Hi--Sorry to Intrude!

I'm the same height as you and started out at about the same weight. We're all different, I know, but IMHO, 10 to 15 pounds off your frame now -- particularly since I take it you haven't had plastics done -- may be too thin. It took me two years to realize that (I sunk below 130 and my face looked ancient as a result). It's hard to give up attachment to a certain number (scale number, or size). Just leave an open mind about your goal, is all I'm saying. What it may take to get there -- and more important, stay there -- may not be worth the aggravation, and may trigger more trouble than it's worth in the long run. I "bounced back" all the way into the 150's, and frankly, I think it's a better weight (even post-plastics) for me, easier to maintain too. Just one person's experience, for what it's worth (and yes, I miss being a size 2-4, but OTOH those were pretty absurd sizes for a woman my height, IMHO). JMO.

Thank you Suzy! This is another good point! One of the girls at work who is underweight keeps telling me the same thing. She tells me NOT to lose anymore because if I should ever get sick it is that much harder to bounce back because there is nothing the body can take from itself to feed the illness and bounce back. Deep in my heart I know she has a point, but I really want to try and lose at least those 5-10 pounds if at all possible. One thing I have noticed with regard to my skin is that since I am now weighing in at 155 I have now inhereted those dreadful luggage bags under my eyes from my Mom. They are not bad to the point that they make me look older for my years since I was blessed again from my Mom and her Mom the gene for looking younger than we actually are. I was always being proofed as a young woman, hated it back then but am thankful for the gift now. I think all these suggestions are telling me to stay focused, get back on track, say NO to the cravings, and return to the no sugar low carb diet. I know it is going to be hard especially with going through the chocolate withdrawls for the first two weeks but it is something I NEED to do for MYSELF. I just hope I can do it. I am grateful that when I need the help I know I can always come here for help and support. Thanks again Hugs Marianne

Marianne--I developed big bags and sag under my eyes and it took a little while for everything to adjust. Remember--numbers are just numbers, they don't mean anything. It is how you feel that matters most. Oh--one more thing--I haven't had plastic yet, so I do not say this from experience, but many people have said that their surgeons did not remove much weight durning their plastics. Lots of time it is primarily skin. I think the people whose docs take lots of pounds off, usually either start much heavier so they have a large panni or are still overweight so more pounds are removed. Just what I have noticed from previous postings.

I had a goal of 155 (I'm 5'9") and was sure I was going to get there as I lost very consistently all the time I was losing--all 10 months. Then I came to a screeching halt and have been at 167 for over 2.5 years. In the months following that halt, I lost another dress size as my body figured out to distribute itself, and due to the affect of continuing to exercise. All of my medical advisors are also happy with my weight right where it is. But I wanted to be a size 10 or an 8, not because of any importance to that but as a goal. I did finally make it to a 10 and having a TT took my waist to an 8, but the hips will prevent size 8 pants from ever happening. Throughout my journey I've gotten underwater weighed about twice a year. It's thought to be the most accurate way to determine your true fat:lean body mass. At 183# I was already right where I should be given my age, height, gender, and bone structure. At 167# I'm a few points below that which is very good. But the best part is, I've been able to maintain this weight for a long time and I'm confident I can do it for the rest of my life. I'm healthy, perhaps a bit below "average size" for American women, and happy. I've come to accept and call this my goal weight. Just remember, it is so much more than a number on the scale or your clothing. It's the number of your cholesterol, blood sugar, heart rate, the number of years you may have added to your life, the number of years you'll enjoy life so much more, etc. that really count. Ann

Hi Marianne, Youve gotten a lot of good feedback on this post. I just wanted to reinterate what Lynda said. With my TT and Breast Lift/Reduction, I only had right at 4 pounds removed. I also agree with the part about being where you feel good and your body is comfortable. I lost down to 129 and now am back up to 145/149 and have been at this weight for almost a year. Hey, I said I would be happy if I got down to a size 14/16 and I am wearing 12s...Sooo...No Problems! Its All Good...LOL Dont cha just love all the good stuff you get from this board? Joyce