I saw someone in another thread saying their doctor advised them to see the first 6 mo - 1 year as a sprint not a marathon. And that after one year most patients don't lose.

Any veterans find this to be true? And is it because you're closer of your goal? I just find it has to believe that the surgery changes the mechanics or how you lose weight (calories in calories out). I have a significant amount to lose and I was prepared more for a marathon of a new lifestyle. Rather than to lose all I can in 1 year.

I mean it makes total sense that you might lose slower because as you are lighter the percentage of your excess weight changes. But I would like to think it's still possible to work towards a long term goal.

I've just passed my one year anniversary and I'm still losing weight. Much slower, of course, but in a controlled fashion. I see no reason why this won't continue for as long as I choose.

I am still losing, very slowly, and I am 1 yr and 6 weeks out. I lose anywhere from 1/2 to 1 lb a week, it just depends. Just got off of a long 8 week stall, but managed to drop a few lbs. It's frustrating, but I am not giving up!

I'm 18 months out, and have lost at least 20lbs in the past 6 months. Its a lot slower that it was, but I need to think that it will still be coming off, not ready to throw the towel in yet...

It took me 14 months to get to my initial goal of losing 150# (I weighed 158).

This morning, I weighed 142 - so I have lost about 15 more pounds since Feb 2013.

My personal belief is you should absolutely maximize those first 6-12 months as it is easier to lose weight then - do view it as a sprint, BUT, then realize that if you keep working the sleeve, following healthy habits you CAN maintain or continue to lose. The sleeve doesn't expire, what happens is that people fall back on their old ways... and the closer to normal weight you are, the harder it might be to lose.

goal is a fairly arbitrary number and you can keep having successes (losses, maintenance) even after "hitting" it.