I had my surgery on March 13th, exactly four months ago. At this point, I’ve only lost 32lbs (25 since surgery), which I am totally bummed about. Unlike others, my hunger returned almost immediately. But I have a ton of energy and am able to do so many things I couldn’t do easily before. My clothes fit and I feel more like myself.

The down side…

My weight loss seems to be dependent on everything being perfect each day (right amount of water, zero sugar, low carb, high protein, high fiber, can’t be sick or injured), which is not easy to do. Even at a calorie deficit, I’m not losing like I should be. Thankfully, of the weight I’ve lost, 19lbs was pure fat. I’ve only lost 2.5lbs of muscle. This is great news and has helped me transition back to the gym over the last few weeks.

My heartburn didn’t go away. I actually need to be on omeprezole daily (sometimes twice per day), which is more of an annoyance than a problem.

Two weeks ago, right on schedule, my hair started falling out. It’s been traumatic even though I knew it was very likely to happen. When your hair falls out but your weight loss is at a halt, it feels awful. Like what am I doing this for? I know the answer but in my “feel sorry for myself” moments, that’s the question I hear in my head.

My body has been changing, and I can see where my skin was stretched out now in the strangest places. This and the hair loss has led to a spike in emotional eating. I’m sure that’s why I’ve been stalled the last 2-3 weeks. Sigh. I feel like a bit of a failure.

At the end of the day, I wouldn’t change my decision. I just feel like the first six months are critical and I can’t seem to take advantage of them like I want to. Has this happened to you? Did you still make it to your goal? Any thoughts welcome ?

Look at it this way, you are about halfway to your goal!! That is not a failure! By New Years you will be at GOAL!

You have lost 32 pounds… be proud of that!

You are doing everything right, but the mind seems to only dwell on finding fault in the little things. Your hair will return and you will continue to lose weight. Stick to your plan and try to focus on the positives.

Congratulations on your fortitude, progress, and determination!

That weight loss is pretty good for someone with your start wegiht, you are not going to lose massive amount when starting lower. So nothing only about your weight loss at all.

you're also what we call a "light weight". You started out at only 209 lbs. Many of us started out at 250+. Starting BMI is one of the factors that determines how fast or slow the weight comes off. Given your starting weight, I'm not surprised at all at your loss so far. But as long as the overall trend is down, you're good!

Thank you everyone for your kind words, this made me feel so much more at ease and brave enough to keep at it. I know we aren’t perfect, but sometimes my mistakes feel massive until a fellow soul (who truly understands) gives me a thumbs up ?

I am so grateful for these forums and all of you!! @Fred in Pa @Hop_Scotch @catwoman7 ?

Thank you everyone for your kind words, this made me feel so much more at ease and brave enough to keep at it. I know we aren’t perfect, but sometimes my mistakes feel massive until a fellow soul (who truly understands) gives me a thumbs up [emoji106]
I am so grateful for these forums and all of you!! [mention=429492]Fred in Pa[/mention] [mention=329912]Hop_Scotch[/mention] [mention=257598]catwoman7[/mention] [emoji847]

Try not to be too hard on yourself, this journey is TOUGH! You're actually doing quite well, as others have said. My gastric bypass surgery was 3/29. I started at 204 lbs day of surgery, and I'm down 36 lbs as of last week. Very similar results and my team says I'm right on track. The hair loss is devastating, I totally get it. Today has been the worst by far, but I have to keep reminding myself it's temporary.

Hang in there and stay with it - you are doing very well!!

Thank you everyone for your kind words, this made me feel so much more at ease and brave enough to keep at it. I know we aren’t perfect, but sometimes my mistakes feel massive until a fellow soul (who truly understands) gives me a thumbs up [emoji106]
I am so grateful for these forums and all of you!! [mention=429492]Fred in Pa[/mention] [mention=329912]Hop_Scotch[/mention] [mention=257598]catwoman7[/mention] [emoji847]

Try not to be too hard on yourself, this journey is TOUGH! You're actually doing quite well, as others have said. My gastric bypass surgery was 3/29. I started at 204 lbs day of surgery, and I'm down 36 lbs as of last week. Very similar results and my team says I'm right on track. The hair loss is devastating, I totally get it. Today has been the worst by far, but I have to keep reminding myself it's temporary.

Hang in there and stay with it - you are doing very well!!