I am scheduled for surgery on August 16. When I look up the projected weight loss it says 60%-70% of excess weight. However, when I look on forums it shows that people are actually losing more weight then the 60%-70%. Does anyone know why?

The 60% excess weight loss (EWL) statistic groups every sleeved person into the same statistical cluster, so it's an average result.

For example, folks who lost 100 percent of excess body weight (EBW) are tabulated with everyone else, including average losers who lost 60 to 70 percent of EBW, and poor responders who lost considerably less than 50 percent of EBW. After all numbers are tabulated, the result is 60 to 70 percent EWL.

So, the results of a person like me who attained goal weight and lost almost 100 percent of EBW is in the same statistical data mine as the dude who only lost 25 pounds post-op since he never changed his eating habits and still grazes on Twinkies, Fritos, pizza, and ice cream.

Also, results differ because people differ in their level of adherence to lifestyle changes. I maintain a moderately high level of physical activity and watch what I eat. Other people made no lifestyle changes whatsoever and it tends to be these persons who either lose suboptimal weight or start regaining fiercely.