How did you know? *mostly a question for vets*

So, I'm coming up on 2 years post op (in Jan). I'm a few pounds from goal, and I'm determined to get there. Its the number that i said I refused to go into matinence weighing more than. I know I can do it. I'm actually hoping to make it a little lower just to give myself a little buffer. My question is how did you know your body was where it wanted to be/you were done? These last few pounds are HARD, and I totally know that is normal and expected, but how did you know that you were at the end of your rope as far as it being 'doable' to lose more weight? 

I'm 5'8 and 171.  Size meduim 8/10. My goal is 164, but I'd really like to see myself make it into the 150's (Maybe 155?) for some cushion. How will I know if I'm pushing it or not?

Oh and FYI- For those who don't know. I'm almost 4 months post-partum. I fully believe I'd probably already be at goal had I not gotten pregnant, so newbies, don't be scared of the fact I'm almost 21months post op and not at goal. lol I wouldn't change anything for the world though.

I didn't know lol. If I had a do-over I would have gone 10 lbs under goal to give myself some leeway for bounceback.

No, I don't think you're pushing it at all.  I am also 5'8'' and weight 136.  I never would have thought I'd get this low.

To answer you other question, my body let me know when it was done.  It hit 129 for a few months, crept to 133 for quite awhile, and then settled at the 136, where it's been for probably about a year now.

I'd love to get that low?

I had the same kind of pattern too!  Although I am 5 feet even, I was 108 for the longest time, dropped off to 103, then bounced back up to 108, then between 110 - 112, now, finally, back down to 108.  I think that between 108 - 112 will be my range.  Which is fine with me!

I have been at this weight (+ or -) since May, 2010.  

I found that my weight increased when I became lax with the protein and upped the carbs.  I found I was upping the carbs because my psych wanted me to try going off my wellbutrin to see if my depression/anxiety had resolved itself.  

It took a couple of pounds for me to realize I was self-medicating with carbs and got back on my meds.  I feel much better and found I am much more compliant with the protein and don't crave the carbs at all, except for my TOM.

I have a friend that had RNY and is your height. After hitting a low of 140 lbs, she has been maintaining about 155 lbs, so it is possible that you will get even lower than 164, your goal. You are only 4 months post partum, so you might find that the weight might not be coming off as quickly. I know when I was pregnant with my son, it took me a little over a year to lose all the weight I had gained (and I gained about 100 lbs). You will get there, just hang in there. You have offered your support and I am offering mine. Best of luck to you.

keep your protein over 100g and your carbs around 30 and you should lose the rest, even if it is slow.

 Best "diet" I ever went on was nursing my firstborn.  She stripped the weight off me like no one's business.  Kept her on breastmilk almost exclusively for ten months.  That was 30 years ago and it was said at the time you could safely feed exclusively breastmilk for one year.

My boy came along - but he was a lazy nurser.  So it doesn't always work. 8)