Should I lose or maintain?

In the past couple of days at 2 different support group meetings, I've been told to stop losing now and maintain. Okay, the background. I had my surgery on June 15, 2005. I've lost 100 pounds since my surgery (160 total) and am sitting at about 166. My goal is 145. These people (3 different ones) say that I need to maintain until I have my reconstructive surgery as I will lose not only the skin weight, but also have my metabolism jump started again and lose more weight after the surgery. I'm not planning on having the recontruction until the end of this year or begining of next. I have no idea what to do now. I am just beginning a new exercise program that involves weight training as well as cardio and flexibility classes. Is anyone else faced with this delima? Thanks, Keetara Germantown MD Lap RNY, 6-15-2005, 150 cm bypassed Dr. Barry Greene Sept. 2004 327 Highest 6-14-2005 265 Day before Surgery Current 166 Goal 145 Total lost -161

Keetara, Congratulations on doing such a great job losing. Way to go! I am not at that point yet. I started at 295 and I am currently 190. But I want to get to 150/155. But I would do what you are comfortable with. If you still feel like you would like to keep losing to give yourself a cushion then I would do that. But if you feel that you would like to stay where you are and see what happens after the reconstruction then that would be a good thing to do. As I see it you are in a win/win situation. Hope all goes well for you Lynn

Thanks! Personally, I have been feeling that the cushion idea is a good one. I am almost ready to say that it would be better to have to try to gain weight afterwards, but I know several WLSers who are underweight and having a really hard time keeping their weight up. I am going to ask on the plastics board and see what they say, then make a decision. Take care, Keetara

I haven't ever heard anyone take that into consideration so I have no advice but please share what you learn! Thanks and Good Luck! Jo

I have wondered this myself. I am 5 foot 6 1/2. I weighed 244 on surgery date. I now weigh 156.5. My goal is 138. I am going to have some work done on my chest and arms for sure. When you watch those makeover shows with the body lifts most people are losing 9-12 pounds of excess skin. This would put me really close to goal. Let me know what you find out on this because I would love to know. I want to have my boobs done right away. I don't want to wait a year or 18 months like I have heard is the "recommended time frame". Great job on the weight loss! That is fantastic. Keep in touch and let me know what you find out. Diana

Wow -- you're doing awesome. I've heard that our bodies will lose and/or maintain as they as regulated to do. In this case, we each will begin to stop losing as our body thinks we are in the range it needs to be and then we will maintain as long as we keep up our post-op life style. I would not want to do anything that may harm all the effort you've already put into living a healthier life style. You're welcome to look at my profile in my posted photos. I doubt if I will have any reconstructive surgery because 1) I'm not getting that large over hang where the insurance would see reconstructive surgery as an approved expense and 2) I would not have the money to do it without the insurance coverage....besides, I've heard that the reconstructive surgery healing process is much harder to get through than the WLS. Best wishes to you. 'Hang in there - - you're doing great!

Don't let anyone discourage you from the new fitness program. You're going to need that from here on out to have a nice toned body under your skin (original or post-surgical.) Skin hanging on bones NEVER looks good unless there are toned muscles underneath. Are these lay people at the support meetings? Or medical professionals? I think WLS peers are a good sounding board, but your doctors should have the final word. Congrats on your success!!! Kim HW 315 SW 306 CW 183 GW 150