Well, here it is...

The last 15 pounds! I never in a million years thought I would be able to say "I am 15 pounds from  my goal". I almost don't want to utter the words for fear that I will jinx it and go back to being 308 pounds. I am now one year postop and have lost 153 pounds and 20 sizes! My labs are perfect and I am exercising at least 3 to 4 times per week, usually running or cardio. I am 5'4", just a shade under 5'5", and doctor's goal for me is 140 and was mutually set. He feels that I will end up even less than that and will probably end up at 125 when I stabilize and settle into maintenance. However, he did say at my last appointment if I never lost another pound I would be just fine at this weight (155). I have new pics on my profile that were taken for my surgeon to show at his seminars. I am so thankful for all of the support I have received from all of you! Now, I need just a few more suggestions on how to banish these last 15 pounds...of course, now the weight comes off a lot more slowly and hunger has returned, so I am very vigilant about snacking and boredom eating (an issue with me preop). I have had some issues with blood sugar bottoming out, particularly at nighttime. I am still getting around 100 grams of protein per day, and trying to keep the carbs at 100-120. I know I need to start weight training more as well. Do any of you have any other suggestions for losing these last pounds? or things I should be aware of or consider? Thanks, everybody, for all of the support. I am much more of a lurker than an active participant, but i have learned so much from all of you! Big hugs! Dawn

Hi Dawn-- Congrats on getting where you are! You are right about the weight training. Building that lean muscle is key, especially after all you have lost. Should help in getting to the goal you have! On your cardio, are you doing that in a gym or at home? You really should meet with a trainer to set up a weight training plan instead of trying to craft that one yourself. There are so many ways to go here and it depends on your goal. I am a long-ago former athlete, so I am trying to keep a fair amount of the muscular upper body (minus the gut), so I have tailored my lifting accordingly. You clearly are looking just to build the lean mass below to burn the last of the fat. Glad you came out of lurkerdom! Welcome to the pool! Blair

Hi Blair - just sent you a PM! I am doing my cardio in a gym right now even though I do have a treadmill and weight set at home. I generally go four times a week and two days I do 40 minutes of elliptical and on the other 2 days I run at around 5 MPH for 40 minutes. It skeers me to think of trying to devise my own program (with my luck I'd injure myself!!!), so I am going to take your suggestion and meet up with a trainer at the Y where I go. It is pretty cheap there at the Y compared with other gyms around here. I do think building the lean mass is the key like you said, because when I look at myself I think "gosh, where's the 15 pounds going to come from?" I can see all these bones sticking out everywhere for once in my life, so indeed it is probably the key to toning up and looking better.

Congrats, GF!  That is just wonderful!!  I do understand those moments when you get where you never thought you'd be again.  *I* never thought I'd be under 400 pounds again, let alone under 200 pounds!  I am now in the mid-180's and it freaks me out! 

Congratulations Dawn! Awesome feeling isn't it? You made it! It is hard once you get near because you are so afraid of failing - but don't forget to count in all the extra skin. When I had my lower body lift I lost 12 lbs just in skin!   Good luck with the rest! Jackie

Great work, Dawn. I looked at your profile - you have come so far and are really doing well. Joe

Hi Dawn!  You are looking FABULOUS DAHLING.   I agree with Blair and the weight training with a personal training.  I have started that last month here at ACAC and can already tell a difference.   See you next Saturday!

OH MY GOODNESS!!!!! I cant believe it!!!! I was reading your post, I dont know why, but I could not remember who you were. I did not recognize your avitar, so I went into your profile to look at your pics...and oh my goodness!!!! It is you Dawn!!!! I cant believe how different you look! You look amazing. I havn't been to a FFP meeting is quite a while, and so I have not kept up with everyone like I should. Girl...you are doing fantastic, you will get the last few pounds off, keep up the great work and they will fall off. I have been trying to loose the last 15-20 pounds for the last 6 months. I cant seem to shed them.... maybe the extra carbs in my diet might be the cause???? I will not be able to come to this months FFP meeting, but I hope to make it to Aprils.... Tootles Cath

WOW !!!! VaaaaVoooommm girl I am so darn proud of you and how far you have came..... You are  beautiful and of course you always have been, but I remember our first visit. You just shine sweetie Great job you are a success for sure.

WOW!! Your loss has been amazing!  Congratulations on all your hard work!!!  Have fun with your new personal trainer :)