Update and photos

I started my journey October 15th last year. By six months I hit my goal and transitioned to Mainetnance. I uploaded some photos which I take monthly to show the progress. They have been uploaded to my profile. I am begining to realize that maintenance is extreemly challenging trying to find the right caloric range. I went down as low as 181 and am currently 185 as of this morning. I am planning to keep my weight between 185 and 187. This is an awesome journey and know that I made the right decision. I am eating around 1600 to 1700 calories currently. I am definitely dealing with some body dysmorphia as I still see myself larger than I am. I have some extra skin around my mid region and thought it was fat but my dr said that at 21% body fat this is just skin. Any tips on maintaining my weight would be helpful as I am definitely terrified on regain and seems hard to deviate from my diet during weight loss stage. 

just started my journey so not able to provide any suggestions . . . but WTG . . . . .great photos!!!!!

jo

Congratulations on reaching goal in 6 months.  That's awesome.  Your pictures look great.  Well done.

I found the transition to maintenance difficult, as well.  At first I tried staying at 3 meals a day and adding calories, but I found I was already eating as much dense protein and veggie as I needed, and the added calories were not the best foods.  So I decided to go to 4 meals a day with 4 oz of meat and all the healthy green veggies I wanted.  There was a little extra room for treats and cheating, and its working pretty well. 

Until I went on vacation and threw caution to the wind and eat whatever I wanted for 3 weeks.  Now I'm back in weight loss mode! (smile)  but it sure was fun.

Best of luck with your maintenance transition. 

Carol

Thanks Cappy1148

I am terrified of gaining weight which is making the traansition difficult. I am also begining to realize that WLS is a tool and aids in loosing weight but it does address my thinking. I know that some of my issues are "in my head" and am planning to see a therapist to deal with it. Initially my goal weight was 195 and as It goes lower my gal also gets lower. I am now shooting for arouund the 185 - 187 mark. I am still shying away from foods with high carbs due to the number of grams per serving. I ate out last week and ordered a chicken yellow curry dish with extra chicken. This dish came with rice and I did not eat any the rice. I know it is a bad carb but a small amount would not hurt me. 

I'm terrified of regain, as well.  My weight has been so out-of-control in the past, and I just can't trust that I've got it mastered yet.  So far I'm ok, but I still keep carbs low because I know that's a dangerous slippery slope to weight gain. 

I think the terror serves us well.  It helps keep us diligent.

best wishes,

Carol

Congratulations man! You are where you are because YOU made it happen!! Enjoy the new and healthy life!! 

Luisa

Thanks Luisa