May 12, 2002
I have heard that the window of opportunity is 12-18 months. After that, if you want to lose more weight, you will have to really work at it. The window of opportunity normally ends at 12 months for those 50-100 lbs. overweight and ends at 18 months for those 100-300 lbs. overweight. For those who have 300+ lbs. to lose, the window can last all the way to 24 months.
   — Terissa R.