Am I nuts to be happy -150#still 325

I started at 470# I am down to 325 give or take 5# that goes up and down. I have not lost any more # for over a year.
When I read on the sites many are 250# and going in for surgery.
I weighed 200# in 6 th grade!!!!!!!
Was i just mesnt to be this big ?????

I am still postop but I have seen many posts where people try the 5 day pouch test.  It helps you go back to basics and get back in touch with the tool.  You might want to try it.  http://5daypouchtest.com/plan/theplan.html

I dont think we are meant to be this big.  If we were, it would not feel so gosh darn AWFUL!  Dont give up.  I know we can all make it together!  Big SUCCESS vibes coming your way!

No one is ever "meant" to be 300 lbs. Massive overeating over many years and inappropriate use of food as comfort and love and a means of coping with stress is what puts the weight on. Even when we eat "normal" amounts, unless we are taking in LESS than our body needs AND/OR burning it off with activity, we'll pretty much stay the same weight forever.

This is not meant to be a criticism of you, or anyone with a weight problem. Hell, that's me, right there! Even though I am close to goal, the messed up thinking and way I relate to food are things I have to struggle with every day. I'm not always successful, but I refuse to lie and say it's genetics or something. Genetics does not lift the Twinkie to my mouth, yo!

If you are 325 lbs. and sedentary (like most Americans, exercising no more than 1 to 2 times a week), you are probably eating about 3,250 calories per day to remain at your current weight.
 
Start a diet journal and write down everything you eat and drink, and the calories. Be honest. After 3 days, you might be shocked at what you are eating without even realizing it.

Go back to basics. Get good, lean protein. Cut out the processed foods, add vegetables and salad to your daily meal plan. Don't graze. A lot of people live on 500 to 800 calories per day for the first year or two out. This forces their body to use up the stored fat. That's all this surgery does for us--gives us a chance to change eating habits and take off the weight that increases our risk of DEATH!

I still keep my diet journal when I feel myself going off track, and I kept it for the first year and a half after surgery, so I know it is do-able and that it works. Don't lose hope, Pam. You have done a TREMENDOUS job so far, and just because you've been at a plateau for a year does not mean it's permanent. YOU HAVE THE POWER, SHE-RA!!

Yes the fact I can't exercise much, I am 62 two total knee replacements, my left arm is bone to bone, I have so many issues with my neck some days I can't even move it to the side.
I never ate a lot but did eat wrong things BEFORE surgery. I think if i could walk miles a day or exercise I would loose more .
But outside of all the pain from my svere arthritis i am happy with my weight. Thanks for the replies.

Hey Pam -

I think whatever number is okay between you and your doctor is PERFECT for you.  It's about health...it's not about a number on the scale or a size of jeans.  If  you are healthy, happy and getting your life back to the best of your ability - you go, girl!

I started out at 440, weigh around 215 now and have both knees replaced since WLS.  My life is so much different now.  I'm still a big girl at 5'7" - but I am as healthy as they come and wouldn't change a thing.  I am fighting HUGE body issues right now in my life - am I really a 'success' if I'm not 150 lbs?  Have I done enough?  Will my body ever be 'good' enough?  For me, this is much more of an emotional/mental issue than anything my body is doing or numbers on a scale.  I'm back in weekly therapy over this...but oh well - better therapy than a bucket of KFC!!!!

Be at peace, my friend.
Jana

Thanks Jana.
I know I am happy. I wished I didn't have all this hanging skin but that is another story.I don't think we are all suppose to be in the 100's.

 Hi , just putting my two cents in i started at 431 and am at 272 right now . i was so looking forward to get to 200 until doc appointment and he said he doesnt want me to go under 225. omgggggggggg what a shock. he said because of my structure thats all farther i need to go and not look awful. i guess because i am big boned. but to tell the truth 47 more lbs i will be so much healthier then ive been in years. I am already off of cholestrol and diabetic meds plus about 7 other medicines . i can ride my bike 2 miles a day. walk where i want too and do my own yard work like  mowing and weeding and doing chair arobics and dance arobics twice a week. wow what a difference. I love my tool and will be so happy at 225. never was a tiny girl and never will be but soooooooooooo happy....Kathy

Kathy,
thanks for your post. My PCP has said the same thing to me. She said I am healthy now , outside of arthtitis and fibro, she said she did not want me to loose a lot more. I was surprised she said that.

 Congrats on ur weight loss and keeping it off for over  year... thats a job and an half in itself... as far as losing more or not..  i have heard so many ppl say..  i say if ur happy and healthier then u have been in yrs... maintain what ur doing.. ur not crazy..  i wish i were happy... i started 453 and am 315 as of today.. i also have alot of pain issues.. lower back, shoulders, knees... i truely want to lose another 100lbs at least... not for vanity but to take some of the pressure/stress off my body.. as im getting older it just cant handle it like it used to.. not that it ever deserved the crap i have put it through over the years... but im doing my best to make up for that now..  i weighed 215lbs in 5th grade so im right there with u on that.. your health and happiness is what matters most...  excercise and eat healthy.. and enjoy life... 

I agree that everyone is different.  Also at our age (I'm 57), it's a lot harder to lose and maintain.  I don't plan on being too skinny.  My doctor says I can get to about 210 or so and I'll be VERY happy with that.  Nearly a 200# loss.  And I hope to be able to move.  I've had one knee replacement already.