When to start maintenance? And I have an Epi-gastric Hernia - Yikes.

Okay, I have to ask when and how do I know its time to start maintaining. First things first.  I had open DS Surgery on May 17, 2012 so I am just under 8 months out.  I am 5'5" tall and my surgery day weight was 206.  As of today I weigh 137 for a total loss of 69lbs!  Which is awesome.  My Dr's goal weight for me was 140 which put me at a normal BMI.  I am currently wearing a size 2-4 and really don't need to lose any more weight - even Dr commented on 1/3/13 no need to lose any more!  So my question is can I start maintenance?  (all labs are great getting in 80 to 100 grams protein each day)

I've read many of your posts that say lose as much as possible as there will be bounce back weight.  I also understand that the losing period after surgery is anywhere from a 12 to 18 months - so do I just let it ride and let my body stop? How do you know when you have stopped losing versus a stall?

Oh, one more question.  I have developed a epi-gastric hernia and my Dr will be repairing it this month.  He will do it open with assist with a plastic surgeon to do a little tummy lipo and a scar revision.  My DS scar healed very poorly and the scar is VERY ugly.  Has any one here had an open hernia repair, and how quickly did you recover?

Thanks for any feed back - I love stalking this board the information and suggestions are very helpful.

I had a hernia repair with my RNY and a little umbilical hernia repair but nothing like you are having.  hopefully it will be easy.

I wouldn't start maintainance quite yet.  If you start getting to the bottom end of normal BMI, you can think about it.  Expect to get "too thin" and have folks saying so but it does redistribute and you do gain some back.  I think my very lowest was 111 but I stayed in the 116 range for most of the time.  Now I have bounced up to 122-124 during the holidays and I am intent on getting it back under 120.  I think most folks will tell you to go as low as your body will.  Chances are, you won't stay there.  Bounce back is real.

Let it ride and let your body stop when it wants to...I got down to 121 for about 2 hours back in May 2012 (my surgery was Jan 2011) and am holding now at about 131/132. I would PREFER below 130 but I actually look pretty good at the weight I am at now.

Those who know you fat will tell you that you are too thin WAY before you actually get too thin. Go by your BMI, how your clothes fit, how you FEEL and how those who do not know you fat treat you. If THEY say you are skinny, maybe then. But let it ride!

Bounceback IS real.

That is good to know that you went all the way to 120 - LOL for a second and then bounced back.  Where I am now is where I would like to stay, so knowing that I will eventually gain, I will let it ride and see where I end up.

Thanks

My understanding is the hernia repair will drive you crazy because they'll want you to baby yourself and do nothing but lay on the couch for a couple of weeks or a little more. Do what they say and use the pain meds they give you. I hope the healing will be perfect this time and you can wear your bikinis with pride like I know some other LWs who had open DS do. : )

--gina