I do think that losing around 3lbs a week is normal, I would rather it be at least 4 or 5 tho.....
Your really lucky that you didnt need hormone replacement, I know alot of women who dont need it.......I stop using them for awhile and it causes me to have alot of sleeping problems, not to mention the hot flashes, and the mood swings are awful......before my surgery I lost 70 lbs in 6 months and then right after the surgery I have gained 40 lbs back so I really do believe its because of my hormones........