Was happy,,,Now not so sure

[Guest guest]

Hello Friends,

I need a bit of feed back please.

When I started this journey I was 370. I have never had a goal

weight,ever. It was never a big deal to me. Almost all of you on the

board do.

I lost 175 pounds, which had me at 195. I was ok with that. I felt

losing 175 and maintaining is for almost 3 years was great! Well now

I'm not so sure. I went from a size 32 to a 16, I thought that was

huge, but most of you are like size 4-12's a size I'll never see

I have been having major major cramping (middle schmits)Like alot of

you were having (i loved that topiclast week I truly thought I was

the only one and going crazy!)

My doctor put me on some medication kinda like a birth control to

get my bleeding under control, well i have gained weight up to 208

in that last two weeks,she told me this could happen. I am still a

size 16,but am worried. I am in a lot of pain physically due to the

cramping.

I don't think I'll ever get under 195 which I was really ok with

but after reading how all of you are around 140-160 I'm staring to

think I'm not such a sucsess after all.

I am not the best eater,nor do I like to exercise. We do ride are

bikes a lot though as we love to do that.

Anyway I'm scared and am feeling like Im going to fail at this

surgery. My three year anniversary in on Jan 16,2006

Thank for listening

Shell (hows kinda blue today)

[Guest guest]

Hi Shell-

I think if you feel good and your healthy then where you are is ok, if your ponderng loosing more well then I guess you have to eat better and do the dreaded exercise( i feel the same way on that).............I am not a 4,6,8,10 or 12, i am at 179 and i wear large or xl sometimes med it depends on the clothes, pants i am just fitting into 14's.....................I am 5ft 5, I saw your weddding pictures and you looked gorgeous..............so what one person is doesnt mean it is what we have to be................. I am sorry about the medication and weight issue, sad to say but several medications can do that...................Dont feel blue, put on some good music and dont feel bad about it ! I think a lot of have goals we were asked to pick, or our doctors picked for us...............I was SSF like you, and Dr Gorrin told me i looked great...........I dont think all of us in here are at the sizes you think, we talk about wanting to get there but not all of us are

there....................

I really admire you a lot and i dont want you feeling blue, plus think how great it is that you just stopped smoking did you forget that ? Kudos to you

ColleenShell wrote:

Hello Friends,I need a bit of feed back please.When I started this journey I was 370. I have never had a goal weight,ever. It was never a big deal to me. Almost all of you on the board do.I lost 175 pounds, which had me at 195. I was ok with that. I felt losing 175 and maintaining is for almost 3 years was great! Well now I'm not so sure. I went from a size 32 to a 16, I thought that was huge, but most of you are like size 4-12's a size I'll never see :)I have been having major major cramping (middle schmits)Like alot of you were having (i loved that topiclast week I truly thought I was the only one and going crazy!)My doctor put me on some medication kinda like a birth control to get my bleeding under control, well i have gained weight up to 208in that last two weeks,she told me this could happen. I am still

a size 16,but am worried. I am in a lot of pain physically due to the cramping.I don't think I'll ever get under 195 which I was really ok with but after reading how all of you are around 140-160 I'm staring to think I'm not such a sucsess after all. I am not the best eater,nor do I like to exercise. We do ride are bikes a lot though as we love to do that.Anyway I'm scared and am feeling like Im going to fail at this surgery. My three year anniversary in on Jan 16,2006Thank for listeningShell (hows kinda blue today)

[Guest guest]

Shell --

You lost 175 pounds! How can that not be a success?!?!? The

statistics are that people lose between 50-80 percent of their

excess body weight. You did that! That's a huge success!! You're

more active now, you are happier, you've cut your dress size in

half. Wow! Wow! Wow! You've accomplished so much. Give yourself the

credit you deserve.

As far as gaining 10 pounds or so because of the new medicine you

are on, you can battle that (if you want to) after things medically

get under control and you are not in so much pain.

You've done a fabulous job Shell! You are a true inspiration to all

of us!

Tina

Dr. Baggs

5/24/05

330/294/235/160 someday

> Hello Friends,

>

> I need a bit of feed back please.

>

> When I started this journey I was 370. I have never had a goal

> weight,ever. It was never a big deal to me. Almost all of you on

the

> board do.

