Only 60%? What?!

I finally saw the surgeon today after 6 months of meeting with the NP and Nut. He told me I could expect to lose 60 % of my excess weight.  That was pretty depressing. I'm wondering what people's actual experiences are. Thanks! 

Averages are a pain, eh?  Many here have exceeded the average, so I'm not too worried. I plan to reach 100% EWL. Eventually :)

The way I understand it is this: the insurance companies consider WLS to be success if one loses 60%.

I have lost 100% in eleven months. I am determined to maintain this loss.

They don't even guarantee that we lose ANY weight, sadly! I, honestly, don't know how it'd be possible, but you know doctors and the CYA nature of wording in things... But they say people "on average" lose about 60% of excess body weight. Averages include people who have exceeded this, AND people who have failed and perhaps gained weight back. If you work it, it works for you. Just do what your doctor says, and you will be a success story. :)

Remember, when they average they are considering the people who stuck to the plan as well as those who stopped at Dairy Queen on the way home from the hospital.  If you are determined to make the most of the surgery and make the lifestyle changes you will need to make, there is no reason why you can't loose 100% of your excess weight.  

(Plus, I think they probably have to say that for insurance purposes, so that people who don't lose a lot don't decide to sue the doctors for malpractice.)

Something to think about - will you be happy if you only lose 60% of your weight?  Have you been able to do that on anything you've tried in the past?  How many other health problems would be solved by you losing 60% EW?  Look on it as a 60/40 split - the doctor will take care of 60% for you, and you will be responsible for the other 40% yourself.

Personally, I'm almost a year out and I have lost 95% of my excess weight.

I was stressed hearing 60 percent as well Ty so much for pointing out that I  haven't done that on my own!! that really put perspective on it for me!!!ty 

kathie

60% is the average according to the data collected by whatever the authority on WLS is.

100% is not attainable for everyone due to obesity related bone mass increases and other health concerns and because the BMI and Met Life charts are not great at determining the difference between muscle and fat.

I am shooting for 85-90% EWL compared to my Met Life ideal weight.

I am 4 months out from surgery right now and already at 47% EWL, so I feel like I will surpass the 60% without much trouble.

 

well thats the average or something but no reason you can't loose 100% if you want. I actually lost and have kept off 100%. its all up to you to keep at it, get support, develop new habits and, in my opinion, say goodby to most carbs.  choose to be above average and you will be. good luck. you will be so glad of this.   diane

My NP put it this way:  The average weight loss is 60% but that is a normal curve, and just an average number.  There are people who lose all their excess body fat, and others who don't do very well at all.  The people who weigh and measure their food and record their food intake every day are the ones who succeed.  You can bet that I weigh and measure my food and record it every day.  And I've lost 90% of my excess body weight. 

Its a choice.  The surgery will make it possible, but you have to do the work. You can do it!

Carol

If I'm not mistaken, the 60% stat is at 5 years post op. Many lose more, but after accounting for regain, the average ewl is 60% at the 5 yr mark (with a wide variance do to many issues identified earlier and in other posts on OH).