Question:
How did you feel after reaching your goal?

A phrase comes to mind: "It's the journey, not the destination". It occurred to me that many of us that have undergone WLS are at times excited, anxious, encouraged, frustrated, proud and impatient. Some of the most joyous moments I've had in the last several years have revolved around my weight loss. In fact, I get joy from every pound I lose. I was wondering if those of you that have reached a weight you are comfortable with, miss those moments of suprise and happiness? Is there the feeling that "I'm done now", kinda like after you've opened all your Christmas presents - and although you may have gotten everything you ever wanted, you wish there was more to open? I'm not talking about disappointment, I'm mean 'honeymoon's over' and this new person is the new reality. In other words, I think after I've lost all my weight, I'm going to miss the journey, the whole process and experience of getting where I want to be - even if I ever attained supermodel status. Any thoughts on this?    — Allie B. (posted on February 16, 2001)

February 16, 2001
There's thrills & chills around every corner! New health goals attained. Then they are kept. The thrill of NOT going to the doctor. The thrill of continued good checkups when you DO go. The thrill of dragging out last year's shorts and having them fit. And then last year's sweaters, but now they're 3 yrs old, or more, and they still fit. And my jeans now get OLD from wear, not from being stretched out. I have never ever been able to wear the same clothes for 2 summers in a row, let alone 7! I thought like you once--where will I go for a high when there is no more wt to be lost? Who'd ever think that staying stable would be almost more fun than losing? Being the same weight was not even a fantasy I ever, ever imagined. Oh, and being healthy? A concept I could have never grasped 7 years ago.
   — vitalady

February 16, 2001
I consider myself "at goal" now. While my upcoming plastic surgeries will indubitably take off another 10-20 lbs of skin and while my surgeon says I will probably lose another 20 lbs of fat over the next year (statistically probably with the DS due to malabsorptive part of the surgery), I feel completely comfortable with my weight now. At at BMI of 26, I can do anything, have energy and can fit this butt into any seat or space -- nothing gets in my way any more. I can buy cheap clothing off the normal store rack and this part of the journey sometimes focuses on putting together a new wardrobe, shopping and being admired by friends and coworkers. While my reconstructive surgery has taken up my time in the past few months and will for another half year, I look forward to planning to do and learn to do activities that I couldn't do before. I'm going to return to horseback riding, snorkle, hike and vacation -- and not be afraid to try anything! That is the life we have in front of us now -- one that is not encumbered and restricted by a prison of fat. lap BPD/DS 10/99, minus 170 lbs
   — Jill L.

February 16, 2001
Well, I'm at goal, RNY 1/13/00, down 100 pounds, weigh 130, wear size 6. I sometimes have problems still will self image. I will look at myself and still see thunder thighs even though they aren't. You have to get used to seeing yourself at this weight. It's hard to explain. My weight has been stable for 1- 1/2 months now. I don't weigh myself everyday and I don't worry about the number on the scales, I did while I was losing. It was an obbession. I still have moments when I wonder if I'll gain the weight back. But it's wonderful when you can really "see" your new thin body in nice fitting clothes. You step into the world with a new feeling of self assurance. Health-wise, I've been off blood pressure meds for 6 months and my BP is 100/60, pulse dropped from the 80's down to the 60's. Cholesterol dropped from 220 to 170. No pain when jogging. I can move with freedom. Chronic foot pain is gone. Migraines have decresed in number and severity. I eat pretty much any food, just small amounts so I don't feel like I'm depriving myself of anything. I run/walk 3 miles a day and am starting weight training. Being at goal is a dream come true for me. It feels good to be active, alive, and feel great about oneself. Lou Ann
   — Lou Ann J.

February 16, 2001
You've posted a question that I've been struggling with for the last few months. I'm almost 10 months post-op and 106 lbs gone. I'm now 128 w/ a BMI of 25 and wearing a 4. "6" was my "goal" size, so you'd think I'd be estatic. I've worked very hard this year. I've been extremely religious about vitamins, working out and getting in all my water. Funny thing is, I still can't see myself the way others must. I still think "if I drop 5 more pounds..." Silly, I know. It's just that when I look in the mirror, I still see all that fat. I have no idea if that is ever going to change. I have no intention of losing more weight, but I'm having a very difficult time seeing the changes in the mirror. I know many people feel the same way I do, so I don't feel alone in this. I recently moved and just found a new support group. I'm hoping to get some help in working through these issues. Regardless, this is the best thing that I've ever done for myself. Good luck to all!
   — Maxine E.

February 17, 2001
Allie, what a great, thoughtprovoking question! I still have about 23 pounds to goal, and I have had to take a break from hard exercise due to hernia surgery, so I will probably stay at this weight for a while. My skin is snapping back slowly, so I don't know if plastic surgery is in my future, I am praying it isn't. I, too, wonder about the thrill being gone when I am "just" maintaining my weight. What will happen when I stop hearing the "WOWS" and "You look great"s. I am not sure. I know I am loving life and thinking about new challenges to use this body for (currently playing indoor soccer- in the process of going outdoors too, want to hike, jog in a race, rollerblade, jog on the beach in Florida-like Bo Derek in "10" next summer) those kinds of things. I am hoping experiencing those things will be my triumphs since the weightloss will be done. I also struggle thinking I am still large- I just put on size 8 jeans and they fit and it is almost surreal- like in a dream or I am watching someone else. That is a process that I enjoy- when a reality or insight hits me- like a beautiful surprise. I am learning to relish, enjoy, and celebrate it and let it make me feel good- couldn't do that before. Things like what size I can wear, fitting my arms all the way around my hubby when we hug, sitting with my kids in the same chair, running and not losing breath, scratching my own back- any spot!!!! Weird things to enjoy, and there are too many to list, but I think those realizations are going to last me a while! Thanks Allie, for a great question!
   — M B.

February 17, 2001
It's like opening new Christmas presents every day of the year, and each time they get better and better. Most of us were obese all our lives and excluded from the joys of every day living that most people take for granted. Now with the weight off, you can be anyone you want to be, and do anything you can imagine; like a caged bird that's finally been freed. I can now run 3 miles at a stretch (at a slow steady pace of only 6mph <grin>). I never dreamed of doing it when I was 360, let alone ever thinking I'd actually enjoy doing it 4 days a week. At 360, I couldn't even make it half way upstairs in my house without being out of breath and diaphoretic (dumpind sweat). I rock climb, spelunk (cave explore), and snorkle, as well as canoe and kayak. A better slogan than, "It's the journey, not the destination", is "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Just keep expanding your goals; from just getting out of bed, to making it to the end of the driveway, then around the block. Pretty soon you'll be leaping over tall buildings in a single bound.
   — blank first name B.

February 17, 2001
This really is a thought provoking question. I am pre-op, so for me this is just a guess. There are people who have been thin all their lives and have never felt the thrill of losing a pound with unbelievable enthusiasm. Surprisingly enough, they seem to be keeping themselves busy and entertained doing what I would consider more thrilling things, like traveling to various places and not feeling like they are out of place. Like walking into a room and just being considered the person instead of the fat person. I remember back when I didn't consider myself overweight, my main focus was my education and my career. I have a feeling that when I get to a point where I feel physically together again, I will just look for something else that thrills me, like working out to diminish the flab. There is always another goal to strive for. One that when you get a little closer to it, will thrill you just as much as losing a pound ever did. This is today's struggle. After WLS, there will be others.
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 23, 2003
You've expressed exactly how I feel. It's like opening a Christmas present every day and being excited.... in the end, all the boxes are opened... you got everything you wanted... but you still hope there's one hiding behind the tree.
   — Goldilauxx B.