Doctor says I'm losing a bit too quickly?!

[Flup 48]

I had an appointment yesterday at the weight loss clinic, and the doctor told me that I am losing weight too quickly. He says that I'm at the very top limit of how quickly they like to see patients lose weight, and that I need to apply the brakes a little. He would like me to add 100 calories every day to my diet until I'm eating 1,000-1,300 calories a day. Right now I'm eating approx. 700 calories a day, and I feel completely satisfied with that. Mostly everything I eat is Protein, with some veggies and some fruit.

My blood pressure is a little low, and I get light headed when I go from a sitting to a standing position, but that is fairly normal for me. I had that same issue as a teenager. The doctor would like me to start salting my foods, or even eating a handful of salty nuts a day.

I'm 9 weeks out and have lost 43 pounds. The bad part is that I have lost about 15 pounds of muscle. I am really good about getting my cardio in, but I'm not so good about resistance training, but after hearing about the muscle loss, I will change that!

Do you agree with the doctor that 43 pounds in 9 weeks is too much?? I left the doctor's office feeling kind of defeated.

[JoiaRox 430]

While I'm jealous of your loss (I'm 9 weeks po today), I'm sure your doctor wants your loss to be safe. I've lost roughly 28 pounds since surgery, and my doctor is happy with the rate of loss I have, even if it feels somewhat slow to me (I'm still happy!).

I'm always amazed at those who eat as little as you. I'm averaging 1,000 calories per day and, actually, find that my body is happier when I can get closer to 1,200 calories per day. Regardless, we're all different - whatever's advised by your doctor, I'd follow it!

ABSOLUTELY, though, do NOT allow anyone to let you feel defeated. You are ROCKIN' the sleeve and will continue to do so, even if your loss slows up a bit

[Shrinkingmom 218]

We all want to lose fast but you trusted him enough to cut 80% of a vital organ out of your body so I would definately listen to what he says and do exactly what he tells you. I had high blood pressure for years and now I have had to add salt to my diet as well due to low blood pressure and dizziness. None of us can answer this question accurately because your surgeon knows your whole history and what is going on with your body now. Of course none of us want to think you can lose to fast... we are just happy to be losing!! Don't feel defeated, just know that this is the better problem to have if you have to choose between reeeeeeeaaaaaalllllllyyy slow and too fast! You will be fine, just do what your surgeon tells you!

[CowgirlJane 14,261]

What I am guessing is he wants to minimize your risk of losing your gallbladder. I am not a doctor, so that is just a guess.

So, my personal experience is that the losses slow down all on their own just fine. I had so much weight to lose, that I was willing to risk the gallbladder (which is still fine and dandy by the way) and for me getting to goal was top priority. It is much easier to lose during the first 6months, then the next 6 months... and so on from there. My doc does alot of sleeves, my nutritionalist was an expert on sleevers and neither of them ever told me to slow down my weight loss.

So, rather then just looking at pounds loss, I think you should look at % of your starting weight lost. Heavier people lose my pounds, but not necessarily a much higher precentage. It took me 14 months to lose 150#, but most of that was in the first 7 months.

[DeniseM 238]

I agree with shrinkingmom- listen to your doctor! With your calories higher you will lose less muscle and feel better. I know when I finally hit 900-1000 calories a day I was feeling great.

[dma2013 99]

I am 4 months out today and so far I have lost 54 pounds. My surgeon is happy with my weight loss, my PCP wants me to "be careful", she feels it is a little too much too soon. However she did say since all my labs were good and I was following the plan she was not too worried. I think different doctors have different views. For me I know I am eating what I am suppose too, exercising and I feel good so I think I am fine!

[Flup 48]

I'm definitely going to listen to my doctor - he's the expert, not me. I am just scared about losing more muscle!