thinking "outloud" on keyboard

ok, so how do you know when you are done loosing? What helps you make that decision? I had that magic number in my head before surgery of getting under 200, then I hoped to get to 150. Now I sit here at 160 and I can't get the scale to go any lower. I am somewhat content where I am at. I feel like I need that "goal" to keep me motivated, but then I think ok, so what will my goal be if I do get to 150. When do you stop. The DR is happy with my loss- 82% excess gone, he was hoping to get to 70-75%. I am feeling so mixed on this.
What helped you decide?

I think you have hit on a question we all face :  I started like you thinking if I see a number
under 200 when I get on the scale I would be satisfied -  My ideal weight according
to the charts is anywhere between 135-145.  Starting at such a high weight that
just seems unobtainable  -   I am roughly 35 Lbs. from the under 200 mark
and vow to get there by November 1.  That's the date the cruise to lose leaves and
while I would absolutely love to be around 175 Lbs.  I don't see that happening .
I am going to stick with my original goal of seeing anything under 200.

Darla,
   thanks for your input. It sure helps to know that I am not the only one questioning this. I just wish I knew what to do..... mmmmm a cruise, that sounds like fun.

If you can go in November here is the link for the cruise

http://www.rubycruises.com/CTL2009/Default.aspx

Kathy and I are going again and would love to get some others we know to go .

Darla, not sure if I could go in Nov. I am a teacher. BUT I sure can try.
If I go- would I need  room, or would I be able to get in with you girls.

Dianne, I struggle with this question too. From what I have been told, the weight charts are just a guide, not an absolute of where we should be. There are other factors such as build, age, and extra skin to take into consideration. Some don't even use the weight charts but focus on BMI instead. I think that too has factors. I know that part of me craves to fall into either a weight or BMI that has the word "normal" after it. However, my surgeon is not as worried about that. He says that I have already achieved (or I had as of my last appt with him) the maximum health benefit for doing this procedure. I will not add more years to my life by losing more, just the physical appearance difference. He also said to be careful about losing too much. If we go too far, we could start getting into a zone that actually is a detriment to our health.  So I have decided to try for some more, but recognize that my body may tell me when it is enough. How is that for a purely unscientific decision?! LOL

OOps sorry I didn't know you were a teacher.  There are cabins that can fit upto 4 people
in them >  Terri from Ruby cruises is going to send out snailmail brochures soon-
I will make sure you get one . 

Darla:

Could you have her send me a brochure also?
PO Box 573
Cambridge, MD  21613

Thanks!

Well I have a question for you first. When you eat during the day, do you eat less than you want to to continue losing or you just eat what feels right? I think that your body will tell you when you are done losing when you are eating a normal amount of food for you and you are not starving yourself or overeating. I think you should focus on how you feel about the amount of food you are eating. If you are already feeling happy with the amount then stick to it. If you continue to lose, then that is normal. But avoid restricting or overeating. I am not even close to my goal so I haven't had to make any decisions! lol

Nicole,
    honestly it just depends on the day. Some days I literally force myself to eat cause I am not hungry at all. Other days I have to make myself stop. I am working on finding foods with protein and bulk. I am very tired of chicken. LOL.