Realistic Expectations

Renob · September 8, 2008

Guys I think many here need to have some realistic expectations on weight loss with the band.

I see lots of people stressed in their first month saying “I have only lost” x amount of pounds and 99% of those people have lost over 10lbs that’s a lot of weight.

From all I have read and heard the Docs expect 1 to 2 pounds a week as a safe range of weight loss, that’s puts you at 4 to 8 lbs a month not bad, think about it in just 10 months you will be anywhere from 40 to 80 lost, my guess is you did not get fat in 10 month so don’t expect to get skinny in 10.

Sure you can do better then the 4 to 8 pounds a month but be prepared to be working out on a regular schedule, remember the band is only a tool all be it a very big tool but still just a tool and you will get out of your weight loss what you put into it, if you don’t plan on working out much be ready to be on the lower end of the weight loss numbers every month. Look at it this way even if you only drop 50lbs a year in 3 short years you will be down 150lbs!!!

So back to the realistic expectations arm yourself with knowledge then you can set the proper expectations and decide for yourself am I a person who is ok being on the slower pace to my goal or do I want to be there in year if you chose being there is a year get off your butt and go workout!!!

Just an FYI I plan on being there in a year :thumbup:

Good luck to all of you.

Edited September 8, 2008 by Renob

littlefroggy · September 8, 2008

Yes, it's important to keep those expectations in check!

It's also important to know what my doctor said is that on average people lose 60% of their desired weight. So if you want to lose 100 lbs, the average person loses 60 lbs! that means to get to goal you need to work HARD to get there!

HeatherO · September 8, 2008

I agree 100%. My doctor warned me that I may not lose at all the first month once the hunger kicked back in to prepare me with realistic expectations. I lost 20 pounds . . . but I followed all requirements per my doctors instructions and did a lottt of walking.

I think one reason we start off with false expectations is that we tend to compare ourselves to others. I have seen plenty of diet tickers where people are banded a month previously and have lost 30, 40, 50 + pounds. What is not clear is that, at least for most people, a large percentage of that loss may have either come from a pre-op diet, or they put in their highest weight at the start and not the surgery weight the day of surgery.

Significant banding weight loss really occurs once you reach proper restriction which may be a couple of months out. At least, this is true in my case.

ccarter8219 · September 8, 2008

I have to agree that everyone need realistic expectations. Also, you want your skin to tone up as you are losing. If you loose too fast, your skin does not have time to adjust.

Crystal :thumbup:

MtnCat · September 8, 2008

Excellent post. I also felt much disappointment that I was GAINING weight after surgery. I also saw all of these tickers that showed a lot of weight loss in the first couple of months after surgery. I felt like I was some kind of failure. However, I only achieved restriction at my last fill which was 1 1/2 weeks ago. Now, the weight is starting to fall off again. So, don't get discouraged if you start out slowly....you may be one of those that takes awhile to get the appropriate amount of fill in your band before you start losing.

gopher4md · September 8, 2008

I agree with everyone else. My M.D.'s expectations are 1-2 lbs per week, but he emphasizes that situations vary with each individual. I also agree 100% with the statements regarding what you put into exercise. My band has always been my tool for Portion Control. The battle in my head, i.e., "let's eat, let's eat, let's eat" still rages on. I've been addicted to food for 30 years and the addiction will not go away overnight, in a few days or even a few months, if ever. It irritates me that it can't be JUST about my stomach. The fight between me and the evil "eat, eat, eat" voice is the hardest part so far. But (and this is the MOST IMPORTANT PART) with the help of this site and the wonderful members, I WILL SUCCEED!!!!!. Thanks everyone, from the depths of my soul, THANKS.

thughes113 · September 8, 2008

You are right, it is a tool. For me, it's been a great tool, it keeps me so honest! I also record everything I eat at thedailyplate.com and that free website is a fantastic help. I'm still adjusting to my first fill and haven't had another one yet. I also joined a gym and work out at least 5 days per week. I see the results of my determination in how I look and how my clothes fit. Don't get me wrong, if I wanted to eat potato chips and french onion dip, I can! But, I won't. I don't even bring the stuff into the house.

You have to do your part and 1-2 pounds per week is pretty great.

zeama · September 8, 2008

I agree 100%! We didn't put this weight on overnight and it will not come off overnight. I got a fill today, but only a small one because I've lost 8 pounds since my last appt, last month and he didn't want me losing too fast. I am fine with this. This is the way it is supposed to go. :redface: