Normal

I did it.  I now have a BMI in the normal range!!!  24.9, but Normal it is!!!  The Paul Simon song, "Jubilation,  I'm normal again. (Really, She loves me again.)  I fall on the floor and I'm laughing" is running thru my head.  I am so happy...  This was a long time coming.  I haven't been a normal weight since I was in high school. 

I've been in maintenance for about a month, but I've been cheating by under-eating (what a new concept that is!) because I really wanted to hit "normal."  So now I need to shift into maintenance for real.

That scares the pants off of me!  I'm so fearful of regaining the weight.  I've often been successful at dieting, at least on the short-term. but I've never been successful at maintenance.  I always gain.

 
I did recently realize that maintenance is another form of the same diet, just with more calories.  Its not on-the-diet/off-the-diet anymore.  That helps a little. 

I'd love to hear tips and experiences with shifting to maintenance and what worked for you.

Thank you all for all the support thru this process. Its so good to have people around who understand.

best wishes to all of you on your weight loss journey.  If I could do it, you can too.

Carol

I just wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS!  I'm only at 8 months so far behind you...so no advice but I will be watching for yours.  I too could lose but would gain it back.  Man, do I feel good right now.  My energy is BACK!!!  My feet aren't KILLING me.  Oh happy day!  I am working on staying on plan, planning ahead, etc.  

Again, congrats!!

Thank you.  I love your good news that your energy is back and your foot pain is gone. this weight loss surgery really works!  Good job!

Carol

Congratulations!  I'm always happy to hear when someone that starts out as 50+ BMI gets to a normal BMI. It gives me the inspiration to keep going. Maybe an avatar update is in order?  :D

Jen

Thank you. 

Carol

Fantastic, Carol!   You truly are one of the poster children for VSG and how anyone at any weight can be successful with it!  

As for maintenance tips, I've only been at it 8 months.  I slowly started adding in some more carbs and healthy fats and a bit more protein.  I will eat a piece of fruit every other day or so (love summer peaches!) and I occasionally have a Wasa cracker with peanut butter.  At this point I can usually get in almost 4 oz. of dense protein.  I still do a shake in the morning and I still eat 5 times a day because of blood sugar issues.  

Here's to a happy maintenance!  

Hi Tracy,

thanks for your kind words.  This really has been an adventure.  Its almost like obesity was a bad dream from my distant past. 

best of luck with your maintenance journey!

Carol

Carol!!!!!So well done, you!  Just this week I'm celebrating my first year of successful maintenance...Tips?  Just, carry on doing what you are doing- be mindful of practicing those excellent habits and strategies you worked so diligently on during WLMode.   I am semi-sure of about two things at this point: 1.  it's stringing those good days together over time that got me to goal- and that is what is going to keep me at goal, and, 2.  things may change--and I need to have a attitude that allows me to tweak and and adjust.  If that means ---whatever the required behavior is--no more putting my head in the sand and ignoring...no more whining "unfair!" and "why can't I have (fill in the blank)...no more taking a vacation from mind fullness and responsibility.  I LOVE the train I'm on and hope to stay on track.  You've done just wonderfully--bowing down in your general direction today!  bonnie

Hi Bonnie, You've been an inspiration for me since I started this process.  I like the tips about "stringing the good days together over time.  - its just one day at a time until we have a lifetime of health! thank you for your kindness.

Carol

That is amazing!  Great job :)