"You can stop losing weight now!"
Former Vice President under Richard Nixon, Spiro Agnew once referred to members of the media as "nattering nabobs of negativism". I recalled the quote today when a cashier at the grocery store asked me, "You aren't going to lose any more weight, are you?". I'm sure she meant well. But I wondered to myself if she was right. I have to admit. I'm doing just about everything I want to do now. I am active. I rode my bike 45 miles over the past three days. I get all my chores done without effort. And most of all, I feel great. But my doctor says I need to lose at least thirty more pounds to be healthy.
I used to be one of those people who would pick and choose which of my doctor's orders to follow. Including ignoring his suggestion of weight loss surgery. When my doc told me to start going to the gym and doing weights to improve my upper body strength, I told him that the gym was too boring. But I joined a gym, and now go at least five days a week. And I actually enjoy it. I also look and feel better.
I wonder if the people who tell me to stop losing weight, are the same type of people who told me I didn't need weight loss surgery?
They were wrong. These people may be wrong too.
I used to be one of those people who would pick and choose which of my doctor's orders to follow. Including ignoring his suggestion of weight loss surgery. When my doc told me to start going to the gym and doing weights to improve my upper body strength, I told him that the gym was too boring. But I joined a gym, and now go at least five days a week. And I actually enjoy it. I also look and feel better.
I wonder if the people who tell me to stop losing weight, are the same type of people who told me I didn't need weight loss surgery?
They were wrong. These people may be wrong too.
Max wt. 500+ WLS workshop 4/6/09 440 Surgery 9/21/09 324 9/21/10 218
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I honestly believe the "ideal" weight is something each of us has to decide for ourselves. I know what the charts, government, and doctors say. But, if I were to lose the additional weight to be officially NOT over-weight, I think I would look drawn and guant. My wife agrees and while she has been extremely supportive through this entire journey, feels pretty strongly about my not loosing any more.
To me, the facts are: 1) I am within 10-15 lbs of that "ideal" weight according to the charts, 2) I've lost all my weight in less than a year, 3) All my co-morbidities are gone! (Yes!), 4) I am exercising 5-6 days per week and am in the best shape I believe I have ever been in, 5) I feel great!, and 6) I believe and have been told, I look great! All that being said, I am very satisfied to stay where I am and maintain.
I also agree that a lot of those people who make comments about "not losing" more, or looking too thin, are the same who themselves are struggling with their weight and related health issues. Quite frankly, it's really none of their business.
One other point here Herc, you and your story and encouragement have been a great inspiration to me and many others on this site. Thank you! Keep doing what you are doing! Keep enjoying your "new' healthy life and enjoy it! Best of Everything to you and yours! Mike
To me, the facts are: 1) I am within 10-15 lbs of that "ideal" weight according to the charts, 2) I've lost all my weight in less than a year, 3) All my co-morbidities are gone! (Yes!), 4) I am exercising 5-6 days per week and am in the best shape I believe I have ever been in, 5) I feel great!, and 6) I believe and have been told, I look great! All that being said, I am very satisfied to stay where I am and maintain.
I also agree that a lot of those people who make comments about "not losing" more, or looking too thin, are the same who themselves are struggling with their weight and related health issues. Quite frankly, it's really none of their business.
One other point here Herc, you and your story and encouragement have been a great inspiration to me and many others on this site. Thank you! Keep doing what you are doing! Keep enjoying your "new' healthy life and enjoy it! Best of Everything to you and yours! Mike
Eating junk food and CRAP is not a reward...it's a punishment...
it's a DEATH sentence...Reward yourself with Good Health!
Highest Weight: 287 Lbs-January 2010; Reached Goal 195 Lbs - Dec 2010
Total Lost: 92 Lbs; Completed FULL MARATHON (26.2 Miles) 10-16-2011
it's a DEATH sentence...Reward yourself with Good Health!
Highest Weight: 287 Lbs-January 2010; Reached Goal 195 Lbs - Dec 2010
Total Lost: 92 Lbs; Completed FULL MARATHON (26.2 Miles) 10-16-2011
I echo Mike's sentiments. It's your body, and nobody but you gets to decide what you should weigh, or whether you "need" to lose more or not. It's a very personal thing that involves lots of factors besides what others think, or what's on a piece of paper somewhere...
I count my doctor's opinion more highly than most, but it's still just an opinion. Ditto my wife -- though hers counts even more than the doctor's, because she knows me much better, and sees all aspects of my life.
When I first started this process, I set a goal of reaching the weight I was at when I got out of the Army at 27. It's been about 27 years since I was at that weight. Will I get there? Will I be satisfied at that weight? Or will I decide that 225 is where I want to be (or insert any other number, higher or lower, into that sentence). Whatever it is, it will be where my body is happiest. I know that 411 sure wasn't it, and that I'm a lot happier at 299 (still can't believe I'm under 300!) than I was a 411, but I'm not where I want to be yet.
I count my doctor's opinion more highly than most, but it's still just an opinion. Ditto my wife -- though hers counts even more than the doctor's, because she knows me much better, and sees all aspects of my life.
When I first started this process, I set a goal of reaching the weight I was at when I got out of the Army at 27. It's been about 27 years since I was at that weight. Will I get there? Will I be satisfied at that weight? Or will I decide that 225 is where I want to be (or insert any other number, higher or lower, into that sentence). Whatever it is, it will be where my body is happiest. I know that 411 sure wasn't it, and that I'm a lot happier at 299 (still can't believe I'm under 300!) than I was a 411, but I'm not where I want to be yet.
Herc,
You are the only one who truly has any business determining what your good health means for you. Although you have made tremendous and inspiring progress, if there is more that you want to accomplish than who has the right to even insinuate that you should stop short or be prevented from reaching your goals?
My suggestion is to say thank you, move on, and don't let the comments get into your head or in your way.
All the best!
You are the only one who truly has any business determining what your good health means for you. Although you have made tremendous and inspiring progress, if there is more that you want to accomplish than who has the right to even insinuate that you should stop short or be prevented from reaching your goals?
My suggestion is to say thank you, move on, and don't let the comments get into your head or in your way.
All the best!
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