Overwhelmed by Worry

[Justarwaxx 211]

Hi Ladies,

I’m almost 6 weeks post-op from my gastric bypass. I started at 109.5 kg, and now I’m at 98.6 kg, so I’ve lost about 10 kg. While my nurse and doctor mentioned that I could’ve lost more by now, they said it’s still not bad. Honestly, it didn’t make me feel great, but a loss is a loss, right?

I find myself comparing my progress with others, mostly with sleeve patients, which I know isn’t fair. So, I’m here in the bypass forum to hear from others with success stories. Shouldn't the most weight loss happen in the first 2-3 months, and then it slows down? Right now, I’m losing around 1 kg per week, which I know is healthy, but I keep feeling like I should be losing more, and then I panic, wondering if I’m overeating.

I’m on a 1200-calorie plan with 8-10 small meals a day. I haven’t been able to stick to the 10 meals, but I do my best to hit 8, and they’re all balanced. My workout routine has been almost non-existent, but I joined the gym TODAY, so that will change!

I just need some reassurance that I WILL lose the weight and that I’m not going to fail like I have in the past with weight loss.

[Bypass2Freedom 762]

Hey!

I think the important thing to remember here is that everyone is different, and at 6 weeks you are still quite early on post-op and your body is likely still healing

The weight loss will happen for the first 18 months according to my surgeon, regardless of the rate of losing, so just know you are on the right track, and a loss of 10kg is absolutely amazing!

Celebrate your wins, be kind to yourself, you are doing great

[catwoman7 11,215]

you are fine. Most people seem to lose somewhere in the 7 - 11 kg (or 15-25 lb) during the first MONTH, and you've lost 10 kg in six weeks, so you're absolutely in the normal range. I lost 16 lbs (7 kg) the first month, so I was probably exactly where you are at six weeks out. I went on to lose over 90 kg (200 lbs). (you will always find people who lose less or more than the range I stated, but they're either outliers, or they started out at MUCH higher BMI's than most of us have - such as the people on shows like "My 600 lb Life"). Your nurse and doctor are fools. I had a resident tell me the same thing when I was a few weeks out, and I wish that jerk could see me now!! I'm sure I lost much more weight than most, if not all, of the people who went through the program when I did!

rule #1 with this is; don't compare yourself to others! Your rate of weight loss depends on so many things, only a couple of which you have much control over. Age, gender, metabolic rate, what percentage of your body weight is muscle, genetics, starting BMI, whether or not you lost a lot of weight before surgery, diet, and activity rate are all factors. How much you're eating and how active you are are really the only things you have control over. Do well with those, and the weight will come off, whether fast or slow. But don't forget - 10 kg is six weeks is completely normal. Just carry on and don't listen to foolish crap like this.

EDITED to add: I lost weight for 20 lbs. Yes the first month tends to produce more loss than following months, but just like with regular diets, that's because some of it is Water weight. One kg a week is pretty normal after the first month - but that'll gradually drop as you approach a normal BMI.

Edited September 24 by catwoman7

[ShoppGirl 4,861]

22 pounds in 6 weeks is awesome!! How many times have you lost almost 4 pounds (1.8kg) a week on any diet in your life or been able to stick with it for six weeks? Seriously, you really have to work just as hard at the mental part as you do at the physical. The mental meaning stay away from the scale as much as possible, and don’t compare yourself to other people because their situation is entirely unique like others have mentioned even if someone had the same starting weight as you you don’t know their age their activity levels, there medical history, all of that plays a role in it. I have seen people on here who have continued to lose beyond 18 months even. Like any other obstacle in life keep your focus on the aspects that you actually have control over and try not to worry about things you don’t.. Congrats on joining the gym, big step. I really hope adding more movement makes you feel as amazing as it has for me. I am still concerned about the weight part obviously but I’m telling you that feeling as good as I do, I’m not focused on it nearly as much.

