Down 77 pounds and stalling

 Just some random thoughts on being down 77 pounds and stalling:

77pounds!!!

I can hardly believe I can type those words. The stall seems to be a part of the process after surgery, but I would so like to get to 140. That is the highest I can weigh and be in a normal BMI. My secret goal is 130.

I have finally realized that ALL my clothes have to go. Took another 12 items to the consignment store and put 20 or so aside for the clothing exchange at my support group. That is still unbelievable to me. By fall I need to buy a winter coat and raincoat. NOTHING FITS, YEAH!!!! I thought I could look chic in oversized clothes, but I just look sloppy.

The stall is reminding me that I am committed to a lifetime of different eating. Before when I stopped losing, I'd think, why bother? Now I think, what can I tweak to lose again? Very different attitude.

I do a double take when I catch a glimpse of me. Who is that "normal" sized person? I feel like I blend into any group, no longer the fattest in the room. Also I no longer eat my way through shyness. I went to a volunteer meeting Monday and didn't touch the candy and banana bread, when before I would sit as close to the basket as possible to eat tons of it.

Thanks for letting me share. This board helps me to feel connected to a WLS community. I know I am not alone.

I love your post!  Whenever I get frustrated by little weight loss, I think, "and where would you be right now.....???"....I know where I would be, gaining AGAIN! 

I relate to you as I can be an introvert at times yet find myself putting myself out there and NOT comforting with food.  Sometimes when I get upset, I go to the gym.  WOW!  I am traveling this week and have taken two long walks outside my hotel (no gym here)....this is NEVER something I wouldve done presurgery.  This is a time to make changes in our lives and help them stick.

I wish you the best of luck!

~~~Jennifer

p.s. I will need a new coat too!  :)

 Thanks, Jennifer, you are so encouraging. I still haven't gotten hooked on exercise, but I do it.

Congratulations on your 77 pounds!!!  Shopping has never been so much fun.  I just love to go and try on clothes now even if I don't buy anything....  I do find that smaller sizes are harder to find than 22W's were.
Good luck on your next 7 pounds.
LInda

 Thanks, Linda. I'm not sure smaller clothes are harder to find, but I am pickier now (because I can be!). The trying on is fun.

I think your attitude is great.   77 lbs is great.  and I bet the rest will come, just give it time.  I have certainly slowed down but am still losing.  How much, who knows.

I laugh when folks comment on buying new clothes.  I've gone from 22-24 to 8-10.  I've gone through so many sizes I lost track.  Not trying to be a fashion plate, just not a raggamuffin.  At this point it has been kind of nice to stay in the same clothes for a while.  Maybe new ones come winter.

 Thanks, Price. I am enjoying new stuff, it is so amazing to NEED so much. Not want, but need. I figure 7-17 pounds won't make much difference, so I can wear the new stuff from now on. It was losing the 77 that changed me for good.

Hi Wendy, I know what you mean about the clothes. I have given some away, others I have taken to the consignment shop, and when I put on something that I used to wear and it just hangs on me, I am still amazed. I will have to get a new coat, although, since I have been many sizes throughout the years, I do have a couple of size small jackets that I can wear, but they are a bit big. I think I am going to have get new bras-again. They are filling up with air.

The weight loss definitely slows down. In January, I lost 4 lbs. That was month 5. I lost more weight in February, but I had stepped up my exercise and my PCP had adjusted my thyroid medication. Month 7 (March), I lost 2 lbs, so the loss definitely slows down. Just look at where you were a month ago and even if the loss is only a lb, that is still a lb down.

To break a plateau, change up your exercise. Your body gets used to the same exercises and doesn't work as hard, so you don't burn as many calories. Maybe, it is time to have another session with a trainer, to come up with a new plan of action.  Are you eating enough? Not enough calories will affect your ability to let go of weight.

I'm amazed at the new me, too. I don't quite get it, but I feel so much better and healthier. I never want to go back to where I was last year at this time.

Just keep plugging away, and you will meet your goal. It is great practice for maintenance and ingraining your new healthy lifestyle.

Gail

 Thanks, Gail for the always good advice from you. I know I am not pushing myself enough. I really like Pilates, but I am still a novice and can't do all the moves. 

Isn't the new us fun? Always a new adventure getting used to our new bodies.