Can someone explain to me....

Can someone explain to me how you go on maintainance?  I am currently 30 pounds below my goal and my doctors goal already.  I really don't want to lose anymore weight, and I am starting to look too skinny.   Wow....never thought I'd hear myself say that!  Anyway, I don't go back to the doctor until December for my 1 year checkup, and was just alittle curious as to what exactly is maintainance, and/or how I can stop losing.   Thanks, Cathy

Everybody's so different, and it's hard to say when you'll stop losing weight. I have lost 50 pounds more than my doctor expected, but I'm still not too skinny, and I don't seem to be losing much anymore. My nut would say to fit a few more potatoes and starches into your diet, and that will slow the weight loss, but definitely don't stop exercising and don't go back to old habits (sweets, etc.). Our bodies are supposed to adjust themselves after a couple of years, and if we did end up getting too skinny, we're supposed to get some of it back. I'm personally hoping not to get too much of mine back. :) I remember you from the RNY board, and it's nice to see you again.

Hi Wanda.  I remember you also.  I guess I'll be hanging over here soon.... The weird thing about this is that I do eat starches and potatoes.  In fact, we pretty much have potatoes every day.  I am 5'8", and 150 pounds.  I am wearing a size 8, some size 6.  I don't know how much smaller I can go without looking sick. Everyone is already telling me that I need to stop losing.  I think I remember them saying you gain 10% back, which I'm hoping doesn't happen, but if it does, it does....I can afford it.  I don't have to worry about going back to sweets because I have never strayed yet...and don't plan on it.  If I can go this long without any chocolate or cakes, then I can go forever!!

Hi Cathy, My body, just sorta picked its own weight that it likes to be, and I never have to worry about it.  I just eat as much (or as little) as I want and it just kinda knows what to do. Congrats on your success!

Hi Christian....hopefully my body will decide what it wants to do soon!!  I still can't eat alot, which is what I figured I could do.  I'm still only able to eat 2 oz. of meat.  I thought that would've changed by now. 

Hi Cathy! I found that things slowed way down for me at the 1yr mark and I noticed that I was suddenly able to eat alot more food too. Like Christian, my body kind of decided where it wanted to be~I am 5'9" and got down to 150lbs. I am 3yrs out and have been maintaining for about 1.5yrs~I hang out in the 150's somewhere depending on the day. I prefer to be in the lower 150's, but have gone up to 159 which I feel is WAY too heavy for me! As you mentioned, alot of people 2-3yrs out are having that rebound weight gain of 10% even when not doing anything differently. Anyway, I'm sure things will naturally tapper off for you. You can always incorporate some extra healthy carbs and see what happens. It seems to be so much of a trial and error thing! Good Luck!

Hi!  I've noticed that I've slowed down tremendously to maybe 1/2 pound to a pound/week.  I'm sure it'll level out sometime soon, but like I said, I don't want to get too much lower as people are starting to make comments about getting too skinny.  I would have NEVER dreamt about getting this low to begin with!  It's just a blessing!!  I was just curious as to what the maintainance phase was like!!  Thanks!!

Kathy, I got too skinny too (113), and I started to worry.  Then things tapered off. And now like the others said, I am maintaining around 124-127 lbs.  meat took me a while to be able to eat.  Did not eat steak till 2 years out,and even now, meat can be tricky.  Just listen to your body.  Again, dont get into bad habits of white starches etc just to gain weight....because once you gain your 10% you will not want to gain more! For me, i wanted to get as low as I could, so the regain wouldn't be so bad.  Anyway, keep up the good work! blessings, Tami

Hi, Cathy!  You may want to repost your question in the Diet & Nutrition forum, or look for similar posts there.  Based on my recollection, I think the dietacians in that forum will suggest that you add calories to your daily routine in 100-200 calorie increments until you reach a point where you maintaining and no longer losing.  (I think you add a certain number of calories per day for a 2-3 week period and see how your body reacts.  If you start to gain, you reduce the number of calories, if you are still losing you increase the number of calories, and if you are maintaining, you've found your magic number!).   I'm about 20 pounds from my goal and I look forward to the day when I can actively start trying to maintain!  Good luck finding your "magic number" and blessings on your continued journey -  Kellie