Edited September 24 by ShoppGirl

[NickelChip 1,253]

Hey there! I had bypass back in February. My best advice is to ignore other people's stats and focus on you. I, too, was worried about my progress, but 7 months in, I am still losing weight and just bought jeans in a size I have not worn since I was 22 years old (I am 50 now). Here is how it went for me, just so you can see one example, but we are all different.

Starting weight: 251 lbs (BMI 40.5 as I am 5'6" tall)

Pre-surgery loss (over 6 months): -12.2lbs (this was from nutrition changes)

2 week liquid diet: -15.4lbs

Month 1: -8.2lbs

Month 2: -10.8lbs

Month 3: -3.8lbs

Month 4: -11.0lbs

Month 5: -3.4lbs

Month 6: -5.2lbs

Month 7: -3.6lbs

So far in month 8: -2.2lbs

Today's weight: 175.2lbs (BMI 28.3)

My goal is to lose another 20lbs in the next 5-6 months, which would be 3-4 lbs per month. That would get me to a "normal" BMI of under 30 and would be about the same weight I was when I was 18 years old.

[BigSue 1,389]

I know it’s easier said than done, but don’t be in a rush and don’t compare yourself to others. It’s not a race or competition. Everyone has different circumstances and factors affecting rate of weight loss. For example, the more excess weight you have, the faster it comes off, so you can’t expect to lose as quickly as some who started 50 kg higher than you.

i know most of us go down the path of WLS because we are fed up with being obese and we are desperate to lose the weight after a lot other attempts. Of course we want it to happen as fast as possible. But here’s something to consider. WLS makes it virtually impossible to fail at losing a significant amount of weight. That’s the “honeymoon period” for about the first year after surgery and almost everyone has amazing results. What really matters, though, is what comes after the honeymoon period. It is heartbreaking to see people go through all of this to lose 100+ pounds only to regain it. It doesn’t matter how fast you reach your goal weight if you don’t stay there. You have a whole lifetime ahead of you, decades, to enjoy your new chance at life. Trust me, in 20 years, you won’t care how many pounds you lost in the first month or two or six.

Don’t worry about how fast of slow you’re losing now. Keep following the program and you will lose a lot of weight. Set your sights on the rest of your life, everything you will get to experience in your new body, and how you will keep it.

[catwoman7 11,215]

2 hours ago, catwoman7 said:

EDITED to add: I lost weight for 20 lbs. Yes the first month tends to produce more loss than following months, but just like with regular diets, that's because some of it is Water weight. One kg a week is pretty normal after the first month - but that'll gradually drop as you approach a normal BMI.

P.S. I meant I lost weight for 20 MONTHS, not lbs! Can't believe I didn't catch this!

[VenZafirith 2]

Wanted to share my experience and echo the other commenters here. I am 9 weeks out of my gastric bypass and I am right where you are almost exactly weight loss wise-
Pre surgery and liquid diet I was 260lb (117kg)
After liquid diet in surgery day I was 244lb (110kg)
Now after 9 weeks I am 99kg. I haven’t weighed in a few days so I may be a pound or two more but I’m trying to limit myself to only weighing every few days so I don’t hyperfixate.
I definitely feel like I’m losing slow- but last week in my bariatric programs’ support group on zoom, almost EVERY patient had that same feeling. It was very validating and most of us were feeling disappointed and impatient. After hearing that it made me feel a lot better. I keep reminding myself that I haven’t even been this weight in a long time and that it’s going to keep going down on its own schedule, when it’s right for my body. Keep fighting the good fight and showing love and kindness to your body and we will all get there.

[Arabesque 7,332]

There are lots of averages around weight loss and the different surgeries but, trust me, there are a myriad of differences around those averages. And there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s how they get those statistical averages.

Everyone loses at their own rate and as with all averages, some will lose more or faster and some will lose less or slower. You’re losing and that is the only thing you should consider. If you are losing any amount, you’re winning.

Celebrate every pound you lose. You’ve lost 10kgs! That’s amazing. Congratulations!

