I read that Gastric Bypass patients lose an average of 75% of their excess body weight. At the time of surgery, I weighed 346 and my ideal body weight by BMI is approximately 190 pounds. So, that means I am carrying an excess weight of 156 pounds. 75% of 156 pounds is 117 pounds. So that means if I lost 75% of my excess weight, I would be a relatively svelt 229 pounds. Crunching the numbers is interesting. 229 seems like an impossibly long way off but I'm only going to take it day by day.

from the research i've done, you basically have a "genetic reaction" to the surgery. in other words, don't beat yourself up or OBSESS (a big problem around here) about whether you lose 65% or 75% or 85% of your excess weight. the initial loss is virtually all out of your hands.

it's the long-term years afterwards that your behavior and healthy habits will determine if you keep it off. that's what you control. that's what you should focus on.

just try to be at peace with wherever you land after a year or so. it's nothing you did wrong (or right, tbh). it just is what it is. and it will be 1,000x better than where you were pre-surgery!

On 3/22/2018 at 8:45 PM, Mattymatt said:

LOL! Let's hope I can maintain the focus. I am really scared of failing for the 3rd time.

I think you will! You've been pretty inspirational to use newbies

1 minute ago, Kay07 said:

I think you will! You've been pretty inspirational to use newbies

LOL! Naw, not really. I'm just a 41 year old curmudgeon.

5 hours ago, JohnnyCakes said:

from the research i've done, you basically have a "genetic reaction" to the surgery. in other words, don't beat yourself up or OBSESS (a big problem around here) about whether you lose 65% or 75% or 85% of your excess weight. the initial loss is virtually all out of your hands.

it's the long-term years afterwards that your behavior and healthy habits will determine if you keep it off. that's what you control. that's what you should focus on.

just try to be at peace with wherever you land after a year or so. it's nothing you did wrong (or right, tbh). it just is what it is. and it will be 1,000x better than where you were pre-surgery!

Now those are some words to live by, man! Great post!

5 hours ago, JohnnyCakes said:

just try to be at peace with wherever you land after a year or so. it's nothing you did wrong (or right, tbh). it just is what it is. and it will be 1,000x better than where you were pre-surgery!

<3 this reply!

Never strive to be average, it's just as close to the bottom as it is to the top.
Just a wise thought for your todays.??

2 hours ago, Frustr8 said:

Never strive to be average, it's just as close to the bottom as it is to the top.
Just a wise thought for your todays.??

I am fine with being average. I've spent my whole life living with a Type A personality driving me hard and very unhealthy. For the first time in my life, I am just comfortable in the middle of the road.

Well I still don't want to be "average", I am holding out for awesome, because I am proud of ME and the things I have already accomplished. I am better than I was ever given credit for!