What's on your (PHOTO) Friday Menu, RNYers?

Thanks - I have a very bad tendency to compare myself to others. There's a girl that had surgery 2 weeks before me, and she's lost way more weight. I have to keep reminding myself it's not a race against anyone- it's my journey, and I am very happy with my progress. :)

you know what we always tell people about comparing their weight loss to others..... If it makes you feel any better, from the start I was behind the crowd. Even one of the surgery residents told me that during my three (or six?) month checkup. I was a slow loser, he said. I was really upset by that - but I also knew it deep down because I'd been comparing myself to others. But I kept plugging away, almost never went off plan and lost 100% of my excess weight. So screw them! Just keep your nose to the grindstone. Your commitment to your program is going to have WAY more impact on your success than your rate of weight loss.

I really needed to hear that. Thank you!

I can really see a difference in your pictures Teena. You are doing just great. You'll find that you will lose more weight some months and less others and often there seems to be no rhyme or reason. Your body is in control. If you keep at it though eventually you'll get where you want to be--and maybe even lower than you can imagine. Keep up the great work!

Thanks Karen! It makes me angry when my centre tells me to only expect to lose 65% of my excess weight and then to expect a 5-10% regain within 2-3 year... for this I had major surgery? I need to keep my eye on the goal! I will be doing my inches next week after I complete my first round of the 21 day fix- I've noticed my clothes getting looser - (my new clothes ACK!!) so I'm sure I will see a difference there too. :)

My center told me the same thing too. I don't think they understand that some of us actually follow the rules they give us. I went from 273 to 117ish which at my height is the bottom end of a normal bmi. I'm 4 years and almost 9 months out and have had no regain yet. Of course I still weigh and measure portions at home and weigh myself daily to prevent just that. I have no intent ion of going back to the old me and will make whatever changes I need to to stay healthy. My center was pleasantly surprised by my loss and yours will be too.

Nope, don't let your doctor tell you how good you will do. You will do as good as you want, and it all depends on how much work you want to put in. If you want to drink beer and eat loads of slider foods like chips and popcorn and fruits, well yeah, you will likely lose 65% of your excess weight because that first year, weight drops off. If you are willing to follow a high protein diet, weigh your food, be active, and follow your surgeon's plan + the advice of successful vets here, you can reach your goal! I went from 351 to 160 by remaining 100% focused until I reached goal. Keep after this, and you are doing great so far...just keep your eye on the prize and work to make this lifestyle a lifestyle, not a "diet". Year two is still somewhat of a honeymoon period and in year three, **** gets real. So do what you can now to make these good choices a part of your life.

You can totally accomplish this!

That's whay in doing! Staying focused and no cheating!

You have been determined from the beginning. The people who lost 100% (or more) of their excess weight and maintain it here on OH have the same mindset as you. Just keep on the way you have been!

Thanks Liz! I feel like you have always been one of my biggest supporters and I really appreciate it. Thank you!