[Justarwaxx 211]

20 hours ago, Bypass2Freedom said:

Hey!

I think the important thing to remember here is that everyone is different, and at 6 weeks you are still quite early on post-op and your body is likely still healing

The weight loss will happen for the first 18 months according to my surgeon, regardless of the rate of losing, so just know you are on the right track, and a loss of 10kg is absolutely amazing!

Celebrate your wins, be kind to yourself, you are doing great 

Thank you so much for that reminder! You’re right; it’s still early, and my body is adjusting. I need to remember that this is a marathon, not a sprint. Your words really helped me shift my perspective. I’m definitely going to try to focus on the positives and Celebrate the progress I’ve made so far, no matter how slow it might feel sometimes.

Thank you for the encouragement—it means a lot!

[Justarwaxx 211]

16 hours ago, catwoman7 said:

you are fine. Most people seem to lose somewhere in the 7 - 11 kg (or 15-25 lb) during the first MONTH, and you've lost 10 kg in six weeks, so you're absolutely in the normal range. I lost 16 lbs (7 kg) the first month, so I was probably exactly where you are at six weeks out. I went on to lose over 90 kg (200 lbs). (you will always find people who lose less or more than the range I stated, but they're either outliers, or they started out at MUCH higher BMI's than most of us have - such as the people on shows like "My 600 lb Life"). Your nurse and doctor are fools. I had a resident tell me the same thing when I was a few weeks out, and I wish that jerk could see me now!! I'm sure I lost much more weight than most, if not all, of the people who went through the program when I did!

rule #1 with this is; don't compare yourself to others! Your rate of weight loss depends on so many things, only a couple of which you have much control over. Age, gender, metabolic rate, what percentage of your body weight is muscle, genetics, starting BMI, whether or not you lost a lot of weight before surgery, diet, and activity rate are all factors. How much you're eating and how active you are are really the only things you have control over. Do well with those, and the weight will come off, whether fast or slow. But don't forget - 10 kg is six weeks is completely normal. Just carry on and don't listen to foolish crap like this. 

EDITED to add: I lost weight for 20 lbs. Yes the first month tends to produce more loss than following months, but just like with regular diets, that's because some of it is Water weight. One kg a week is pretty normal after the first month - but that'll gradually drop as you approach a normal BMI.

Thank you for your message! It’s really reassuring to hear that 10 kg in six weeks is within the normal range, especially from someone who’s been through it and had such amazing results like you. I also appreciate you pointing out that a lot of things are beyond my control, and I need to focus on what I can control.

It’s so easy to fall into the comparison trap, but you’re right—I need to stop doing that and just keep going. Your story is super inspiring, and I’ll hold onto it whenever I feel doubtful. I’m definitely motivated to stay consistent with my eating and gym routine now. Thanks again for sharing your experience and for the tough love! 😊

[Justarwaxx 211]

16 hours ago, ShoppGirl said:

22 pounds in 6 weeks is awesome!! How many times have you lost almost 4 pounds (1.8kg) a week on any diet in your life or been able to stick with it for six weeks? Seriously, you really have to work just as hard at the mental part as you do at the physical. The mental meaning stay away from the scale as much as possible, and don’t compare yourself to other people because their situation is entirely unique like others have mentioned even if someone had the same starting weight as you you don’t know their age their activity levels, there medical history, all of that plays a role in it. I have seen people on here who have continued to lose beyond 18 months even. Like any other obstacle in life keep your focus on the aspects that you actually have control over and try not to worry about things you don’t.. Congrats on joining the gym, big step. I really hope adding more movement makes you feel as amazing as it has for me. I am still concerned about the weight part obviously but I’m telling you that feeling as good as I do, I’m not focused on it nearly as much. 

Thank you so much for this perspective! You're absolutely right—losing almost 4 pounds a week is something I’ve never been able to achieve on any diet before, so I should really appreciate that. It’s so easy to get caught up in the numbers, but you’ve reminded me that the mental work is just as important as the physical. I need to let go of the comparisons and focus on my own journey.

