How do you know?

Good Morning All, When you do know if you have lost enough weight? To date, I have lost 130 pounds (from 303 to 173). I am still struggling with the whole body image thing and "seeing what others see", however I am experiencing PAIN when I sit- it feels as though there is a knob somewhere at the bottom of my behind that is only noticeable when I am seated. I can no longer sit without a pillow or some type of cushion... I am funny in that since Dr. Byrne set a goal of 160 for me that is what I have been working towards because he SAID it .... but I can't seem to decide what or if that weight is right for me. This morning I have on a pair of size 12 pants from New York and Company- for me this is MAJOR considering I used to be a size 28!! For those of you that are at the end of your weight loss, how did you know when enough was enough? What was the deciding factor when thinking about how much weight to lose?

Please let me know when you figure it out. I'm having the same issues. Dr. Byrne told me 170, then plastics. I'm thinking 160 but I don't know!!! Size 12 is awesome. I'm so happy for you. Mary

Mary- how are you? I haven't come across any good answers yet- I have been so focused on weight loss for a year that now that I am at the end, I think I might be having a hard time "letting go"... as silly as that sounds!!! How is Kelly and more importantly how are the wedding plans?

I am okay. Work is very stressful right now which I hate, I usually love my job. I agree with you about focusing on losing the weight forever, Its hard to let go. I want to move my focus now onto getting in shape and toned, yes this means EXERCISE. There's no more delaying it. I am struggling now to find something so comfort me when I'm having a hard time that's not food. Food has always been my best friend, and now that I'm a year out, I can't get back into that pattern. Kelly is good. She looks incredible. Her wedding plans are going okay. I have accused her on occasion of being a Bridezilla. I really hope to see you soon. You looked so gorgeous the last time I saw you and I know you've lost more weight since then. Mary

I know the feeling!!! The only time that I have had difficulty is the week before the PERIOD! then the only thing that I want is Chocolate!!!! I am working to change that pattern as well. You looked really good as well- school is winding up and I am looking towards spending more time with you guys on THursday nights!!!! I only have 8 months before my move to Miami, so I am going to do the best I can to make as many meetings as I can!!!

First of all, You are doing a great job. That is awesome! I know you are so proud of yourself. Second, Dr Byrne set a goal of 160 for me as well. At 6 mths out, I am 20 lbs away from it. So I think I am going to get lower than his goal. When I started this journey, I had a number, it was the upper limit of what was healthy for my height, about 145. That is what I am aiming for. But really my goal should have no number, just the fact that I am healthier than I have ever been. I got rid of my diabetes, that was a goal. Plus I think the body just knows. I wish you luck on the rest of the journey. Keep up the good work, no wait a minute, GREAT work.

Good question. Out stats are similar. I started at 319 and am now 159 (5'6"). I also have that bony butt protusion when sitting!! If I recall correctly it gets better as your body adjusts. Dr Givens initially told me between 155-160 and then later dropped to 150-155. I'm hovering around 160 still trying to reach 150. My family drives me crazy with their unsolicited comments to me about not needing to lose any more weight (I question their motives). They were telling me this when I was 195. Ugh. Only my WLS and PS encourage me to still lose a little more. Convinces me that I'm not crazy....especially since my PS has seen it all!! I think you just have to be happy. I'm in a 9/10...sometimes 11's depending on how they're made. I would highly encourage you though if you're looking at plastics to be at your goal weight before you start that process. I wasn't and ended up needing some revisions.

Hey Towana! ME TOO!!! We've lost so much fat in our "booties" that you are sitting on bone...I have that problem, except I get skin that rolls up sometimes and feels like you are sitting or laying on sticks! I have to have pillows and cushions too! SIZE 12's!!!!!!!!!! That is soooo awesome!! I don't know, I am kinda where you are...I have lost 134lbs and stay around 155-157lbs and can't get below 154lbs....so am I done? I hope not, I want to get right below 150 and that is "MY" goal, but Dr. Byrne's was 160 because it was 10 below his real goal and that would give me 10 lbs buffer, but I want the 150 and have that as my 10lbs buffer zone. You are doing great girl, I suppose we have to start exercising now??? HA HA I am taking tap dance classes, love it!! Love you, you are awesome! YOU DID SOOO GOOD THIS YEAR !!! Deb

P.S. Has anyone noticed a pattern here??? I think Dr. Byrne likes 160 as his goal for EVERYBODY!! Hahahahah I agree with the girl above, my family keeps yelling at me about losing too much weight...only Dr. Byrne and Dr. Katzen, my ps, encourage me to go as low as I can!! I just got my hair cut today, not short, but very, very layered, looks cute, will have hubby take some pics on my 13th month anniversary!! ALREADY! WOW Towana, I did not know you were moving to Miami! Why?? Job for hubby?? I wanna go!!!! "jealous" California is "okay" I passed my test today for my driver's license, but failed the 1st time, it was HARD and stupid!! I did not study, so I took it and missed by 1. Talk to you soon, Love ya!! Deb