I have been out two months and only lost 18 lbs and 1 dress size.

I feel like I've failed at the one unfailable thing....having your stomach removed.

I know this surgery doesn't work for everyone but I never thought I'd be that one.

Just bummed.

I've scoured these boards for years... this is my first post/reply...

Thank you for posting your disappointment! I will be sleeved tomorrow and your post helps me to gain perspective. I read 18 pounds in two months and think, "WOW, that would be awesome"! But I relate to you feeling like it isn't much. Frankly, I expect a lot less than that.

You have a relatively low BMI to begin with...it is hard not to compare to others, but when you do, you are not comparing apples to apples.

I have lost 5 pounds in the 2 week pre op diet of under 30 carbs, under 10 g. fat, and under 900 calories. I wanted to cry when I saw I only lost 5 pounds these last two weeks.

I need to lose 50 pounds to get to my goal and my Dr. thinks if I do everything right, it will take me 9 months. That is an average loss of 5 1/2 pounds per month.

Your post reminds me to be realistic and expect it to feel slow. Hang in there, our bodies are odd machines, sometimes the input can stay the same, but the body shifts gears when it is ready.

Keep driving it as instructed and it will keep shifting gears, not always when you want it to, but it will. Head up and thanks for being honest and preparing me for the reality that even success can not feel good with misaligned expectations.

PS... I also learned over the years that splenda does not work for me either. I refuse to use any artificial sweeteners, my body just doesn't react well to them. I would rather have less of the real thing, I try to use honey, coconut sugar, agave nector, or some form of natural sweetener that at least has health benefits...and I still consider it a cheat, but it comes with less guilt and my body actually does better with it.

Good luck to you!

Remember it's not the number of pounds you lose, it's what % of your excess. If you have a higher bmi weight loss numbers look huge compared to someone with a lower bmi.

Thanks everyone. I'll try to keep my chin up.