Question:
Has anyone tried to lose to much weight on purpose?

I've heard that it is quite possible/probibal that we will have a 15-20% weight gain after reaching goal. My goal for my height is around 129. I've been thinking of deliberately trying to get down to at least 115 and maybe as low as 100 pounds knowing that I probably will put on 20% more anyway and that would leave me at goal. Has anyone else tried this? As far as 100 lbs being to low for my health, my Mom was in the WACs during W.W.II and weighed 99 pounds. Her height was 5'2. I'm 5'3. She was healthy at that low weight. I'm afraid if I stop at goal (if I get there and it's looking good so far) and then add another 25 pounds I'll weigh around 160!. I didn't go through surgery to weight 160 or so for my short height. Yes I know it's better than 319, but weighed 123 in high school! I would be happy with 135 at the highest, but NO MORE than that. I'm tired of being ashamed at my weight especially since I never gained weight until I was 20. I know I'll probally get some pre op's saying, "I'd be happy with that", but when you are post op you understand. ;) Anyway has anyone tried to go lower with the idea you'll probally gain then end up "near" your goal weight? Thanks.    — Danmark (posted on August 28, 2001)

August 28, 2001
One thing you might try is focusing on body fat percentage instead of weight, too. I have built muscle along with losing fat, so that if I lose another 35 pounds I'll be at my absolute minimum goal of 130. At 5'1", that still puts me at a high weight on the charts, but I will have only 16% body fat! Any lower would NOT be healthy! www.zoneperfect.com has a body fat calculator online. You're already eating a high-protein diet and (hopefully!) walking. Add some resistance excercise (weights) and you will build that muscle! And you don't have to lift a lot. I started with 2 pound weights and worked out twice a week for ~45 minutes. The muscle will also help you keep the fat off by raising your metabolism. Next thing you know, you'll be looking like Antonio Banderas! ;) (He's a shorty, too!)
   — ctyst

August 28, 2001
Hello Daniel. I admire your resolve to eventually end up at a weight that is your "ideal weight". You seem to be very motivated, and I will be rooting for you every step of the way. However, please don't become fixated on "never weighing more than 135 lbs". If you let this become your sole criterion for "Success vs Failure", I fear for your frame of mind if you end up leveling off at 150 lbs. Don't get me wrong, I applaud your "goal" to lose 110% of your excess weight. I just feel it may be counter-productive to "demand" it. Good luck to you!! Kevin
   — meilankev

November 24, 2004
I gained weight about a year and a half out from surgery. Like Carney Wilson said "you can gain weight if you live on candy bars and soda pop." I went to drinking water and getting focused on protein. Today I put on a suit I had not worn since my lowest weight. The pants were about two inches too large! So refocus on protein, water intake, and increase activity. It works.
   — Thomas M.