What is a healthy (and normal) weight loss rate?

[melzie_99 22]

My weight loss has been slow but relatively consistent since I've had my band. Since I know I don't work out as much as I should I have no one to blame but myself. That being said, I see some people who have managed to lose anywhere in upwards of 80lbs in 3 months and I'm wondering how that is even possible. I know I keep hearing that 1-2lbs/week is normal, but seriously, what are people doing to lose that much weight? Is it safe on your body to lose so much so quickly? And I know heavier people tend to lose weight faster, but I just saw someone say they lost over 40lbs on their couple of weeks pre-surgery diet alone! And others weight as much if not less than I did when I started...I guess I'm just looking for clarification or maybe even some pointers to get things moving again...

[zeniada 9]

I'd say 1-2lbs per week is normal/healthy.

I was banded in Aug 2010 and have lost 40lbs thats about 5lbs a month at about 1lb a week so even though I could probably losing more I am happy at this rate I dont have a lot of saggy skin.

But everyone is different their amount to lose metabolism and such...

[CocoLay 3]

I have lost 63 lbs since surgery in Oct 2010, averaging a little over 10lbs a month. I'm at my 'sweet' spot- as they call it. I'm really never hungry, have to remember to eat. I completely changed my diet to mostly seafood & veggies. I enjoy a Protein Shake a day. You begin to feel great & thin cause your not bloated, your excited about having nothing fit you in your closet. Believe me, it comes off if you do what your taught pre-op. I can't wait to get the rest of the 70lbs off. I never thought I'd ever be thin! Get motivated girl & excited.... you will feel wonderful and truly sacrifice of fatty foods & junk become easy to let go. I don't even crave the things I used to! Good Luck to you friend!!

[mattie7632 24]

I'm only losing a couple pounds a month. So long as the scale is going down I don't fret it too much (so far!)

[HeatherinCA 10]

1-2 is healthy. That isn't that quick... haha it's slow if you ask me!!

You need to burn 3500 calories to lose a pound. If you follow your 900-1200 calorie diet you should lose it. Mine is generally 1-2lbs, depending how good i am, and if I exercise

[Jachut 487]

Perspective, I guess. I think 2lb a week consistently is quick! It sure adds up over a couple of months. Its a normal, healthy loss but you might find you lose nothign for a week or two, then 4lb in one day, it kind of goes like that, it's not predictable or consistent.

I think that the experts are now saying that quick weight loss is no less healthy than slow, but for me, a slow steady loss really helped to cement better habits - i didnt diet, I thought giving up dieting was very important in that Quest for a normal relationship with food - and I proved this to myself now that I've been unfilled for six months and havent gained any weight at all. I really have changed. i dont believe I could have done that if I'd lost 100lb in five months. that would have to be achieved with an extreme, and to me unsustainable, "diet".

[melzie_99 22]

Thanks for all the responses you guys; I know you're right. Jacqui, you make a good point; I think if I lost weight too quickly I would just coast and never learn how to use my band properly. I need to get "in the groove" if you will so I can be successful once the maintainence phase arrives. Again, thanks for all you guys' advice and feedback!

[TracyW2 137]

I lost 83 pounds in 4 months after being banded. But 26 of that was on my preop diet. I dropped quickly because I was exercising like crazy and really watching what I eat. I was also in our Y's Biggest Loser competition so I was trying to win that. Now my weightloss has slowed as I only have about 10-20lbs left to be at goal