>

> I lost 175 pounds, which had me at 195. I was ok with that. I felt

> losing 175 and maintaining is for almost 3 years was great! Well

now

> I'm not so sure. I went from a size 32 to a 16, I thought that was

> huge, but most of you are like size 4-12's a size I'll never see

>

> I have been having major major cramping (middle schmits)Like alot

of

> you were having (i loved that topiclast week I truly thought I was

> the only one and going crazy!)

>

> My doctor put me on some medication kinda like a birth control to

> get my bleeding under control, well i have gained weight up to 208

> in that last two weeks,she told me this could happen. I am still a

> size 16,but am worried. I am in a lot of pain physically due to

the

> cramping.

>

> I don't think I'll ever get under 195 which I was really ok with

> but after reading how all of you are around 140-160 I'm staring to

> think I'm not such a sucsess after all.

>

> I am not the best eater,nor do I like to exercise. We do ride are

> bikes a lot though as we love to do that.

>

> Anyway I'm scared and am feeling like Im going to fail at this

> surgery. My three year anniversary in on Jan 16,2006

>

> Thank for listening

>

> Shell (hows kinda blue today)

[Guest guest]

Colleen,

Thanks, yes I did quit smoking huh? I kinda forgot that. I to wear a

large in shirts and I still have skirts for work that are a 14. I

went shoping yesterday and although I can shop just about anywear

now I went with a friend to lane bryant and they has so much cute

stuff I was trying on tons of stuff and even spent like $300!! $225

after using a coupon. Now granted I was fitting in to all the 14-

16's but I have not shoped there in like almost three years. I got

so much nice stuff anyway maybe thats why I'm blue lol. Two weeks

ago I was at macy's so its not like I HAVE to shop at LB

Shell

> Hello Friends,

>

> I need a bit of feed back please.

>

> When I started this journey I was 370. I have never had a goal

> weight,ever. It was never a big deal to me. Almost all of you on

the

> board do.

>

> I lost 175 pounds, which had me at 195. I was ok with that. I felt

> losing 175 and maintaining is for almost 3 years was great! Well

now

> I'm not so sure. I went from a size 32 to a 16, I thought that was

> huge, but most of you are like size 4-12's a size I'll never see

>

> I have been having major major cramping (middle schmits)Like alot

of

> you were having (i loved that topiclast week I truly thought I was

> the only one and going crazy!)

>

> My doctor put me on some medication kinda like a birth control to

> get my bleeding under control, well i have gained weight up to 208

> in that last two weeks,she told me this could happen. I am still a

> size 16,but am worried. I am in a lot of pain physically due to

the

> cramping.

>

> I don't think I'll ever get under 195 which I was really ok with

> but after reading how all of you are around 140-160 I'm staring to

> think I'm not such a sucsess after all.

>

> I am not the best eater,nor do I like to exercise. We do ride are

> bikes a lot though as we love to do that.

>

> Anyway I'm scared and am feeling like Im going to fail at this

> surgery. My three year anniversary in on Jan 16,2006

>

> Thank for listening

>

> Shell (hows kinda blue today)

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Tina!

I guess I

just want to weight less today

> > Hello Friends,

> >

> > I need a bit of feed back please.

> >

> > When I started this journey I was 370. I have never had a goal

> > weight,ever. It was never a big deal to me. Almost all of you on

> the

> > board do.

> >

> > I lost 175 pounds, which had me at 195. I was ok with that. I

felt

> > losing 175 and maintaining is for almost 3 years was great! Well

> now

> > I'm not so sure. I went from a size 32 to a 16, I thought that

was

> > huge, but most of you are like size 4-12's a size I'll never

see

> >

> > I have been having major major cramping (middle schmits)Like

alot

> of

> > you were having (i loved that topiclast week I truly thought I

was

> > the only one and going crazy!)

> >

> > My doctor put me on some medication kinda like a birth control

to

> > get my bleeding under control, well i have gained weight up to

208

> > in that last two weeks,she told me this could happen. I am still

a

> > size 16,but am worried. I am in a lot of pain physically due to

> the

> > cramping.

> >

> > I don't think I'll ever get under 195 which I was really ok

with

> > but after reading how all of you are around 140-160 I'm staring

to

> > think I'm not such a sucsess after all.

> >

> > I am not the best eater,nor do I like to exercise. We do ride

are

> > bikes a lot though as we love to do that.