I'm definitely guilty of stepping on the scale too often, so I’ll try to step back from that. Also, hearing that the gym has made you feel so good is really encouraging! I’m excited to start building a routine and hopefully experience that same boost in energy and mood. Thanks again for the advice and for helping me keep things in perspective. I really appreciate it!

[Justarwaxx 211]

15 hours ago, NickelChip said:

Hey there! I had bypass back in February. My best advice is to ignore other people's stats and focus on you. I, too, was worried about my progress, but 7 months in, I am still losing weight and just bought jeans in a size I have not worn since I was 22 years old (I am 50 now). Here is how it went for me, just so you can see one example, but we are all different.

Starting weight: 251 lbs (BMI 40.5 as I am 5'6" tall)

Pre-surgery loss (over 6 months): -12.2lbs (this was from nutrition changes)

2 week liquid diet: -15.4lbs

Month 1: -8.2lbs

Month 2: -10.8lbs

Month 3: -3.8lbs

Month 4: -11.0lbs

Month 5: -3.4lbs

Month 6: -5.2lbs

Month 7: -3.6lbs

So far in month 8: -2.2lbs

Today's weight: 175.2lbs (BMI 28.3)

My goal is to lose another 20lbs in the next 5-6 months, which would be 3-4 lbs per month. That would get me to a "normal" BMI of under 30 and would be about the same weight I was when I was 18 years old.

Thank you so much for sharing your journey—it’s really encouraging to see how far you’ve come! Your progress is amazing, and it’s a great reminder that the weight loss isn’t linear but still consistent over time. I definitely need to shift my mindset and focus more on my own path, like you said.

I love that you're fitting into jeans from when you were 22—that’s such a huge win! Hearing how your weight loss has unfolded over the months gives me hope, especially knowing that you’re still losing at 7+ months post-op. I’ll try to keep that long-term perspective in mind, and stop stressing about how fast or slow the weight is coming off right now.

Thanks again for the advice and inspiration! I’m feeling much more positive about my journey now.

[Justarwaxx 211]

Thank you all so much for your support and sharing your personal experiences! I really appreciate the encouragement and advice—it’s made me realize that I need to focus more on the mental aspect of this journey. You’re right that comparing myself to others is only holding me back, and I need to trust the process and be kinder to myself.

I’ve decided to work on my mindset and might look into getting an app to connect with a counselor to discuss these feelings more deeply. I know that staying mentally strong is just as important as the physical changes, and I’m committed to working on both.

Thank you again for the reassurance and motivation—it means a lot to me! 💜

[BabySpoons 616]

22 hours ago, BigSue said:

WLS makes it virtually impossible to fail at losing a significant amount of weight. That’s the “honeymoon period” for about the first year after surgery and almost everyone has amazing results. What really matters, though, is what comes after the honeymoon period. It is heartbreaking to see people go through all of this to lose 100+ pounds only to regain it. It doesn’t matter how fast you reach your goal weight if you don’t stay there.

THIS ^^^^

I never dropped a lot of weight in a short time. I averaged 1-2 pounds a week and as long as the scale was moving in a downward direction I was happy. If I hit a stall, I stayed off the scale to preserve my mental health. LOL

I kept telling myself slow and steady wins the race. Distracting myself with moving and thrifting. I found that I breezed through clothes sizes way faster. Which was sooo much fun. Almost 1 1/2 years after Gastric Bypass. I'm still losing pounds and inches. Not sure where I will end up and people are telling me to stop but I'm letting my body dictate that. For now.

I walk a couple miles a day. That's it. Today I am 5 pounds from goal weight. And I personally know someone who had WLS GB many moons ago and regained the weight back and more. She's a bad reminder of where I don't want to end up. Enjoy the journey and WL and mentally prepare yourself more so, for the maintenance part when it comes. GL