I feel satisfied ... is that crazy?

From a WLS perspective, I think I'm doing pretty well. While my weight DROPPED 4 lbs last week, I found 2 this week. Earlier in my journey, I think this would have sent me 'round the bend with self doubt. Now, I know it's just part of the normal process. I guess I may have become somewhat complacent. While I'd love to lose some more and think that I probably will, it's not such a big deal anymore ... I guess I'm not driven to take off the last 20 lbs. Maybe I should be, but honestly I feel great and everyone says I look great. I even wonder and worry somewhat about what I might look like if I lost yet another 20 lbs. I'm pretty happy where I am. If I lose more okay, if not I think that will probably be okay too.

I just don't want to ever end up where I started. I was thinking the other day that I wish I had known 35 yrears ago how much better I would feel thinner. I never realized how much my weight hampered my activity level. I sometimes wonder what my life would have been like and what my childrens lives would have been like if I had found a way to do this sooner. I'm hoping that my 13 yr old daughter will reap lifelong benefits from the changes I have made ... I'm afraid that my sons are too old and live across the continent, so I doubt that the changes I've made will really have any impact on them.

I do feel satisfied with where I am. I realize that I'm only 7 months into the 1 yr journey. Am I crazy? Should I feel more of a DRIVE to lose the rest of the weight? I don't know. It's not that I'm giving up, I just feel satisfied with where I am.

 

I think what you are feelings is perfectly ok and that there is nothing wrong with liking where are you are.  We set "goals" to achive but we have no idea what is going to happen in the long term.  You look absolutely gorgeous. If like what you see and how you feel, then I say good for you!!!

Jennifer -

Thanks for your sweet comments. Overall, I "like" how I look. I was at GW hunting for some new tops and noticed that I have to watch the style to be sure that it doesn't emphasize the "muffin top" tummy, so of course, I'd love to lose that. I'm not sure if it will go away or at least considerable diminish if I lose another 15 or 20 lbs or if that's just how the sand is going to settle. I guess what I'm saying is that it will be okay if I lose more, it's just I feel like I've gotten to where I want to be and the rest will be whipped cream and the cherry on top.

Thanks so much for your support.

Barb

I think it is all a personal choice. You have already reaped the medical benefits from having surgery. Off the meds, etc. The rest of the weight is purely cosmetic in my opinion. Our societ has dictated what is "normal" and if the average woman is a size 12 or 14 than you are way past that now. Also, just my opinion, I think as we age and loose too much we look kind of gaunt and fragile. I say, find what is good for you, Barb, and be happy with it. You look great and certainly added years to your life in just 7 months time. Truly an amazing thing!  Lisa

Lisa -

As always, you are my constant supporter and champion. I want you to know how very much I appreciate that. I think you are sooooo right; it is absolutely amazing that so much as happened in 7 months. If more happens, I'll be grateful, but I'm so pleased with what already has happened.

Thanks again,

Barb

You are not crazy!!!  You look great, you feel great, and you're healthy.  Your true goals are achieved!   Weight is just a number.  My "goal weight" is a complete stab in the dark.  I have never been at a healthy weight as an adult, so I have no true concept of how I'll look at my goal of 135.  I've said from the very beginning that I may get to 150 and be perfectly content.  I just won't know until I get there. So, what I'm getting at is:  If you're happy where you are, then I think you've hit the spot!  I think it's fabulous!  If you lose more, great...but if not, great too!  :)  What a great situation to be in after only 7 months! 

Hi Deb -

Thanks for letting me know I'm not crazy. You are right I do feel great and I'm healthier now than I have been in decades, so as you say my "true goals" have been achieved. Like you, I haven't ever had a normal body weight as an adult, so I didn't have a clue what my goal should be. I asked my Dr. what was a good weight for me, after a bit, he said ... well, 137 is considered ideal for a woman you height and age ... so I took that as my "goal." I may yet get there, but it dawned on me today that I don't think it matters if I get there or not. I'm healthier than I've been in decades, I'm more comfortable physically, I have energy that I haven't had in years, my diabetes is resolved and my hemochromatosis is managed ... everything else is just extra ... So if I lose more, great! If not, that's going to be okay too.

Thanks so much for your support. It really does mean a lot.

Keep up the great work you are doing ... You are right behind me.

Barb

Barb,      It seems that you've not only gained a new, healthier life, but also a new, healthier self-image as well. Good for you.     That is a major accomplishment on its own. xoxo Mare

Thanks Mare!

I know that I feel better physically. I generally feel better about how I look. I'm glad that I did this and I guess what I'm saying is that if this is all there is ... That's gonna be good enough!

I'm so excited that you are going to be joining me on this adventure. I can't wait until I see you post a similar thread.

Love you bunches my friend.

Barb

Not crazy at all... And as a matter of fact, when I created my ticker, I entered 199 as my end "goal" which is less than the "ideal" weight for me and my height. I haven't even discussed any "final" goal with my doctor and won't, for now.  I set 199 because I want to see that  "1" on the scales.  Once there, I will set mini-goals of 5 or 10 lb increments that will keep me going and not bog me down with concern or worry or irritation that I'm "stuck" at "x" weight.  I know that last lbs. are the hardest to lose, so I don't want to have some far off goal set that I never get to and spend my time obsessing about not getting there. Once I hit 199, THEN and ONLY THEN will I set a new goal.  I have said it before... I have seen folks who lost weight and lost TOO much... and either heard others (or admittedly been one of them myself) whispering that "he/she" needs to put back on 10 or 20 lbs. because he/she looks SICK."  I strive NOT to be one of those folks and unless something medical takes over me that I can't control, I WON'T be one of those folks. We all have to find our own comfort zone w/in our own bodies.  Weight and losing it has been so much a focus of my life, and henceforth, I won't allow it to consume nor worry me.  I just keep using the tool of surgery to help me get healthier... not skinnier!  And when I get to the place where I am comfortable in my own skin, THAT will be my goal weight... and I won't know what that is until I get there!