Too Skinny?

Hi Everyone, I know I don't post often, so you guys probably don't even know who I am, but I have a question. First, I'll give you some information on me. I had surgery on May 6, 2005. I started out weighing 280 pounds in January 2005, lost 22 pounds before surgery and have lost 105 since surgery. I started out in a size 22/24 jeans, 3X scrubs for work, and 3x or 30/32 in shirts. Now I weigh 153, wear size 6-10 in jeans depending on who makes them, S or M in scrubs, and M and sometimes S in shirts and sweaters. So what's my problem you ask? All kinds of people from my Mom to people at work are tellling me that I am too skinny. What are they talking about? I am much, much thinner than I have been in longer than I can remember, but I am not too skinny. I still have 4 pounds to lose before I am at a normal BMI and that is where my doctor wants me to be. That is also where I want to be. That is where any plastic surgeon will want me to be before he'll begin to remove this excess skin, thankfully there isn't a huge amount of it but still enough that I still won't parade around naked, lol. Is this happening to any of you guys? How do you handle it? Everyone that comments says that they're just worried about me, but could it be something more? I spoke to one of the doctors at work, one who is very health/weight conscious. He said that he does not think that I am too skinny, but he does think that some people are jealous of my success. Is that even possible? My Mom and my best friend are included in the "you're getting too skinny club". Any suggestions? Thanks, Sonja

Unfortunately I do not have that problem, so I can only speculate. I would guess it is not as much jealousy as it is they just aren't used to you at your new size. To them you look skinny! We, as WLS patients, often times have a hard time seeing the changes in ourselves. Our loved ones often have trouble adjusting to the changes also, just in a different way. They look at you and see half the girl they used to see. "Holy cow! She's too thin." Just as our brains will catch up, so will their's. Congratulations on a job well done!! Keep up the good work. Seven

Seven, I hope that you're right. It is hard to think that the people you love would be jealous. I was just thinking the same thing the other day though. They're just accustomed to me being the biggest person in the room and now that I am not, I guess I could look too skinny to them. Sonja

Hey Sonja! Doesn't matter how long you haven't posted, your input is always welcomed here! I have been told by a couple of people that I am too skinny, but then by others that I could probably lose 20 more, so....here is my theory.... I don't really give a care what people really think about my weight, the fact that I am feeling great (except for this weekly period) and have much more energy is all that matters to me!!! You have done fantastic and I for one am immensely proud of your success!!! Keep it up girlfriend!!!

TO LISA SMITH!HI MY NAME IS AIMEE AND I HAD THE WLS IN MAY 18TH 2005!I DO NOT CARE WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK OF ME OR HOW I LOOK.DO NOT LET OTHER PEOPLE TELL YOU HOW YOU LOOK YOU HAD THE WLS FOR YOURSELF AND TO MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER ABOUT YOURSELF.BECAUSE YOU NO YOU ARE PRETTY.YOU NO SOME PEOPLE ARE JUST DOWN RIGHT RUDE AND NOT VERY NICE AT ALL.SO KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK WITH YOUR WLS.BECAUSE I WILL TELL YOU I AM DOING GOOD WITH MY WEIGHT I WAS OVER 300POUNDS!NOW I AM DOWN TO 259POUNDS AND I STILL HAVE ALOT MORE TO LOSE AND MY HUSBAND LOVE ME THE WAY I AM BUT I WENT TO GET DOWN TO 220POUNDS!YOU HAVE A FRIEND THAT CARES EVEN THOUGHT YOU DO NOT NO ME!FROM AIMEE COMFORT

Lisa, Thanks for the reply. I don't really care what they think either, well except for my Mom and my best friend. I too feel better than I have in longer than I can remember, and that is important to me. Sonja

I have 20 lbs more to lose to be at a normal BMI but everyone tells me I look good now. I don't get too much "your too skinny" but a little. People just have to say something about everything. Some is jealousy, some is true concern for your health, some are also intersted in surgery and some just need to talk! Take it all with a grain of salt and if you care enough about them to explain tell them about your BMI and your goals and if you dont just thank them for their concern! I had this surgery to improve both my physical and emotional health and don't plan to stop working till I am spectacular! Many people we know are just not quite ready for that...they better catch up!! Jen 243/160/140

Jen, Those are all good ideas. I do assure them that I am eating healthy foods and taking all of my vitamins and doing everything that I am supposed to do to keep healthy. Well, except that I am not a big fan of exercise yet. I am still too self-conscious to go to a gym. But it will all work out in the end. Thanks for the reply. Sonja

Sonja, I haven't heard the "too skinny" words yet - I'm 9 lbs from normal BMI - but I am starting to hear the "you aren't going to lose any more weight, are you". At this point, I haven't had a snappy comeback but just to tell them that I'm happy and healthy and thank them for their concern. To be honest, if the weight loss stopped here...I'd be thrilled. I basically want to do my workouts and improve my muscle tone and whatever comes on the scale comes. It is important to me that I have strong sound muscles. I'm sure with the rapid weight loss that some was lost and I'm determined to get it back to a nice healthy point. I have no set value on the scale that I feel compelled to reach. I did pick a number a year ago and I'm 10 lbs over that. If I get there, fine. If I don't, fine. Good luck! Kathy

I have been getting the too skinny from quite a few people too. I have lost 90 lbs. I weigh 122 lbs. and I know I look like I weigh less than that. Everyone thinks I weigh 100 or less. I do feel great and have lots of energy and I eat every couple of hours to keep from losing too much. I am still in the normal range on the BMI chart. I also think it's some jealousy and also that it has been 20 years since anyone has seen me this size. I honestly would not mind gaining about 10 lbs. I had my surgery on May 26th of last year and I have yet to drink protein drinks. I know I need to find one and start drinking a least one a day. I am working out now trying to get back some muscle. I would appreciate any comments. Thanks Teresa