seriously considering changing goal weight at 14 months post-op

You say you've never logged calories, well maybe for the last 10lbs you need to.  From what I've seen most of the vets say the last 20lbs is a bear and they had to go extreme on their calories to get there and these were people who were already doing 600-800, so it may be time to switch up what you have been doing.  Good luck.

Thanks for the reply, edulu.  I hear what you're saying.  It's time to start counting.  I have no idea how on earth I could eat less calories though.  Plus it seems to me that once the weight is lost and one increases their calories, wont they gain?  IDK, so confusing and frustrating!

Jennifer

There is that but from what i understand once the weight is off maintaining allows more calories than losing, so if you were to say lessen your calories now by 100-200 and lose down to your required weight, then you could add in at 100cal increments and see what you can take.  Seems like the range of maintenance for most is anywhere from 1200-1800.  Also you may want to keep in mind that folks on maintenance talk about the 10lb cushion or spring back that may be experienced in the first year, so getting it off may be your best bet, since you may bounce back.  I know lots to consider.  But log your calories you may be surprised where you can cut without true pain.

One reason it CAN be confusing is because you won't know until you know...especially since you are in the HOME stretch =)

I second the idea of tracking your calories for a while to see where you really are.  I'm not even five months out yet, but I know that when I slack off on tracking, I put more stuff in my mouth than I think I do, even with VSG.  The girl that ate her way to 290 lbs still lives strong in me.  Unfortunately.

Also, maybe think about doing some metabolism testing to see how many calories you actually need to eat to lose weight vs. maintain.  I'm looking into these tests myself:
http://www.baselinefitness.com/Packages.htm

My last thought is to schedule a consult or two with a plastic surgeon and get their thoughts on how much extra skin weight you are carrying.  If you are fighting for five lbs that turn out to be skin that is not going to go away no matter what on its own, you could have more peace of mind in changing your goal weight.

I think the bottom line is to keep in mind what you are striving for...will another 10 lbs give you that?  Are you unhappy with your size (the actual dimensions of your body), or is it just the satisfaction of seeing a certain number?  I'm guessing that all of your exercising has really transformed your body - don't lose sight of that just based on what the scale is telling you.

Best wishes!

Thanks for the reply, sunnymicki.  Yes, I do believe it's time to start tracking calories.  I'd love to do the metabolism testing.  Will be looking into that for sure.  As far as plastics, yes I need that!  I could use a TT and my arms done.  But alas, I'm broke!  I have size 4's/6's in my closet that I want to wear by this summer.  Maybe unrealistic....

Jennifer