Reached goal...what now? I feel lost a little and nervous.

Don't get me wrong....I'm thrilled to be at goal. I've spent the last 11 years educating myself and working to reach this point. I have every "how to lose" book, cookbook, excerise book, tapes, equipment, etc. You name it...I've read it or tried it. I had lapband 7 months ago. I'm now at goal and I'm not concerned about losing anymore weight. I'm going for overall health at this point. I've replaced a lot of my bad habits for good habits and life is good.  I feel like the changes Ihave made our "do able". Yesterday, I was informed that I would not need another fill since I've reached goal. I guess just making it offical that I moved into the next phase (goal) has me scared. Losing weight wasn't the underline issue for me....it was keeping it off. I feel like a baby bird that was kicked out of the nest. I'm nervous! Any advice? What is next?

I know how you're feeling/ I'm below my long time goal weight for the first time in my adult life. It's nerve wracking, and I totally understand the "what now?" feeling! I'd say keep making good decisions! And WOW! Isn't it awesome?!

Thank you for the kind words. I'm glad to see someone else has had these very feelings. There isn't a lot of talk about the "what now"...not that I have found or maybe I'm searching in all the wrong places. Thanks again for your reply. Congrats on your sucess!!! It is awesome!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!  Thats a huge achievement & you should be very proud of yourself. So now you ask - whats next.  You are absolutely right ("Losing weight wasn't the underline issue for me....it was keeping it off.") & its OK to be nervous b/c therein lies the battle - keeping it off.  I think being nervous makes you mindful & helps keep you focused.  I too felt "lost" when i got down to 165 & w/ everyone telling me yout too skinny, stop losing weight, etc. i guess i got lazy - i lost focus - i let it get to my head & started justifying this & that. I figured that "I was done" - that "I won the battle & now i can... i deserve to eat anything i want b/c know how to" Omg ive never heard such a bigger load of utter CRAP!  I soon start to gain a little weight... (thinking, NO PROBLEM - I still look good) & here I am, another 60 lbs later. Sure, i still look good - but its not where i want to be nor do i feel healthy.  So dont take it for granted. Stay focused & use that nervous feeling to your advantage.  If you havent already participated in any races/marathons/ centurys/ triantholons - I suggest finding out whats available in your area & sign up for them. I schedule my races out at the beginning of the year & set my training calendar to it. I may not hit every race - but i stay mindful of them & that keeps me going. check out teamintraining.com & activeday.com (or something like that) for event listings your area. Good luck!! Im proud of you :)

Thank you for the encouragement and the tips. I actually used to run 5ks before my 2nd child (when the pounds starting creeping up). I enjoyed it and it is something I would like to return to doing. You are right...I should turn my focus on goals of good habits. Good luck to you and thanks again!!!

Congratulations and you look beautiful!  I have to say, though, that I am surprised that a doctor would do the surgery on someone who had a "relatively" small amount of weight to lose.  I say that in quotations because I know that it is a relative matter for each individual.  It's just that I always thought there was a BMI or weight indication that needed to be met before a physician would consider someone a viable candidate. Again, congratulations, and enjoy!

You do not have to be moridly obese for the band. I met the BMI requirements for the band along with having horrible issues with heartburn and reflux. Everyone in my dad's family are tiny and very underweight. However, they have naturally high cholesterol, heart issues, and reflux. I was not lucky enough to get the "tiny gene" but felt I was getting the other and mixing that with being obese is a dangerous mix. My doctor felt is was wise to battle this weight issue before I had some real problems down the road. I don't regret it for a single second. It was by far the best thing I could have done for myself and for my family. Why wait until I'm moribly obese and have major health issues? I'm glad I tackled this demon while I can still enjoy my time with my two small children and my supportive husband of 15 yrs.

Congrats on your goal!  Now that you are there, balance your carb to protein ratio and get your BMR tested from a local gym in order to maintain your current weight. I am using a 15:7 Carb to Protein balance at every meal and for me, I am at goal and actually a couple of pounds under.  Good luck and congrats again!