I saw a percentage of 70 something but Id prefer hearing the numbers doctors usually tell you. Im bigger (284) so I might lose more at the beginning.

My doctor told me at my followup yesterday that its average to lose between 20 and 30lbs the first month, then about 10-15lbs per month over the next six months and slowly tapering off so at about a year to 18 months you should be at a healthy weight.

The statistics still show 60-70% EWL as the median. I wouldn't focus on pounds lost or pounds in the first month or whatever, since that varies wildly from person to person (a person with more to lose will lose more, at first, plus Water weight loss and gain can COMPLETELY muck up the weight loss curve). Focus on overall health and well-being.

EWL means "excess weight loss" -- weight above a "normal" BMI.

The implication of this is that most obese people who get the sleeve do not ever reach a technically "normal" BMI. That being said, "slightly overweight" (again, technically, according to the BMI charts) is vastly, vastly better (in both medical and psychological terms) than "grossly obese," the so-called "average American" is trending past "overweight" and into the "obese" or "morbidly obese" category (meaning: you'll likely be thinner than most of your peers), and it IS possible to get to a normal BMI post-sleeve, it's just that unlike the first part of the weight loss -- which seems effortless and almost "cheating" -- getting rid of that last 20 pounds (or whatever it is for you that takes you into the "normal" weight range) is a lot of work and requires dedication.

Long answer to a short question, but I think it's good to have realistic expectations.

...unlike the first part of the weight loss -- which seems effortless and almost "cheating" -- getting rid of that last 20 pounds (or whatever it is for you that takes you into the "normal" weight range) is a lot of work and requires dedication.

AMEN! I've lost about 90 lbs. from my highest weight and the last 15 lbs. have been harder and slower than the first 75! I've had to exercise my (now smaller) butt off to get these last few pounds off. Thank goodness for the sleeve which has kept me on track when I would have become to frustrated and cheated in the past.

Yep, the last 20 lbs will be the hardest. Hope I can keep focused and increase my exercise by then. LOL

The statistics still show 60-70% EWL as the median. I wouldn't focus on pounds lost or pounds in the first month or whatever, since that varies wildly from person to person (a person with more to lose will lose more, at first, plus Water weight loss and gain can COMPLETELY muck up the weight loss curve). Focus on overall health and well-being.

EWL means "excess weight loss" -- weight above a "normal" BMI.

The implication of this is that most obese people who get the sleeve do not ever reach a technically "normal" BMI. That being said, "slightly overweight" (again, technically, according to the BMI charts) is vastly, vastly better (in both medical and psychological terms) than "grossly obese," the so-called "average American" is trending past "overweight" and into the "obese" or "morbidly obese" category (meaning: you'll likely be thinner than most of your peers), and it IS possible to get to a normal BMI post-sleeve, it's just that unlike the first part of the weight loss -- which seems effortless and almost "cheating" -- getting rid of that last 20 pounds (or whatever it is for you that takes you into the "normal" weight range) is a lot of work and requires dedication.

Long answer to a short question, but I think it's good to have realistic expectations.

Golf clap....good answer!!!

Thanks Abaco.

Thanks Abaco.

AMEN!!!! You hit the nail on the proverbal head Ouroborous. I have less than 15 to go and yes it is much harder to lose. However I will not let it defeat me. 12 pounds till I am considered at a "normal BMI" I will get there. LOL....Good luck KIKI...

Deb

Yes, Ouroborous has it right and gave a great answer (as usual).

That said...I know it sounds crazy but I honestly believe that once you take the time limit out of the equation you won't stop losing until you stop really trying. Yes, some of us settle into a spot where our bodies are more resistant to losing and it takes more work and a stricter diet to lose those pounds. Man, that last twenty pounds took me SIX whole months!

However, our stomach isn't going to really stretch beyond the one year mark unless we continually overeat and do the wrong things. So I don't see why continuing to lose beyond that first year would be an issue if the sleever was dedicated and stayed on the right track. It took me 17 months to get to goal and if I really wanted to push it I could lose another ten pounds or so. But my body seems happy here and I'm actually happy here so why do it? But it IS possible, and that's what I'm saying.

So, yes, go in expecting that 60-70% EWL but know that if you want more, you can achieve it with more time and more effort.

And sorry, but at 284 I wouldn't call you "bigger" either, unless you're exceptionally short. There are a number of folks that start right around your size and have fantastic results.

I think you'll do just fine. Get rid of the expectation that you'll lose a certain amount each month and it will be a far easier journey (mentally). I lost on average just over 6 pounds per month. It took me a bit longer to get to goal but the reality is that it doesn't matter how long it takes. It matters that I'm here (to stay!) and that it was possible this time, when no other diet I'd tried in more than 15 years had worked. If you keep a healthy outlook and don't expect a miracle or set a time limit on yourself you'll be 100% successful.

~Cheri

I've seen many women here who have lost 100% (or more) of their excess weight, so it's definitely possible to do. I've lost nearly 90% of my excess weight in the past 13 months, but I still have 12 lbs. to get to my end goal. I've really slacked off on my eating since the holidays, and I've only lost 1 lb. in the past six weeks, so to get the final pounds off is going to be a challenge, but I'm going for it.

I do think it is critically important to stay with a support group (online, in person, whatever) while you're losing. I know during the past six weeks I stopped checking in here regularly, and that's part of what kept me off track. So no matter what, stay with your support group!

I really like your answer in addition to Ouroborous. I think that we put undo pressure on ourselves mentally when we are expecting to lose the weight that in many cases took years to put on overnight after surgery or within the first six months by losing x pounds per month. We read what others are stating that they've lost or done, ect. and wonder why that is not happening for us and get mentally and emotionally upset which then affects our behavior towards food and exercise.

I am moving towards the train of thought that I (not speaking for others) need to move at my own space and learn to be happy in my own skin. I need to continually modify my eating habits and exercise to stay with the program and to keep working this wonderful tool that I been granted.

In saying all of that I lost 55lbs. in 7.5 months and I'm okay with that, because I realize that had I not had VSG, I would not be 55lbs. lighter. I would be miserable and probably still piling up the pounds.

My dr said he expected me to lose about 80%. because I had the lapband and lost 100lbs and bc I was so successful w the band (bf it kept breaking), he expects me to get to 180-185. My start weight was 267.

Everyone is different and success depends on many variables.

Thank you,CLK. What you said was exactly what I needed to hear. I appreciate it. I had started focusing on monthly weight loss and started feeling defeated. Your words were awakening to why I got the surgery in the first place - LONG TERM HEALTH.

I think that the 60% statistic that you hear is a good place to start, but honestly the amount you lose and your success is completely up to you. It depends on the amount of work you're willing to put in to dealing with why you overate in the first place, strictly adhering to the nutrition protocol, and exercising. I started out very close to your starting weight at 278. I currently have lost 145 pounds and have maintained that loss for over a year.

I was told by my nut I could easily lose 100 pounds