Those of you who started out relatively smaller, what was your rate of loss?

I know there will be stalls, but it is good having at least a rough benchmark of what to expect. It sounds like some of you have had fantastic results.

I'm 5 weeks post op and am down 26lbs. This includes the 8lbs I lost on my pre op diet. I'm kind of bummed I haven't lost more but I keep reminding myself that I have less to loose. Hw-208 sw-200 cw-182 GW-130. I'm 5'2". I don't exercise consistently yet either. I try but some life circumstances prevent that currently. Really having a hard time getting enough fluids in. I don't count my protein shakes though.

I know there will be stalls, but it is good having at least a rough benchmark of what to expect. It sounds like some of you have had fantastic results.

I'm sorry. I'm not trying to be contrary but I disagree. Mainly because it constantly leads to disappointment. All we can do is follow our plan and get healthier. The weight will have a mind of it's own. I've been here a little while and I've seen thread after thread of people very upset because their weight loss didn't match their arbitrary expectations. I hope you don't go through that, but I just hate to see people get down on themselves for something they can't control.

Nah, your response is completely reasonable. I guess I'm just worried that I will make a permanent change to my anatomy and life and only lose 10 pounds or something. I have researched this quite a bit, but the stats seem to vary a great deal. I can cope with stalls, but not if I'm losing less than a pound a month, you know?

I lose very slowly compared to others, but I just have to refrain from comparisons. I lose around two lbs a week. I've had two stalls, but lost inches during those times. I stay on program and exercise moderately. I'm happy with my loss after 4 months. Doctor took me off one of my blood pressure meds this week. Butter is right. Lots of people have unreasonable expectations and it is so sad to read their frustrated posts. Some folks lose 100 lbs in 6 months, lots don't. Good luck!

Nah, your response is completely reasonable. I guess I'm just worried that I will make a permanent change to my anatomy and life and only lose 10 pounds or something. I have researched this quite a bit, but the stats seem to vary a great deal. I can cope with stalls, but not if I'm losing less than a pound a month, you know?

Yes I totally get it. And you are not alone. We all have failed at weight loss so many times in the past....it's understandable to feel that we might fail at this too (or lose only 10 pounds, as you say). Stick with the commitment you've made and you will not fail.

The only time I worry about my rate of loss is when I make an effort to compare myself to everyone else. At 45, my rate of loss will be completely different from someone who is 25, from someone who has a different exercise philosophy, from someone who has a different physiology.

It's hard to keep that at the forefront of your mind in the beginning, or when you're going through a stall, or worrying (probably as we all do) that you are the one person this won't work for. Would I be happy if I never lost another pound? Hell, no. But I am happy that as of right now, I'm already feeling more like the self I think I am in my deluded head, and less like the fat girl I started out as.

Nah, your response is completely reasonable. I guess I'm just worried that I will make a permanent change to my anatomy and life and only lose 10 pounds or something. I have researched this quite a bit, but the stats seem to vary a great deal. I can cope with stalls, but not if I'm losing less than a pound a month, you know?

Must admit that this is super, deep down, dark secret of mine too. I feel like maybe I've messed up my metabolism so much that now, at age 53, I'll be "stuck" like this.

Way to go Jenny! Well said!

Just always remember it's doable. It's just that sometimes it's at different rates and ways. But ALWAYS doable.

For those with less to lose, looking at percent of excess weight lost is vital. Otherwise it's easy to get discouraged.

I started at 230 lbs. of the 120 days since surgery, I've been stalled for 60 days yet I've lost 51 lbs or 65% of my excess weight. I too worried I would lose nothing because I have been hopelessly unsuccessful with losing anything in the last 3 years. But this worked.

It's a leap of faith for sure, but a justified one. Either you will lose weight or you will be a medical marvel and thus very rich

I am three weeks out.. SW 205 current weight 192. I really thought I would have lost more . I haven't lost anything in a week and a half . It's making me a bit depressed and worried that I am the "one" this surgery won't work for. Following my diet. Walking daily. Just makes me a but sad????

