How much is too much?

How much is too much? At what point do you decide that you have lost too much?  Don’t worry, I’m not there yet, but believe it or now, I am getting close.

Dr. Dyer suggested that 180 pounds would be a great goal weight for me.  Right now I am at 218 pounds.  So, I’m only 38 pounds away from my Doc’s goal weight.  Right now, I would feel great at about 195.  Why that number, I don’t really know other than it would be below 200!

I’m sure a lot of you are hearing the same thing, but it gets old!  Everyday people ask me, “How much more do you plan on losing?”  My pat answer is not to much more.  At church the little old ladies say, “You’ve lost too much; you’ll blow away in a strong wind”.  I usually come back with, “It’s been a while since I’ve been flying, so jus****ch me soar!”

R.J. even got in the act the other day.  He told me I’ve lost too much; the veins in my head are showing!  But then again, he only sees the veins when he’s made me mad, or didn’t follow an instruction!

Right now, I feel good.  I will probably feel good if I lose more.  But my question is this, “How much is too much?” Or better yet, when do you know it's time to stop losing?

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

I went as far as I could go safely.  That way, if by some chance I gained a few, I would still be thin.  Now, I read that people will have a bounce back weight gain, gaining 5-10 lbs and I don't necessarilky agree that it has to happen...   I think that as long as your doc tells you that you are fine, then continue until he says STOP.  People have opinions, they are even rude with them at times.  It's hard to deal with everyone giving advice/opinions, but I say go as far as you can and still be healthy under your surgeon's advice...

I think your body will find a weight where it is comfortable.  Where your levels will all be where they should be and you feel good.

I agree with Mel and Blush. I felt great at 135-150, but I went down to 116. Now after 2 years I have gained 20 pounds. The only thing I don't like is that it's made the baggy arms baggier, and I have a belly that sticks out.  But I am hoping that once I am strong enough and the Dr. gives me the ok, I will be able to get back into working out and will be able to lose some that I gained having to just sit around.   You will know rather your brain and body will know when it's enough. You may even gain some back and stop.  I loved being able to wear a size 6, now I am back into Mediums and size 8's. But once I am able to work out, I know the flab will disappear, and the muscles will get toned again.  Don't worry about it, you are looking great, and we're proud of what you have lost. 

Love ya

My surgeon told me it was time to stop when he put his arm around me for a picture and felt bone. The scale in his office showed my BFI to be right in the middle of the normal range. My goal has always been to reach a weight where I felt good and was able to easily maintain. I think any weight that requires constant "dieting" is a setup for failure. Sooner or later everyone is going to indulge in something on the "forbidden" list and beat themselves up for eating it. The goal of maintenance is to move beyond the weight loss mindset and into a way of life with a healthy relationship with food. It is hard to give up the "diet" mentality when that is what we have known all of our lives. I think that makes the maintenance mode just as hard as the losing mode. The big difference is, you don't have the visable physical changes as you move through maintenance. The support changes. Everyone compliments us on losing weight, no one comments on us keeping it off. I have lived in "diet" mode for enough of my life. I am ready to live a more normal life now. I know I will always have to be aware of what and how much I eat in order to make sure my nutritional needs are being met.  While I do track what I eat as far as protein, carbs, fat and fluid intake, I no longer consider foods "good" or "bad". I make sure I get at least 100 grams of protein each day. I limit carbs to avoid dumping. I avoid high fat foods to avoid gastric distress. I make sure I get at least 70 oz of fluid each day to avoid dehydration. I consider sugar free treats the same way I would regular versions, they are treats to be enjoyed occasionally and not part of my daily food regimen Removing the good food/bad food labels frees me from the guilt of occasionally eating something that is not necessarily WLS friendly. If my grandsons want to go out for pizza, I have part of a slice of pizza. If I want a slice of birthday cake, I have some birthday cake. This is living beyond food. Naturally thin people eat pizza, cookies and cake...they just don't eat the whole pie, box, etc. and they don't eat it every day. There are some foods I avoid because they don't sit well with me. There are others that I just no longer care for. Everything else I enjoy in moderation and without guilt.

Susan...you have such a lovely way of turning a phrase!  You should write something and publi****

Kisses! Freddie

Hello sweetie! I have missed you. Does this mean your work schedule has slowed down and you can come back to play? Are you coming to the picnic Saturday?

Well I haven't got there yet but I agree that it is on how you feel and what you are happy with as well as what your doctor suggest. You want to be healthy first and foremost. I think you look great.