Goal weight insecurities

On the topic of goal weights, I have lost 80lbs in 5 months. With the loss of the weight I have gained normal hormonal levels for a 21 year old female. I'm a size 14 in jeans down from who knows what because I wore sweats for the last 2 years of my life. However, although Im off 4 of my medications for PCOS and weigh 203 lbs at 5'6" I'm still unhappy, and unconfident with myself. I don't see any signs of loose skin yet aside from weird soft fat underneath my arm pits..does anybody else have this? I hope to loose another 50lbs but I feel as if it will never happen...I feel like I won't ever look how a female of a normal weight looks. No back fat, cellulite etc..able to slide into clothing effortlessly. My question to you all is what are the chances of me dropping this weight and attaining a normal bmi. I know if i am not happy by then I will go back to counseling but at this point I'm so angry because I look a he'll of a lot closer to normal, but I feel so far from it still. Thanks for reading! -Nicole

Holy cow woman, you are only 5 months out.  You have plenty of time to lose the rest of the weight.  You are 21 years old and lost 80lbs in 5 months!  When I was 21 the weight flew off.  Keep doing what you are doing and you will be happy with the results.  Make sure you get in your protein and fluids and watch the refined carbs and I am sure you will continue to do great.

You are only 5 months out!  Like the poster just mentioned, you are not even close to done losing.

You are only 21 so your skin issues are going to be minimal compared to those of us in our 40, 50 and 60's.  

Try to focus on the health issues associated with WL, not just weight and how you look.  You might have loose skin, you might not be able to wear really low cut jeans because of tummy and excess skin issues, but you are going to be healthy and you will be thin.  

Even thin people have parts of their body they do not like, and there are cloths that don't look good or fit them right.  Just be glad you an wear size 14 jeans and that now you have a choice when you shop. Rather then picking a pair just because they fit, you are going to pick a pair because out of the 10 you tried on they look the best.  

 

Think maybe it would be a good idea to go to counseling now?

It sounds like you started about 280?  I was 270 when I had surgery.  My BMI is now about 23.  Sounds like you're losing a lot faster than I did, though.  I think at five months out, I'd only lost around 60 pounds or so.

Losing weight, even getting to your goal, does not automatically make you happy or self confident.  I recommend counseling now.

Girl, first off, you are YOUNG, so your loose skin will be minimal compared to us older folks! I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to be in a size 14 right now rather than these hideous size 28 jeans!!

I know it's easy to get caught up in the size ZERO mentality which most of us will never achieve. Try to be thankful for how fast you've already lost this weight and do NOT compare yourself to others, especially to women who have never been obese. Most of us will never look like them as in NO loose skin, no scars, etc. but we can do the best we can, choose the clothing that looks best on our body type and if you do end up with a little bit of loose skin and it bothers you, there is plastic surgery AND things like this: slimpressions.com/ for support garments. I'll be ordering some of this once I get down to a decent size.

So, like the others said, seek some counseling to help you deal with body image. You're not alone young lady, we are here, and there are SO many of us, so don't ever feel like it's only you. We all have our issues. Take care and CONGRATS on that huge weight loss in only 5 months!! That ROCKS!

Wynter

You are 5 months out, stop playing the negative tapes in your head, throw them out.  You'll slide into clothes effortlessly, there is no guarantee you won't have skin issues.  The good thing is you are so young your skin is more likely to bounce back some compared to us that were older when we had WLS.

hey, I just reaad the post from Lora about her friend who committed suicide and aprt of her issue was disappointment over the results of the WLS. I saw you read it too. but it made me think about your post. I do hope that you consider going for counseling now. Why wait until you feel worse? I wish you luck and a better self image.

I have to agree with Kelly,,,if your having problems with accepting an 80 lb weight loss as a happy achievement in just 5 months time,,well then i think counseling is well advised,,

I believe you can do it.  I read a post the other day where someone posted if we eat 1500 calories per day or less and exercise at least 30 minutes per day, we can lose weight.  I've done that in the past and have been very successful.  My problem was once I reached goal, I returned to my old eating habits.

A facebook friend of mine, a woman in her 60s who has always battled her weight,  recently lost 50 pounds on Atkins and has 10 more to lose.  She is not a bariatric patient.  For years we taught in the same high school, and I don't think there were any years when either she or I or both were dieting.

I sincerely believe if you want to lose the weight you can.  It is mathematical.  It may take a while, but if that is what you want for yourself you can do it. 

I f you don't believe in your heart you can accomplish the goal, then chances are you won't.  Surround yourself with stories, books, testimonies of those who have and who inspire you.

My surgeon recently asked me to appear in a video shoot with him for the hospital's weight management program.  This is the third publicity event I have been involved with regarding my surgeon and the center.  On the website  is the story of a man who lost from 600 pounds down to the low 200s, and he is NOT a bariatric patient.  He participated in their weight loss program.  He did not want surgery, and he has maintained his weight.  He lost around 400 pounds.  I was so humbled by his story, and he is inspiring.  Actually I felt I had little to offer, but mine was told regarding the benefits of bariatric surgery.

Take it one day at a time.  As hard as it may be, don't let others talk you out of  your goal.  You have the benefit of a younger body which will respond differently than someone my age as far as skin is concerned.  There is a forum on this site for patients your age.  I don't know how active it is, but if you haven't visited it yet, you might want to. 

You're only 5 months out. That's really early in the weight loss process. You are going to continue to lose, it's simply a function of surgery and you'll probably be surprised at how much you lose in the end. I think it's fabulous that you've come so far at this point! The only thing I can tell you is that your body responded quickly but it takes more time for your brain to come around. I still walk in stores and feel panic when I see the smaller sizes and am actually surprised when they fit! I gravitate toward the plus size section automatically and find that I can't wear any of them. Maybe it's time to head back to a counselor. They can help you find a way to regulate your mental body issues - start now before you continue down the path of beating yourself up. Good luck!