Help with maintaining now

Linda,

I had my surgery just a little before you, July 11, 2006 and I have the same thing...Gawd, don't lose any more (like I have a choice?) and Are you STILL losing weight?!?..Sometimes I also get that feeling like I shouldn't have lost so much when others have a hard time reaching goal but we are all definately different. I stuck to the program when I see several around me that have decided (?!) they've lost enough well before hitting their doctor's goal for them. They're trying to eat more and all the wrong things. I won't do that. I picked my doctor because I trusted him and I'm not about to begin to think I know better than he does about this..

I just tell them I'm not losing any more; I'm evening out and exercising more so I just look thinner. I carry it different than they do. I'm 5'5 and weigh 120 (119-122) but I look like I might be 100 pounds. My surgeon told me my goal was 125. I thought he was crazy and that my goal should have been 150 but I had no choice. My body chose 120 and I'm working to maintain that with the right balance of carbs and protein...I know there will be a bounce but I'll handle that mental eventuality when it happens. (cringe) Now it's mental. Good luck! We're all in this together.  Dawn

AMEN! Gosh Im glad I posted this message!  I thought I was alone with all of this!   We need to stick together! I fell into the trap and ate like a monster the last two days... not bad food but just more and it felt like crap :( Im totally back to normal today....  Please add me...and keep intouch ok? You look so good!! Hugs Linda

Thanks.

Hi Linda and welcome! I have to completely agree with Michelle! At first I was a deflated balloon and looked so thin, but then things filled in and rounded out and even at the same weight I look totally different at almost 3yrs out. Your body will find its set point on its own so don't try to eat more and feel sick to counteract it. I agree that for most there is a rebound gain after a few years~I've been fighting that tooth and nail and winning for the most part so far. I am 5 '9" and go anywhere from 150-159. I feel most comfortable around 153-155, but I do bounce around from time to time. A solid 150 is hard for me to maintain~I can get there but it takes alot of work and its hard to stay there for any great lenght of time. Anyway, Congratulations on your weightloss and I wish you continued success!!!!!!!!

Thank you for your thoughts and kind words.... Im so happy I posted!!! Now I dont feel so alone and weird for being happy I have lost so much and being able to talk about it! Im gonna carry on in a healthy way and go from there!! You are beautiful by the way!  Way to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hugs Linda

Thank You Linda!!! Please stick around here b/c its really a great place for advice, wisdom and friendship!!!!

Linda, I'm almost 15 months post-op and I've also lost a little bit more than I intended, but dang, I sure do like wearing size 4/6. I don't care about getting smaller, but I hope I can avoid that big rebound I keep hearing about. People tell me I looked better at about 145-155 pounds, and maybe that's where God will put me when it's all over, but I love it here in the 130's. I eat all day too, and I have friends that are several years post-op and do the same, and they've have had good success with maintenance. Of course, they try to eat the right things in small amounts. And I know how you feel about who you can talk to about this "problem" - nobody wants to hear you fuss about being too small. It's a problem most people would love to have.

Linda, congrats on your success.  I don't have allot of time right now to post but wanted to say continue eating as you have been, DON'T try to eat more to stop the weight or gain weight.  I'm sure your research showed you the majority of RNY patients do have some bounce back. I got way below goal at my 1 year follow up and then I stopped losing about 2 weeks later, no changes my body just decided it was done.   I had gained about 6 lbs back which I wanted to do, again not really changing my plan too much.  Then my life got extra busy with a job lay off, selling my house and moving, getting a new job a new home and the kids adjusted to a new school.  Lots of stress and bam I went back to my old friend (carbs) gained another 9 lbs.  I feel back in control right now by doing the 5DPT. Reality is for the majority of us a rebound of some weight.....so right now I recommend you be faithful to your plan and let things flow. Good Luck! 

This has been very interesting and heartening.  Thank you for your candor.  I am at the stage where people are asking, "Don't lose anymore!  You are so gaunt!"  This has helped me to wrap my head around this issue and just trust that my body will do the right thing.