Thanks Bruindiva92,

I'm not familiar with either the DEXA scan or the RMR? How would I go about getting that done? To fight an enemy you have to know the enemy so I think doing all that I can could prove to be very helpful! My fat percentage is still at 35%, according to the BMI calculator I need to lose another 30 lbs to get it under 30% which I would like. I came out of High School about the same weight I am now and that may be why it is hard to lose it, but in the Army and for about 6 years afterwards I was at a good muscular weight before I blew up again! I need to become more proactive again with the same motivation I had at the beginning of this journey. I haven't even thought about calorie intake to be honest but maybe that is a good idea along with less carbs? So getting the scans would be a good start. Thank!!

-Willie-

Willie,

Hope this post finds you well.  I'm here to check in with you and let you know that I had a DEXA scan and the RMR (resting metabolic rate) test on Monday, June 6. After a few days of sleeping on the results, I do believe that my goal weight is obtainable.

What I found out:  my metabolism is slower than a SNAIL. At rest, my body only needs 1469 calories.  My surgeon did tell me early on that my metabolism was shot and weight loss during year 2 comes to a crawl.  It will take me another year to lose the remaining 11 pounds.  My body fat percentage is 31% which is smack in the middle of average.  I've got super strong bones.

I followed up with a conversation with the NUT and the surgeon.  I am reducing my calories from 1700 to 1500.  I will maintain 1500 until the end of June.  If all is well, I will drop to 1300 for the month of July and see how that goes.

I am saying all of this to suggest that you may want to look into getting a DEXA scan. I got one here for $45. Check your body fat percentages--it is possible that your current weight is what your body likes.  NOT suggesting that you shouldn't lose more weight.  The DEXA just confirmed for me that I can lose another 11 pounds and still be great.

Take care,

bruindiva92

I have had my psych eval and I have one more office visit. I am doing my sleep study and  my cardiology visit whenever I schedule it. I am getting more and more excited.

I really appreciate that! I would have gone elsewhere to have the surgery years ago but I had a sick mother and a really small child. I wouldn't burden my mother that way. I am glad to hear you don't regret the choice and are doing well!

Thanks. Never given much thought to the artificial foods. Funny, although I am about 7 lbs heaver than my lowest weight, when a picture of me was posted on Facebook at a picnic everyone thought I had lost a lot of weight even though they seen me back then about a year ago and although they notice I was somewhat smaller they really made no remark after a 90 lb loss? NOW, after almost another year they notice and a this after a few lbs gained back? Go figure? Anyway, it encouraged me so hopefully I'm back on track and will concentrate on health, conditioning, proper foods and well being. Gonna really work on the resistant training to try to sculpt,, although my skin just jiggles there.? Oh well, another problem for another time. Thanks all!