How long did it take you.....

rmsrws

I have been trying to pay more attention to my friends list and those of you that have had weight loss surgery.

I have noticed many of you have lost within in a year what it took me two years to do. Makes me wonder if I did something wrong, or if it all goes back to everyone having different metabolisms and such. Maybe I didn't eat enough calories back in the day. Just has me sort of baffled at the moment now that I think about it.

I guess it don't really matter, the important issue is that I lost my weight and I am now approaching one year of maintenance!!!! Though I am scared of waking up 20 lbs heavier over night....LOL

It is hard to believe I am almost three years post surgical.

For all of you out there a few years out.....how much do you eat at a time? I try to stick to a cup. I have read on the internet anywhere from 3/4 to 1 1/2 cups is normal. Just curious as to what you are doing.

Agate69

3 years out. I eat about 1/2 to 3/4 cup food. Depends on how long I have for a meal. I know if I take 45 min(recommended amount of time) I feel better and eat better

I facilitate a couple of support groups and from my experience, the speed of weight loss is all over the place.

rumplesnat

I lost the majority of my weight, (85% of my excess body weight) within a year (200 pounds). My surgeon has done thousands of surgeries and has had only one other patient lose that much so quickly...she started at over 500 pounds...and he said he would expect to see the amount I lost in someone after 2-3 years post-op.

That being said, I worked my *kitten* off to make it happen. I worked out EVERY SINGLE DAY for at least 45 minutes, most days 60-90 minutes. I started off barely being able to stand up straight while walking around the block in so much agony from lower back pain and embarrassment that I was in tears to running 6 miles without stopping. I tracked all of my calories, followed the phases and program set by my surgeon 100%. I was obsessed and still am 90% of the time.

Everyone is different. My husband had the same surgery a month after me and has had amazing results, yet barely works out (silly boys!). He followed our surgeon's instructions very, very carefully post-op as well.

RNY surgery is no joke, isn't the easy way out, and won't work long term if you don't make a lifelong commitment. My approach was(pardon the phrase) to go balls to the wall, super regimented from the beginning (I lost 64 pounds through calorie counting and exercise during my 6 month insurance waiting period pre-op) because for *ME*, I know it's easier to let go a bit after being strict rather than trying to reign myself in after letting myself have too much freedom.

I am less than 18 months out from surgery and could easily eat close to 2 cups of food at meals sometimes. Different foods fill me up more than others and certain foods don't seem to fill me up at all. I'll always watch my calorie intake because of this...WLS was truly a TOOL for me to use, but the honeymoon is over (actually has been for about 9 months), and it's all up to me now.

Best wishes on your continued awesome success!!! :flowerforyou:

annwyatt69

I am 10 months post op rny and was able to lose all of my excess weight by 8 months out. However, I only had 100 lbs to lose to reach normal BMI. My goal is a bit further than that, as a type I diabetic on an insulin pump, I prefer being on the lower end of normal. I started working to change my lifestyle and eating habits before my surgery--I already knew what to expect, so there would be no surprises. I work hard to get my exercise in every day and do a good bit of strength training as well. I log every morsel that goes into my mouth on a daily basis. I guess some would say I am "obsessed" with it. It works for me.

I have been told also by surgeon that he has only seen one other person in his 18 years of bariatric surgery that accomplished everything as quickly as I have. I love being praised that way. It's a great motivator. It's makes me strive to work harder, to do better.

I have a couple of real life friends who had rny, who gave up on MFP, don't exercise and don't follow their doctor's/dietitian's guidelines. They have lost some weight, but nowhere near normal. They say they are happy to still be in the "obese" category 18 months after surgery. I believe that we have to find what works for us, stay focused, stay active, be diligent every day. Never forget where we were pre surgery and aim to do better each and every day. I totally believe that is the secret to success.

Keep moving, stay focused, use the tool you have been given and appreciate that MFP is here and it's free. Congrats to all on great success!

JoelleAnn78

My highest weight was:

399 on 01/18/2009

First Bariactric Surgery Consult:

381 on 03/31/2009 -- 18 pounds down from semi watching what I ate.... no exercise

Day of Surgery:

308 on 08/31/2009 -- 91 pounds down from highest weight through serious diet and exercise.... (only lost 8 pounds on two week liquid diet as I had already lost so much)

One year Appointment:

202 Sept 2010 -- 197 pounds down from highest and 106 pounds down from surgery weight with little to no exercise

Eighteen Months Out (lowest weight):

183 Feb 2011 -- 216 down from highest and 125 pounds down from surgery

Two years and two months out from surgery:

202 -- I had gained back 19 pounds when I learned I was pregnant

Four years out from surgery and 13 months post delivery of my son:

193 -- ten pounds from lowest and current goal weight. MFP calorie counting and C25K since March 2013