Don't get to Goal Weight

What if we don't make it? Has anyone thought of this? I am not trying to be negative at all, but it is probable that a few of us won't (remember we're supposed to lose 60-80% of excess weight). I am not trying to get encouragement here (you can do it!)-- I really want to know if people are thinking about it.... I am so happy with my progress-- my health is so much better and I feel great about myself. But if I DON'T make it, what do I do? I am worried that I will feel like a failure, and then start the destructive cycle up again- Would love to know what others are thinking about this.

Andrea, I have often thought what would happen if I don't don't get to goal.. I think about it, realize the world isn't going to change a bit and get right back on my road to goal. Think of it this way if it takes years of diet and exercise or the rest of our lifes even to get there.. well at least we have something to shoot for and look forward to. So if the time frames dose't work out and we just miss that mark we have set for ourselves.. we keep trying. We have already lost a major part of our excess weight, and that incentive can keep us going. I understand to well the feeling of depression or failure that can accompany yet another lost hope. But, this one can be achieved even if it takes longer than first intended. We are now almost 8 months out of surgery. My surgeon and many others talk of a 'window of opportunity' of at least 18 months. thats 10 more months of steady losing to get us to goal weight. For some of us it takes longer than others you know that. And if we haven't acheived goal in that time. Well, we ain't dead yet yet sister!! We just keep trying!!.. at least we are huffing and puffing no more!!!!! Peace Mo 290/188/150=Touch down..anything else is a damn good play!!

Thanks Mo- It helps to know I am not the only one out there that thinks about it. Your words, as always, are just what I needed. Hugs, Andrea

I also worry about not getting to goal but I also worry that I will make it there and still not be happy with my weight. I have 13 pounds to go to get to goal so I hope I make it, but if I don't I will just have to keep trying so that I will make it someday. I want to be at goal by my 1 year apponintment but if I'm not I'm not going to give up. I'm glad to see I'm not the only one thinking about this. 337/183/170 5'10 dowm 154 lbs

I have yet to set a goal weight for myself, however I HAVE set a goal size for myself (size 8). The problem with having a specific number in mind is this.... We all carry weight differently. I have always been short and muscular verses tall and lean. I would love to end up like Maria and a few others that are tall, beautiful and slender, but realistically.........I know that my body is just different. I was a dancer and weightlifter in highschool. It's an odd combo, I know, but I was strong and lean and weighed 160 lbs! I'm always a size smaller than what most people my weight are. I'm sure this has everything to do with muscle mass. This being said.....I'm completely unconcerned with what weight I end up at. I'm only concerned about how I look and feel. Noone knows what your weight is from your outward appearance, but they DO know how great you look. For instance Andrea.....You are large chested! It's no secret around these parts that the boob fairy endowed you with biggins!! Now those bad boys can weigh a good 6-7 lbs each! This variable should be factored into your goal weight. Also...........extra skin. I have heard that it's not uncommon to have 10-15 lbs of excess skin removed during plastics. This is also a factor worth considering. If I were you (which I'm not, but if I were), I would be re-defining my success by another point of measure. Why not try to reach a specific size or a specific fat percentage. BMI is no good either, especially for the men. It only takes your height and weight into consideration....nothing else. Personally, I am glad that I was never given a goal weight by my surgeon. It means that I don't have to judge my success by it. Just my three cents worth! C

"The boob fairy ?" Any relationship to the tooth ?

Yep! But a whole hell of a lot sexier! She's stacked! C

Another problem is that the goal can be a moving target. When I had my surgery my surgeon figured I'd get to about 200. Yesterday I met with one of his nurses for my 9 month followup and she was happy I was at 193 but now she wants me to get to 170....argh. I think the key is learning to be happy that I can now do things I couldn't do before. If we don't get to some arbitrary goal so be it. If we are happier and healthier that is the main thing.

I am seriously at a moving target. I changed my goal weight from 150 to 140. I am teetering around 142-146 the last month. But I am wearing anywhere from a 6 to 8 (and even have one pair of 4 slacks) so I am totally happy with where I am. Now for all that hangy skin crap. My azz, tummy, arms and thighs are HORRIBLE. I can't even wear shorts this year until surgery because my thigh skins sags down to my knees. AARRGGHH......... Sue 273/261/143/140

Ugh, don't get me started on this ... I'm almost to the 9 month mark and I'm still 40-50lbs away from goal!! Also, I'm stuck again at 210lbs and actually picked up 3lbs so now I'm at 213lbs ... how depressing can this be! I've lost my motivation for exercising and these past couple of weeks I've only exercised twice, given it was really ass-kicking workouts, its not enough ... I keep on telling myself that and yet, I don't work out ... WTF!!?? I have PS planned for November, and at this rate, its not gonna happen cuz I'm not gonna make goal. Now, let me go sit in my corner and sulk ... tomorrow is another day and maybe it will be better. Love you all!!