I am three weeks out.. SW 205 current weight 192. I really thought I would have lost more . I haven't lost anything in a week and a half . It's making me a bit depressed and worried that I am the "one" this surgery won't work for. Following my diet. Walking daily. Just makes me a but saddde11

Check out the link in my signature. It explains the three-week stall. It sounds like you're dead in the middle of it. Don't be sad or depressed, it happens to most everyone.

How do I find the link?? I am not on here much . Thanks for responding to my post

How do I find the link?? I am not on here much . Thanks for responding to my post

Here. I'll just cut and paste.....

Weight Loss Stall or Plateau

A weight loss stall or plateau is an extended period of time during reducing efforts where is there is no weight loss according to the scale and no loss of inches according to the tape measure. This is why it is so important to take your body measurements before surgery, so you'll have a reference as your weight loss progresses post-op. We suggest you take measurements of your chest, waist and hip, neck, upper arm, thigh and calf.

Be aware it is very common for your weight loss to "stall" shortly after surgery. Diana explains the reason for this below.

The Inevitable Stall

By Diana C.

A "stall" a few weeks out is inevitable, and here's why.

Our bodies use glycogen for short term energy storage. Glycogen is not very soluble, but it is stored in our muscles for quick energy -- one pound of glycogen requires 4 lbs of Water to keep it soluble, and the average glycogen storage capacity is about 2 lbs. So, when you are not getting in enough food, your body turns first to stored glycogen, which is easy to break down for energy. And when you use up 2 lbs of glycogen, you also lose 8 lbs of water that was used to store it -- voila -- the "easy" 10 lbs that most people lose in the first week of a diet.

As you stay in caloric deficit, however, your body starts to realize that this is not a short term problem. You start mobilizing fat from your adipose tissue and burning fat for energy. But your body also realizes that fat can't be used for short bursts of energy -- like, to outrun a saber tooth tiger. So, it starts converting some of the fat into glycogen, and rebuilding the glycogen stores. And as it puts back the 2 lbs of glycogen into the muscle, 8 lbs of water has to be stored with it to keep it soluble. So, even though you might still be LOSING energy content to your body, your weight will not go down or you might even GAIN for a while as you retain water to dissolve the glycogen that is being reformed and stored.

Breathe, and fuggedaboudit for a few days.

What You Can Do About a Stall or Plateau

If you are experiencing a post-op weight loss stall or plateau further out there are a few possible causes. First, check that are you really in a stall. If the scale has stopped moving you may be losing inches, so check your measurements.

Too Many Carbs?

Carbohydrates can start sneaking into your foods without you being aware of how quickly they are adding up. For more information on carbs, see our section on Carbohydrates. If you are struggling with your weight loss you may want to examine your daily carb count. You can try to keep your carbs under 50g a day and see if that makes a difference in your weight loss. Do not eat carbs before bedtime as it triggers insulin and initiates fat storage. There are some great web site resources you can use to keep track of what you are eating.

Fit Day

Spark People - If you join Spark People also join the DS group.

The Daily Plate

Calorie King

For more tips on keeping a food journal see the Personal Nutrition Guide.

Eating Enough?

If you are under-eating or go more than 4-5 hours without eating, your body will shift into fasting mode, slow your metabolism and conserve your stored energy (fat). This can contribute to a weight loss stall or plateau. Make sure you are eating small meals or small Snacks throughout the day and also ensure you meet your daily Protein requirements. Try eating some protein with every meal or snack. For more information on protein requirements see our section on Protein.

Drinking Enough?

An adequate level of water in your body aids in the effective breakdown of fat. The daily minimum recommendation is 64 Fluid oz of water a day. If you are in ketosis you will need to drink even more water to ensure the ketones are flushed out of your system. You may also need more than the minimum amount of water if you are exercising or live in a warmer or dry environment.

Exercising?

Exercise can increase your metabolism and burn fat. Strength training will build muscles and will boost fat burning. In a stall you can try increasing your volume of exercise or changing up your routine to overcome a weight loss stall or plateau. If you have been doing mainly aerobic activity, try doing a bit of strength training, and if you have been doing mainly strength training, try an aerobic work-out.

The High Fat - High Calorie Stall Buster

Many DSers swear by the fat/calorie shock as an effective weight loss stall or plateau buster. Having a day of higher fat and calorie eating followed by a returning to consistent low carb eating can sometimes "shock" your body back into weight loss mode.