Hey all. Technically, this is my first post, but I've been lurking for several months while I embark on this process.

Currently, I'm a couple days away from my insurance acceptance letter. In this whole year-long process, I've been trying to read up on other experiences as much as I can. This means tons of forums like BP. The only problem is that I can rarely find other men my height (much less size) going through the same process.

I've been extremely good about my pre-op weight loss and am down nearly 40 pounds (depending on if im clothed!). I intend on getting right back in the gym about 5 seconds before I'm "cleared." But I would really like some kind of context about what my expectations should be so that I am not super disheartened. I'm a planning and details kind of guy, so this ambiguity is kind of killing my vibe.

I understand that nobody can be my personal dietician, but my goal is to lose 100lbs by my 3 month checkup. At the onset, this might seem like a herculean expectation. Bearing in mind that I am tall, have a lot to lose, and that my commitment to the gym has already been firmly solidified in my mind, is this reasonable? I suppose I would be happy with 80lbs, but 100lbs would probably bring me to tears. It's what I absolutely want out of myself and my situation. Am I nuts?

Edit: To be clear, I mean 100 from my surgery date - this does not include the 30 I've already lost.

Edited January 27, 201610 yr by christopherM

Well, I am female and 5'3 so no where near your status but....

I understand the 100lb goal because I have that too!

I want to lose 100 by 3 months and it's doable. I personally know someone "in real life" who did it.

That said, if I don't achieve that will I consider the surgery or myself a failure? No. Everyone loses differently and I will keep chugging along but I do want to lose quickly so my plan is to stay on liquids for at least 3 months and exercise!!!!

Well lets see, I am taller than you, started out at a higher weight and I am almost 14 months post surgery and down quite a bit. If you follow the plan your surgeon and dietitian setup for you then you'll lose the weight. Not quite sure how fast and rapid it will be, but it will come off. Only words of caution I would add is that rapid weight loss for long period of time can cause other issues. You want to avoid those issues for they can be life altering.

1. Follow the plan and try not to over do it.

2. Try to remain focused even during the times you stall and loose nothing during a 1, 2, 3, or even 4 week process. Stalls are not forever, even though they seem like it.
3. Make sure you are taking your Vitamins.

4. Understand that this process still takes times. Surgery or not, losing weight takes time and effort. The amount of effort you put into this, the better your results will be, but you can't skip out on the time it takes. The patients will indeed pay off.

Excellent advice from BigTink2LilTink !!!

I'm a bit taller than you and was heavier at the beginning of my bariatric process.

You are doing well to lose all that you can prior to surgery, too. Great job, man. Great job. You sound like I did....just want the weight to be gone and not caring if it's pre-post op loss....just getting it off.

100 additional pounds off after date of surgery is a stretch goal, at best.....but one that could be achieved if you were strict....really strict and disciplined in all aspects of your life.

My advice is to start the gym now....don't wait. Get in there now. Start some weight training pre-op....will help you heal up faster and you can go in for cardio very soon after your surgery.

Take care not to injure yourself.....careful observance to proper lifting form is crucial. I suggest machines as they have a built in range of motion. Use a weight that allows you to get 10-12 reps and do 4 sets of each exercise. Stretch carefully before and after.....stay hydrated. Wipe down your gear when your are done with it and don't camp out on it. Stick and move. In 30-45 mins you should be done. Get plenty of rest and stay strict with your pre-op diet.

100lbs the first 3 months is a big goal, but you can do it with motivated discipline.

I wish you the best and hope you crush the goal and get where you want to get. I wish I had done this a long damn time ago.

I VERY STRONGLY recommend that you do not set time goals for your weight loss. That is a recipe for disappointment and frustration. What you need to keep in mind through this whole process is that your sleeve is forever. While you do want to take full advantage of the "honeymoon" period at the beginning, where most people do tend to lose faster, there is really no way to control or predict your rate of loss. If you stick the the plan your surgeon and nutritionist set for you, you WILL lose the weight. How quickly you lose the weight is pretty irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. There are even quite a few advantages to losing more slowly. But 10 years from now, when you are at goal and living your full, happy, healthy life, you aren't going to be looking back and thinking "if only I'd reached goal 2 months sooner!" I promise.

Thanks so much for the replies, everyone. I would definitely call it a stretch goal, but not a stretch goal I can't/won't achieve. Though it's a stretch goal and I have to keep my expectations realistic, I'm committed for the long haul.

I've been hitting the gym the last 2 months already. This is probably partly why I am so eager to finally hear how fast I can really get back in there. I really want to keep my current momentum regardless.

I really appreciate the 6'+ advice, too! Since numbers game is different at our height, it's cool to see people who are going through it already and have success stories. This time next year, I want to be one of those success stories.

My friend keep it up and you will get there.

Thanks so much for the replies, everyone. I would definitely call it a stretch goal, but not a stretch goal I can't/won't achieve. Though it's a stretch goal and I have to keep my expectations realistic, I'm committed for the long haul.

I've been hitting the gym the last 2 months already. This is probably partly why I am so eager to finally hear how fast I can really get back in there. I really want to keep my current momentum regardless.

I really appreciate the 6'+ advice, too! Since numbers game is different at our height, it's cool to see people who are going through it already and have success stories. This time next year, I want to be one of those success stories.

Cristopher, what is your height and BMI? I think 100 pounds by months three may be possible for you depending...

I'm 6'1 and think you can do it! Us tallies store weight in the darnedest places, and if your BMI is higher, 100 in 3 months is definitely possible. Just stay focused.