Worried!!

Ok I'm 19 months out, lost a total of 120 lbs, down to 195-200 depending on the day LOL Anyway, I'm looking to lose another 30-40lbs and I'd be so happy. Problem is, haven't lost anything in over 6 months. I am up and down about 5 lbs, since December. I'm worried. I know I'm eating some bad things. But I even tried to regroup, get on an excersize program and didn't lose a thing in 2 weeks. Now, i find the emtional eating starting again I need another 20 lbs minimum for me to feel successful. I know that's nuts, I mean, I went from a size 32 womans to an 18, but I'm still seeing this Fattie everytime I look in the mirror. Has this long of a plateau happened to anyone else, and does it and can it go back to losing again. PLEASE HELP! I don't want to end up unsuccessful. I'm so scared, and some things haven't changed. My self confidence still stinks, I can't figure out how to make new friends, or find a valued partner. I'm worried now, it wasn't my weight that held me back it was ME.. How the heck to I change that Any advice would be appreciated Thanks bunches

Kathy, First, you are a SUCCESS - even if you don't lose another ounce. Did you read my soapbox tonight? I addressed that very issue - and I have come to the conclusion that even at 210, I'm a lot more successful than I was at 356. And, a lot healthier, too. I stopped losing before I was where I wanted to be but I was below my surgeon's goal. Then I got lazy and complacent and gained about 20 or 25 pounds and am struggling to get them off. But even if I don't, I refuse to let it diminish my success. I am healthier - actually, except for arthritis, I am extremley healthy. I can do things, even with the arthritis that I could never do at 356 pounds. My son isn't ashamed to be seen with me - not that he ever said he was before, but I'm sure the kids teased him. So, don't beat yourself up. Be thrilled with what you have accomplished. Keep trying - but remember that few people lose all their excess weight. The surgeons consider anything over 50% successful. Patty

Patty just posted the best information I could pass to you... in her words.. http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/member-interests/wls_grads/postdetail/707.html?vc=0 its up to you in the end. Gawd I know its hard - you can do this and the tool is there but your in the drivers seat now. Keep focused and when you get alittle sidetracked... get back on the straight and narrow ASAP!!! deb

When you start working out it can be discouraging the first month as your body can often gain a few pounds of muscle mass before releasing the weight in lost fat. Best advice - get back to doing the things you know you need to do. Also, find a therapist to help you address the emotional eating and your desired changes (making friends and finding a partner). I'll be wishing you the best, ~Lara

Kathy, Don't get discouraged. Just keep doing the right things and your body will change positively. But it might not be reflected in the scales. I've been at the same weight for 4 months. But I'm still losing inches. It's obvious in my clothes and people keep telling me it's obvious that I'm losing weight. But my scales don't recognize that. And MY EYES don't recognize that. But I'm exercising regularly -- weights 3 days a week and some cardio. So it makes sense that I'm getting more toned which translates to "smaller". And might even mean gaining muscle weight. So keep doing the right thing even though you aren't receiving applause from your scale. Let your clothes show their appreciation! Good luck! Deb

You are a success today just as you are now. If that isn't good enough for you get back to basics, more protein, fewer carbs and see if you can lose some more. I will tell you what I have learned recently. The scale doesn't tell the whole story. I went to a plastic surgeon at 213 lbs, having lost 197 lbs already. I told her I was looking into the abdominoplasty but wanted to lose to 195 before having the surgery. When she finished examining me she told me there was no more fat for me to lose that I'd turned the fat into muscle and it was dangerous to lose muscle. She said my size 18 would become a size 12-14 after the abdominoplasty which would be perfect on my 5'6" large frame. A week later I had my 18 month checkup with my surgeon. He told me it was time for plastic surgery that I'd lost the fat and it would be dangerous to continue to lose muscle because it could come from a vital organ like my heart rather than my thigh, etc. Seems I will weigh almost 200 lbs after plastic surgery but I am healthy and have regained my quality of life. I am still adjusting to mentally to never fitting the insurance tables but I know I am a success even at 213 lbs. Best of luck to you.