Stop My Weight Loss!!!???!!!???

I am 14 months out and have lost 122 pounds. I weigh 158!! -- and I thank God for Weight Loss Surgery!!!! As far as the future: I WILL get down to 150 and hope to get down to 130!!! I have had several people tell me I should not lose more weight. I tell them: "I weighed 123 when we were married (36 years ago)." Of course, they say "That was then -- you are older now and 123 would be far too small." My reply is this: "If -- after marriage -- I had not gained, I would still weigh 123 and no one would think anything of it. Hmmm, except maybe they would think -- ""Wow! Wish I had done the same!!"" What do you guys think? I am 5'6" with a medium frame. Shouldn't 130 be a good goal to strive for? Judy 280/158/???

Hi, Judy Doesn't it just get you??? I am 5'8" and currently weigh 154-152 - just depending on the day....everyone keeps telling me I've lost enought and now I need to stop...but....when I was married 24 years ago - I weighed 113 pounds...and I looked fine then...I agree with you...what has changed??? Just that I'm older??? I don't think so...90% of my friends now - just didn't know me back then...they will get over it...I just think they are jealous or intimidated because I am now smaller or the same size they are! My goal for myself is somewhere between 130 and 140 - I'll know when I get there. I think 130 pounds is an ideal weight for you if that's where you are comfortable! Best of luck to you!!! Hugs! Jill

Hi Jill: You brought up a good point. Probably 99% of my current friend have NEVER seen me under 158. Maybe they just have a problem visualizing a lesser weight in a positive way!! Thanks!!!

Wow, what an accomplishment....You will stop when you are comfortable and when you look like you want to....heck, I am almost 56 years old and I am shooting for 120...I am five foot nuthin. Don't worry about what others say...if the dr thinks you are losing too much, he will tell you, just do what you feel is good for you. Hugs, Betsy

Betsy -- this is the second time I have tried to reply. The first one just disappeared!! I told my surgeon my goals and he said I should be able to get to 130 -- but it would be a lot of work. So -- here I go!!!!!!!! Thanks, Judy

People think you should not lose more weight because they are used to you being overweight, and... I'm convinced some of them feel threatened. Anyway, it is YOUR decision - as long as you feel good and are healthy, and within a healthy BMI range, then do what you need to do! Don't let anyone stop you! Crystal

Crystal, Thanks for the encouragement. You are right -- it is MY decision!! Judy

Judy, I haven't gotten many "are you going to lose more" questions yet but they are starting. Personally, I weight what I did back as my lowest as an adult ever but I am built differently. My waist is 4-5 inches bigger I assume because of skin. I do not think that losing more weight is going to get me there unfortunately but I cannot complain where I am right now. I'm happy. One thing is that the scale can be deceiving. I'd love to find the medical documentation for this but I've heard that years of obesity lead to an increase in bone mass as your skeleton tries to protect itself from injury that would be caused by carrying all the extra weight. Logically it makes some sense. That being said...I wonder if most can ever truly reach that ideal number on the scale that they have in their head from their youth. If they do reach it, would they just look too thin? I don't have the answer. Also, I would think that especially for women...childbearing can spread the pelvis and cause some changes and perhaps that might change what we weigh. Plus I think menopause brings on changes and women tend to add more weight as they get older naturally. All that stuff...the bottom line is that you yourself have to decide what weight is good for you. I set a goal of 160 just as an arbitrary number. I have NEVER EVER weighed that as an adult and probably weighed that when I was 12-13. Right now, I am 169.5 so I'm close to that number. I figured that if I could get my extra skin removed (which isn't in my budget) then I'd probably be below my goal weight. I am happy with what I look like now...a size 8/10 - what isn't to like. For me, I'm just going with the flow. I'm continuing to do what I've been doing. I've been very busy at the gym for the last month (new membership) and I'm trying to strengthen my muscles assuming that some muscle was lost during the rapid weight loss phase and I want it back. Any weight loss from here on out is gravy. If I find I'm getting to thin...I'll try to modify my diet to stop losing. Right now, not an issue since my weight has stablized and isn't moving much. Good luck to you! Kathy

You know Kathy, it seems that our bodies should know where and when to stop just naturally. I know some people have problems with losing too much -- hmmm, I just don't think that will ever be me. I figure my body will tell me when it is time to stop!! Thanks, Judy

I think it should be up to you and your doctor. There are so many ppl out here that want to be doctors too but without the degree and give so much advice. I have just started my journey so I have not gotten the questions yet about not losing anymore, but I am sure they will come when it seems that I am getting smaller. I say do what is best for you!! And I think that weight would be fine!! Now for me I would look funny because I am so tall...lol!!!! Hugs, Kennie