Almost 1 year post surgery

Haven't posted in quite a while here, but just felt like sharing where I am at and how I am feeling right now. Highest weight was 510 pounds, weight immediately post surgery (6/6/16) was 446 and my current weight today was 326. Been able to exercise and travel a lot since November I have been to London, Las Vegas, DC and planning on trips to Australia and South Africa over the next year or so.

Weight loss has slowed down a lot, maybe 20 pounds over the past 3-4 months which is disappointing as I really want to hit that 300 pound milestone as that was a big goal of mine for the surgery, getting under 300 pounds.

Biggest problem I have and one I have no success at all solving is ever being happy or anything with what I am doing. I go and bike 20 miles today, and I get upset that I let a huge hill stop me after an hour straight of biking because I was already tired and wouldn't be able to make it up the hill. I travel to DC for the day and have to end my trip early as my knee couldn't take any more walking and other such silly things that I let upset me far more then I should. I always think I should have been able to do more, or that what I am doing is no big deal that I should be excited about or anything. I also feel like I should have lost more weight over the past year than I have, even though my Drs office and dietician keep telling me I am doing just fine and they are more than satisfied with my progress.

Any suggestions people might have to deal with this crap would be greatly appreciated.

I'm far too new to offer any help but I'm sorry you are feeling down. Maybe seek counseling?

Congratulations! You have been wonderfully successful! Try to be patient with your body as it whittles down. You are doing everything you can to bring your transformation about as quickly as possible, and it is happening! Part of this process is, I think, learning the value of patient consistency.

I think it is part of the human condition for many of us to be more focused on what we feel is lacking in our lives or our performance than on what is rich and good. I second the idea of giving counseling a try if and when negative thinking outweighs our ability to be happy in our lives and with our accomplishments.

Obviously you push yourself very hard, and clearly you are a high achiever! Give yourself a little love, you are actually doing beautifully!

This type of weight loss is indeed a marathon and not a sprint. You're doing great. 120 lbs in a year and 185 lbs overall is quite remarkable.

I think it may be a good idea to talk to a therapist. Not saying that this is for everyone, It does help. We have done a lot of damage to our bodies being MO.

Learning to love ourselves is one of the hardest things. You need to make a list of the good that is happening.

I know life can suck a big bag of dicks sometimes. But sometimes we need to set smaller goals.

I am not saying give up by any means. Just think about how far you have come. You decided to have the surgery you are doing things you never would have done before.

Keep coming here for support. You are not alone. Giving support does help a lot. Our self esteem can really mess with our heads. Our heads are the hardest part after surgery.

Hey there,

I know this process can feel discouraging. You really have accomplished so much. Congratulations. Yep, there's more to go - it sounds like you are still committed and working toward it which is amazing. If I've learned anything, it's that this really is a journey of a lifetime, and like many, patience is not my strong suit!

One thing that stands out for me with your post is how aware you are that the things you don't accomplish upset you more. This may seem obvious to you, but it's actually not. For many, they can only seeing the failure rather than also being able to see their accomplishments. Awareness is half the battle.

Since you already have the awareness of what you are accomplishing, maybe you want to try "playing that up." One very popular way is to keep a gratitude journal. There are many different ways to keep a gratitude journal: first thing in the morning, right before bed, throughout the day! bullet points only, novel style... the key is making it work for you and doing it consistently. You can google it if you like the idea. :)

Wishing you happy thoughts and self love and compassion.

I believe you will make your goal, and likely lose even more as you stay the course. Weight loss does slow down toward the end of the first year, but most keep losing as hey stay the course.

I am really impressed with your exercise anad travel.

Please try to show yourself compassion. I agree with other posters about possibly talking to a therapist--or to a good friend. Or come here to celebrate your little successes. What would you tell a friend or loved one? Can you give yourself the same kind talk?

don't give up! you are doing so well. Keep it up. It is a long road, with twists and turns and challenges. Please stay on the path toward your goals, and recognize your progress.

You might look for Grim on the message boards and PM him. He is a supportive contributor here, and if I remember right, he started out well into the 400 lbs range. (Sorry if I'm wrong on that Grim!) He could offer perspective, humor, encouragement, and warmth, from a man's point of view, and also as someone who has faced the challenge of losing from a high start place.