How am I doing? Do you think there is more to lose?

Hi Guys.  Just recently passed my 1 year anniversary and just wondering what you think.

I started out at 309.  Got down to 291 before surgery.  I am now at 178.  I am 5'5' and would love to get down to 158/162, right around there.  I am wearing a size medium top about a size 12 and a 12/14 bottom depending on the cut and fit.

Heres the question... How much did you lose after the one year mark?   Did you keep losing and for how long.  I have about 15/20lbs. I would still like to lose.  Is this possible?  I havent stopped losing but it has slowed down. 

I would love to hear some other peoples stories about this point in your journey. Look forward to your feedback.

Melissa

Hi Melissa,
 We have the same stats, except for your starting weight. I was 245. I lost slowly but steadily for 21 months. Yes, it slowed down quite a bit, but it slowly came off, well after just one year. I ended up losing too much, (see photo on profile, yuck! ) and bounced back to 160. I am 5'5" also. I look good at 160 to 165. I still wear junior size 13, I think mainly what I have gained back, must be part bone density and muscle gain.....(yeah ok, there's a bit of fat in there too.....a girl can dream can't she? LOL......
 Anyway, I'm still a regular size, even though I am 15 lbs above my perfect weight of 160.  I can't figure it out... I think a lot of us go by what size we are, rather than a number on the scale. If we keep losing a long time ( long honeymoon period) and it hard to tell, if it is muscle we lost when we go to the low side and then bounce back or if all of it was fat? I hope this makes sense, cause I'm rambling on, due to coffee intake! Lol....
 Anyway, my experience was I lost till I was 21 months out, went to low to 150, looked like hell and right away bounced back to 160. I was wearing a junior size 13 then and I am now. I hope my morning ramblings make sense and are of some help to you. Have a great day!
ETA- correct spelling

Lyn:

Thank you!  Thats exactly what I was looking to hear.  21 months is amazing!  Sorry to see you got too thin, but glad to hear you bounced back.  I have been accused of looking "too thin"  and I should "stop losing".  Well, yeah I am thin compared to 309, but I would like to lose that last 15-20.

I watch what I eat, work out and would like to gain more muscle mass.  It does worry me a little that I can eat more now, and I try to measure to keep my portions right.

Its just so good to hear this from someone who is in a similar situation.  I assume there will be a bottom and a bounce back.  I just worry about the bounce back.  Yours is healthy.  I have said if this size and this weight is the end its okay, I will have accomplished what I set out to do. 

I got your "morning ramblings" and it made perfect sense to me, thank you for your post and taking time to give me your perspective.  I appreciate it!

Melissa

Hi Melissa! I continued to lose after the 1yr mark, it was just alot slower and harder to come off. It can be done though! Good Luck at reaching your goal!!! Sounds like you've done a fantastic job so far!!!!!!!!

Tracy:

Thank you for your support.  Do you remember where you were at the one year point and how much you lost after that point?  I appreciate you taking the time to reply to my post.  Thank you.

Melissa

Melissa, I weighed 164lbs at my 1yr anniversary. I worked my way down to 150lbs by around 18mths out, although 150lbs was very hard for me to maintain. So now at 4+yrs out, I bounce around between 150 and 160lbs~155 is much easier for me to maintain than 150 and at 5'9" that still keeps me in the "normal" weight range. Hope this helps and good luck to you!!!!!

It sure is possible to lose more weight after ther first year. Of course as you know it will be slower but definately doable.

I lost the majority of my weight the first year, but continued to go on to lose about another 20 or so pounds over the next 6- 8 months and got to 155lbs.

Congratulations, sounds like you are doing just great.

Sher

 

Sher:

Thank you so much for your input.  That gives me hope to know you lost another 20.  Thats what I would like to lose and 6 to 8 months is okay with me.  Twelve is even okay. I just really would like to reach that goal.  Slower is fine, just as long as it is something I can do.

I am so grateful for people like you taking the time to share with me.  I didnt really want to ask this question on the main board, too many people with very important intro questions.  Its also great to be able to talk and learn from others who are farther out.  What worked? Its a whole new thing being hungry.  Also new is having more room and being careful to not overeat. 

Again, thank you for your support. I appreciate the feedback.

Melissa

I went a while at the one-year mark where I didn't lose any weight, then after about 14 months, I dropped another 25 pounds or so. I was shocked. I stopped losing at 16 months, and then at a little over 2 years I had a rebound. Dammit. Looking at pictures, I was like a scarecrow at 125 pounds, but it sure was nice to look down and see that number for a little while (especially after seeing 340 for so long). Now I'm trying to hang in the 130's.

Wanda:

I really get that.  I know its not supposed to be about the number, but to see that number is so exciting.

I cant believe what happened for you at the 14 month mark.  Thats so interesting.  Did you expect to lose another 25lbs?

I think being in the 130's is amazing, and an accomplishment in itself.  Congrats on how you have done.  Keep up the good work!

Thanks for your post! I appreciate your input. 

Have a great day!  Melissa