Frustration!

[amy4hr 0]

I really appreciate these boards to find answers and get support, but lately its frustrating to see people who were banded around the same time as me and losing double the numbers! Don't get me wrong, very happy for the success, but just frustrated that even in the beginning, I am not having the same type of results and afraid that this is just the beginning of what is to come. I followed the pre-op diet to a tee, only lost 11 lbs. Had surgery 9/20 and have followed the liquid post-op diet and only down 5 lbs. I see everyone else down 15-20 pre-op and another 10-20 on the two week liquids. What am I doing wrong?

[LapBandBobbi 8]

Don't get too frustrated, each person is different. My weight loss was very slow in the beginning, but now that I finally have good restriction, it's starting to kick in. I'm almost 10 mos post-op. Good Luck!

[BetsyB 9]

Amy, I know you won't believe it--because you're in that frustrating phase---but really, your loss is really, really good.

I only lost 8-9 pounds on the preop diet. I followed it to a T, but had been low-carbing long enough that my body just wasn't shocked into a huge loss like many other peoples' bodies were.

I think I lost a whole 8 pounds my first month.

Look at my stats. I'm 8 months out, and over 80 down since banding. The rate picks up tremendously once you get more active postoperatively---and even more, once you get restriction.

A lot of times, we don't take into account the fact that others' rates of loss are linked to their BMIs---right now, for example, I have to remind myself that I'm not going to lose the same 10-15 pounds a month I lost when my BMI was 40. I have lots less to lose! It's just not going to come off as fast.

And it's okay! It still comes off.

You ask, "What am I doing wrong?" Really, the only thing I can identify is comparing yourself to others. It's not a race---your progress isn't going to mirror anyone else's.

What you need to do is focus on your own behavior. Make sure that your eating and activity promote loss. If you're not sure, journal on Fitday.com (or someplace similar). Make sure you're meeting your body's needs, but creating a calorie deficit sufficient to lose.

If you're doing liquids, remember that many are quite salty, which can promote Fluid retention. Remind yourself that the number you see on the scale quite often does not tell the whole story.

I know it's discouraging, but soon you'll really be seeing and feeling results.

(If you haven't already started, take a set of measurements. Measure monthly. Even on months when the scale does not cooperate, you will be amazed at the changes in your body.)

[stefaniwg 172]

BetsyB you always have such wonderful words of encouragement to give. I have been banded a little over two months and have only lost 15 lb since surgery. I say only because I feel that I should have lost more but it is still a lost and I am loving it since it is more than I could have done on my own! Please do not compare yourself to others it will make your life miserable. I've done it and my family was starting to hate me because I was a witch all the time because I wasn't where I thought I should be compared to those who were banded around the same time as I was. What BestyB said it very true. BMI's make a huge difference in how much everyone loses but not everyone is the same, genetics and body types along with what we eat and exercise. Just be patient (I know it's easier said than done) and do what you feel is right and eventually you will be a new happier, healthier, skinny you!

Good luck Amy!

[amy4hr 0]

Thank you for all of your support and I know you are right, I am trying to hang onto that each day!

[healthyby40 0]

I had my surgery before you and looks like you've lost more than me. I lost 6 on the pre-op and 16 post-op. I just went to my 6 week follow up appt. today and the surgeon was VERY pleased with my loss so far. He has told me several times that any loss I experience without a fill is a bonus, and not expected. Some people even gain some back during the time period before the first fill. I just feel fortunate that I didn't gain anything!

You're doing great. Keep it up!

[emjay 8]

Amy - what you're doing wrong it comparing yourself to everyone else. Believe it or not, not everyone loses 30-40 lbs in a month (pre/post-op).

It's really hard to get discouraged, but just keep in your mind that this is the last time your ever going to have lose the weight you are right now and you'll do fine. Maybe your just a slow-loser that will keep it off in the end. Just try and think of the big picture. You'll get there! And your weight loss so far isn't nothing to sneeze at! Congrats!