Is it all about some arbitrary number on the scale??

It's funny I never thought once about "Letting the body decide...".  It was not part of my 'plan'.  But I think I am good with that, I am very very pleased with how I look and feel here in the low 150's, especailly compared to how I felt at 155 lbs.

However, I felt even better when I was at my lowest of 142 lbs.  So I think I will let my body decide where it wants to be.  I have just been behaving, not dieting, not binging... just being...  in doing this, I think I will see where my body wants to be... if I lose more fine, if I don't fine...  it's all good from here.

If I diet I will lose faster, but I am not willing to do that.  I am just behaving, but going with the flow when:
-  we eat out
-  we want a treat
-  my time of the month
-  during stressful times

During those times I still try to make the best choice in that situation and have not thrown all caution to the wind in quite some time.

Funny story about your DL's.  Funny what we do eh?  I love how the Sheriff just chuckled, he is probably married or heard and seen it all before :)

Hugs to you my dear,

Cindy

Yep, the sheriff was married and I've known him for years.  Funny, his son became sheriff a few years ago, now his grandson is sheriff.  All in the family here in SW Iowa! 

Like you, I'm just doing what I'm doing.  Not dieting, not avoiding treats (but not on a daily basis).  I'm very comfortable with this way of eating and it doesn't feel like work. It just is.  I like that. 

 Cindy - it really sounds like this will work out the best for you long term. I mean the attitude, not necessarily the number.

it seems you are doing well if originally you couldn't imagine leting "your body" decide. as if you and your body were different things!!

I asked my Doctor what my goal weight should be. He told me that he doesn't really set goals. It's about getting to a weight that you are healthy. I agreed with that, but I pressured him to give me a goal. He said he would be happy if I got down to the Mid 200's. I said how about 220. He said that works. So I set my initial goal to 220.

Surprise...Surprise...When I got to 220 I still kept loosing. I asked my Doctor and Nut how to make it stop. As I was getting negative comments. My Doctor said you're body will know when to stop. When I reached 208 my body stabilized at that weight for a couple of months. Then I started to drop again. Got down to 198 my all time low. Then I shot back up to 205 for several weeks. Now I'm back down to 199.

I guess the point here is, I'm along for the ride. I believe what my doctor said. My body will know what's right for me. Hopefully I'll land soon.
 

So cool to hear how everyone decided, with or without the input from their surgeon and doctor.

I think the difference for me was that:
1.  My BMI only started of at 30.8, I am at a 'normal' BMI all the way up to 181 lbs.
2.  I did this for vanity and confidence reasons, I was healthy with no co-morbilities.  Except maybe high cholesterol and a sore hip.
3.  I always wanted to maintain at the lowest BMI for my height, but never could

How about you?  Would you still consider your original goal of 220 lbs?  Would you be happy there, now that you have experienced a lower weight?

It is so neat how you guys trust your body to decide.  I think from here on out, that is what I am going to do.  What will be, will be... within reason of course.

Thanks Mike,

Cindy

My Current BMI is 28.3 to get to the high end of the BMI I would have to loose another 20 pounds. I don't think that I would look healthy at that weight. Therefore I don't think I will ever get to a normal BMI. My body fat percentage is 16% so I'm happy with that number and that's what I use to convince myself (mentally) that a normal BMI is not going to happen.

I do like how I feel at 200 Vs. 220.

My Doctor does say that there is a potential to gain 15 to 20 pounds. So I feel that I have a cushion to swing back up to my original goal. But I don't want to do that.

What's on my mind lately...I do like how I feel although I don't like how I look. I feel that I have a scrawny look at times especially in the face. I'm trying to motivate myself to start strength training to build muscle and put back on some healthy weight.

Very interesting Mike...

My hubby is 6 ft tall and there is no way in the world he could lose down to a normal BMI, so I hear you.  He is VERY large boned.  In fact, to prove my point, I just got up and measured his wrist and my wrist, we are the same height...

Barry:  8 inches
Cindy:  6 inches

My hubby would look terrible at a normal BMI, and he would not want to even consider going that low.  He looks GREAT at your weight or as low as 195.  He has been there once before when we dieted, and my gosh he was so handsome.  My hubby is gorgeous and carries his weight VERY well.  Right now he is around 252 lbs... near his highest of 260, just reached last month.  We are working on it now...

Anyway, it is neat that you now prefer the lower weight of around 200 vs 220.  I get that.

Also, the scrawny face will fill in Mike, mine sure did.  I still have a very thin face, but I don't look too thin or sickly and for awhile there I was a bit worried I was so thin in the face, collar bones, back bone and chest...  too thin even for me...  but my weight has re-distributed and I am sure yours will also.

I too would love to start some strength training to tone up my body, and have any excess skin drape over my toned body as Brandi puts it.  I like the idea of the skin drapping us, it is a nice way to put it.

Thanks again Mike,

Cindhy

 
Three things happend to me at about the same time frame......

- At about 150lbs my weight loss came to a grinding halt......

- 31" waist Levis fit perfect....32" I need to weigh 165 (seems a big gap between 31's and 32's)

- Dr. Cirangle said "Stop" after about 5 goal revisions.

frisco

Interesting...

And it is pretty incredible the difference in the weight vs size of your jeans.

I know my jeans fit at 142 and at 155, same jeans...  so I know what you are talking about.  However, I needed a belt at 142 and no belt was necessary at 155

Cindy

My weight picked me.  I just stopped losing when I hit 135 about 5 months ago.  I'm not really where I want to be but I just can't seem to pull my head out to get these last 10 pounds off.  I beefed up my exercise but that hasn't helped.  I still try and focus on protein first but I'm not obsessive about the carbs.  If I want a little treat, I will have one.  I try not to make it a daily habit.  I do feel really good where I'm at.  I wear a size 6 pant and a medium top.  I'm 5'2 and will turn 46 in a couple months.  I still carry quite a bit of fat in my thighs and belly.  However, I would still like to get these last 10 pounds off.  Do you think it's too late for me?  I haven't lost any weight in 5 months.  Do you have any tips for me?