6 months out and "Normal"

 Well a lot has happened for me personally in the last few weeks.  We moved to Ft. Belvoir and I sorta just ate to not optimal standards for the last 3 weeks or so.  I kept myself in check and made the best decisions I could but with all the moving and on the go my choices weren't always the best.  I had a rough week where I gained 7lbs in August, and I was feeling horrible about my extra skin, which makes me bulge and look fluffy.  Well I stepped on the scale this morning for the first time in 2 weeks and this is what I saw:

 

Sorry it's so big, but if you can't see it it says I weigh 149.6 lbs, which puts me at a normal BMI for the first time since 2001.  Even in the Army I was technically overweight.  I reached my goal of being at a normal BMI by my 6 month surgiversary which would be the 19th of this month.  I'm not sure what my goal weight is from here.  Somewhere in the 130-140 range.  We'll see.

For those of you who haven't been following my story.  I started last Sep. at 270 lbs:

 
 

I went to lose weight down to 230 on March 19th for my surgery:
 

Eating a low carb (though not as low as some due to heavy exercise), and 600-800 calorie diet for the last 6 months.  Though I found as I got into the 150s the low carb just didn't cut it with my amount of exercise and I'm back to a more "normal" amount of carbs which I get from complex carbs.  Exercise is a HUGE part of my plan.  I ran my first 5k just 8 weeks after surgery, another in July (cutting my time by over 10 min.) and I am running the Army 10miler in October.  I'm now into the 10:min mile area and hoping to be sub 9 min miles by Feb.  I also bought a horse, teach riding lessons and work at a barn 3 days a week.  All possible because of my VSG.  Anyway what you guys really want is to know what I look like today, at a normal weight (the only thing normal about me).

 

 

So that's it!  I'm not done, but I sure am happy!

GREAT JOB!

 

I know how awesome that "Normal" number feels!  Its like your own personal miracle - and you deserve it!  Enjoy it!

 

How are you going to celebrate?  New Outfit?  Outing with the family?  You KNOW you MUST celebrate it!  Its a moral imperative.

 I think the horse I bought was a bit of an early celebration.  She's sucked up a fair bit of $!  But I'm going to wear a smile for a while!

My niece in Wisconsin is a rodeo rider - I know what you mean about the horse sucking up dollars - Its like a vacuum with no off switch LOL.

Enjoy!  and Congratulations again!

 

Is this your maintenance point or are you shooting to lose a bit more?

Hi Rob
I noticed you met your goal in 37 weeks.  Congratulations on your accomplishments.  Did you count calories and if you did were they gross calories before exercise or net after exercise?   I know everyone is different but I am struggling with the scale.  I was eating gross 800 calories a day and my Dr PA said no you need to eat net 800 calories a day?  I usually work out 30 min every am and burn about 200-250 calories.  Your advice would be greatly appreciated.

I ate less than 600 calories a day total.  Thats calories consumed not net of exercise.

Wow!  Thanks for your help!

You look AWESOME!

 Congratulations on doing a great job!! You have worked very, very hard and is shows. You look wonderful, healthy, and happy. The VSG is certainly a gift for a healthier life and more active lifestyle. You will reach any goal that you set for yourself.

What a fantastic inspiration you are!!! Thank you so much for posting. Keep up the awesome job and CONGRATULATIONS! You look fabulous!