Question:
GOAL WEIGHT TACKLED NOW HEADED FOR IDEAL WEIGHT

OK I HAD RNY BYPASS ON DEC 4TH 2006 AND WEIGHED 340LBS AND NOW ITS SEP. 5TH 2007 AND IVE MET MY "REALISTIC" GOAL OF 200LBS (198LBS LAST FRI) AND NEXT I'M GONNA SHOOT FOR MY "IDEAL WEIGHT" ACCORDING TO THE DOCTORS CHART WHICH IS AROUND 180LBS AT 5'10". MY QUESTION IS WHAT CAN I DO TO ACCELARATE THIS LAST LIL BIT OF WEIGHTLOSS OR SHOULD I JUST STAY WITH WHAT IM DOING? IM LOSING ABOUT 2 LBS A WEEK NOW. IM JUST KINDA EXCITED ABOUT MAKING THE DOCTORS CHART. IF YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN. I HONESLTY THINK THE LAST TIME I MADE THE DOCTORS CHART I WAS 5 OR 6YRS...................ANY SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE HELPFULL. THANKS!    — JOHNNNYRAY (posted on September 5, 2007)

September 5, 2007
I would do what you've been doing. They say you slow down after 6 months; so 2lbs a week is awesome as far as I am considered. If you want to jump start - then do a liquid diet for a week or two. Keep up the walking, etc. Good luck and congrats on your weight loss!! So exciting.
   — jammerz

September 5, 2007
Good luck making the charts but don't kill yourself if you never do. I was very similar to you in size before and after surgery. According the charts and the BMI calculators online, I was supposed to be about 180 also. I really wanted to just make the 'normal' weight so I worked out like crazy and eat very little. I got down to 185 at my lowest and everyone thought I looked skeletal. As a former big guy, we have probably have about 10 lbs of extra skin plus much denser (heavy) bones so even being 20 over the charts are an accomplishment. After getting down to my low, I just try to maintain under 200 and look and feel good. At least I'm not being told I look anorexic! If you really want to loose a few, just continue working out and watching the snacks.
   — mrwolnik

September 5, 2007
I agree with the last poster--don't beat yourself up if you don't make it. I wanted to be in the normal range also and didn't make it. For my height I would have had to weigh 143--I got to 152 (after I had almost 20 pounds of skin removed) and also was told I looked SICK! After the 152 (my lowest) my body went up to 158 and maintained there until I got pregnant). We do have heavier bones that weigh more than the average person, so we can carry more weight. I wore the same size as my sister and she weighed 130 (go figure). The surgeon's office has a scale that measures body fat/water/muscle and my measurements were perfect. I was told that the BMI or height & weight chart are not for everyone and just make people set unrealistic goals. But I hope you make it to a healthy weight that works for you!!!
   — GAYLE CARMACK-LYONS

September 5, 2007
my suggestion is to keep doing what you have been doing -- and never ever ever compare yourself to anyone else -- all of the literature says that weight loss takes from 12 - 18 months -- you aren't even close yet -- so don't stress over it -- my husband is almost 16 months out and he still loses about a pound or two every couple of weeks -- he feels good so he doesn't worry about it -- i lost 10 lbs last months at 9 months out -- this month i'm not too sure -- but i'm at an ideal weight -- i never stressed over it -- i never pushed it -- because i knew i had 12 - 18 months and i wasn't trying for a world record -- i was just trying to feel better -=- good luck to you and the weight will come off if you keep doing what you are doing -- cuz something is working right!!
   — RCassety

September 5, 2007
PLEASE DONT GET ME WRONG, I FEEL GREAT NOW AND IF I DONT LOSE ANOTHER POUND I'LL BE PERFECTLY FINE WITH IT. IM JUST CLOSE TO SOMETHING I'VE NEVER SEEN AND WANT A TASTE IS ALL. THANKS FOR THE INPUT SO FAR!!
   — JOHNNNYRAY

September 6, 2007
You and I are very similar except in age, I'm 55. But I started where you did and now I am at 200. I feel great. My weight has stabalized, I believe it is possible to go lower, with increased athletics and monitoring foods we eat. ....the old fashioned way. You are young and going lower will work for you. Remarkably, I am in the nutrition field of healthcare, and I can tell you that 2 lbs a week is a great pace, maybe even a little fast, 1 lb a week is 52 lbs in a year! So, don't fret. Keep up the good work! Steve K 360/200 RNY 6/6/05
   — Steven K.

September 6, 2007
Congrats on your loss. I wouldnt worry so much as a Doctors Chart. I am 5'11 and was 450 lbs. I lost 200 in the first 12 monhts. Being 4yrs post op and have gained back 63lbs. I am back to the basics though. But I will be happy at my lowest which was 245 with this surgery. You stay at whatever weight makes you happy and healthy.
   — Penny (Brooks) Shaw

September 7, 2007
Johnny I want to applaud you for all the good work you have done on losing the weight. What I would suggest is what every you are doing i would keep on doing. Also don't get discourage at any time. You look back on the pounds you lost and remember to yourself hey I lost of this whats a few more pounds. Keep incouraging your self. I had lapband surgery June 29,2007 and I have lost 41 pounds and I just keep telling myself the lord gave me this chance for this surgery and I am going all for it. My insurance paid for it all and I am not going to give up on it. My weight was 280pds and now I am down to 235pds. and my doctor has not had to adjust my band. So I have the lost the weight on my own. well Ihope I answered your question Bobbie Jo
   — bobbie4066