Goal Weight Met in 6 Months!! Now What???

Stepped on the scales yesterday and it showed I had reached my doctor's goal weight for me (200 lbs). Waited until today to make sure the scales were correct and they are!!! I'm ecstatic and very excited that I did it before my 6 month surgiversary.

I would still like to lose 10 lbs more so I can have a little "wiggle" room. But, having met the doctor's goal, what's the next thing step?

I've adjusted well to my new eating habits but want to slow down the weight loss and then hold steady at 190 lbs. Do I keep my same eating routine? Do I slowly start adding "forbidden" foods (such as potatoes, breads, pastas, etc)? Should I start increasing my weight exercises and start decreasing the cardio?

I certainly don't want to undo my current success. But, I also don't want to keep dropping at my current  rate.

Finally, thanks to everyone on this board for their help and support. I certainly couldn't do this without you guys.

I have been thinkning about the same thing lately.....I have been loosing really fast, barring any stalls, I could possibly it my goal (also 200 lbs) in the next 2 months.  I will only be 6 months out from surgery.....at that point, how do I stop losing?

I am anxious to see some of the responses!

Thanks - Michael

 I suggest that you increase some protein and complex vegetables.  If you don't get a sugar rush from fruit, add some fruit.  I'd be leery about going back to "forbidden foods"  since I did and can't stay away from them for long.  I've noticed over the past 10 years that the people with continued success simply don't go back to those foods.  Of course, they exercise and follow their post-op way of living.  You may want to see if your surgeon or dietician has a maintenance plan.  If they do, they'll probably increase your allowable foods proportionately throughout the day.

Thanks for the suggestion on protein, vegetables and fruit. Have only tried a couple of strawberries about 2 weeks ago and that didn't cause problems. Doing fruits in moderation is a great idea.

I'm also nervous about the "forbidden foods" and I think you're right about just staying off them. Why tempt myself??

I have an upcoming appointment with the doctor and the nut. I know from co-workers who have been thru the same surgery (same clinic) that they do have a maintenance program. But, one co-worker (another male) is 1 year post op and eats anything he wants. Not sure he's still following the program.

I appreciate your suggestions. I want to have continued with success and not lapse back into the habits that got me obese in the first place.

Don't be stuck on some number the Doc pulled out of his ass to get you motivated.  Keep losing until you start to feel too thin, your body will tell you.  When you get there you will remember the weight you were at when you felt your best.  Add an extra meal or 2 per day, whatever it takes to start gaining again, then tweak your diet weekly until you find what works for you.  Post opp mainteance is a very boring diet, but when you get it right you feel great and all the pipes work correctly.

Robert, I totally agree with you on not being stuck on a number the doctor decided. The weight I felt best at was between 180 and 190 lbs (my military weight). That's why I wanted to take off another 10 lbs to get down to 190 lbs.

There are still "lumps" in my stomach and abdomen which makes me feel that there's still more weight to come off. So, for now I'll just keep going until I hit my 180-190 lbs and see what the body tells me.

I'm also using MyFitnessPal to track meals and intake. I plan to keep using that program to keep my eating in check.