> >

> > Anyway I'm scared and am feeling like Im going to fail at this

> > surgery. My three year anniversary in on Jan 16,2006

> >

> > Thank for listening

> >

> > Shell (hows kinda blue today)

[Guest guest]

Shell

I for one am going through this period too. Ive been very vocal about

my regain and the deep depression it has put me into. Im hovering

between 158-160..up from my lowest of 150. Im devastated, especially

since Im doing everything I can to lose it. There is no where else to

cut any calories and Im already exercising 6 days a week. Im also

going thru the cramping and major PMS stuff.

All I can say is what Robynn,Martha,Tim,Francisco, Pam, Eleanor,

, Laurie, Ramona and so many others have told me. Focus on what

you have accomplished. Relish in what you can do. Try journaling

again, either in a journal so you can record feelings or on something

like fitday.

Someone also told me a slight rebound weight is to be expected as you

reach where your body wants you to be. You sorta settle into your

weight.I dont know if that makes me any happier. I was 150, I want

135...but right now I'd give anything to just be 150 again.

Hang in there, as long as you know you are doing all you can, then

the rest is up to your body. Im trying to accept that. Its not a

rationalization because Im working my plan very hard....Im not giving

up on 150, but as long as I can honestly say Im eating right..then

Ive succeeded and you have too.

Big Huggled

> Hello Friends,

>

> I need a bit of feed back please.

>

> When I started this journey I was 370. I have never had a goal

> weight,ever. It was never a big deal to me. Almost all of you on

the

> board do.

>

> I lost 175 pounds, which had me at 195. I was ok with that. I felt

> losing 175 and maintaining is for almost 3 years was great! Well

now

> I'm not so sure. I went from a size 32 to a 16, I thought that was

> huge, but most of you are like size 4-12's a size I'll never see

>

> I have been having major major cramping (middle schmits)Like alot

of

> you were having (i loved that topiclast week I truly thought I was

> the only one and going crazy!)

>

> My doctor put me on some medication kinda like a birth control to

> get my bleeding under control, well i have gained weight up to 208

> in that last two weeks,she told me this could happen. I am still a

> size 16,but am worried. I am in a lot of pain physically due to the

> cramping.

>

> I don't think I'll ever get under 195 which I was really ok with

> but after reading how all of you are around 140-160 I'm staring to

> think I'm not such a sucsess after all.

>

> I am not the best eater,nor do I like to exercise. We do ride are

> bikes a lot though as we love to do that.

>

> Anyway I'm scared and am feeling like Im going to fail at this

> surgery. My three year anniversary in on Jan 16,2006

>

> Thank for listening

>

> Shell (hows kinda blue today)

[Guest guest]

I certainly understand that! I'd like to weigh less today too. My

weight loss has come to a screeching halt at 3 months out. I seem to

be STUCK right now.

Hang in there!

Tina

> > > Hello Friends,

> > >

> > > I need a bit of feed back please.

> > >

> > > When I started this journey I was 370. I have never had a goal

> > > weight,ever. It was never a big deal to me. Almost all of you

on

> > the

> > > board do.

> > >

> > > I lost 175 pounds, which had me at 195. I was ok with that. I

> felt

> > > losing 175 and maintaining is for almost 3 years was great!

Well

> > now

> > > I'm not so sure. I went from a size 32 to a 16, I thought that

> was

> > > huge, but most of you are like size 4-12's a size I'll never

> see

> > >

> > > I have been having major major cramping (middle schmits)Like

> alot

> > of

> > > you were having (i loved that topiclast week I truly thought I

> was

> > > the only one and going crazy!)

> > >

> > > My doctor put me on some medication kinda like a birth control

> to

> > > get my bleeding under control, well i have gained weight up to

> 208

> > > in that last two weeks,she told me this could happen. I am

still

> a

> > > size 16,but am worried. I am in a lot of pain physically due

to

> > the

> > > cramping.

> > >

> > > I don't think I'll ever get under 195 which I was really ok

> with

> > > but after reading how all of you are around 140-160 I'm

staring

> to

> > > think I'm not such a sucsess after all.

> > >

> > > I am not the best eater,nor do I like to exercise. We do ride

> are

> > > bikes a lot though as we love to do that.

> > >

> > > Anyway I'm scared and am feeling like Im going to fail at this

> > > surgery. My three year anniversary in on Jan 16,2006

> > >

> > > Thank for listening

> > >

> > > Shell (hows kinda blue today)

[Guest guest]

Shell...the thing is...you KNOW that you've lost an incredible amount of weight. You know that when yougo shopping and you buy the much smaller size. You know that when you fit into airplane seats comfortably. You know that when you catch unexpected glimpse of yourself in the mirror.

The real question is whether you are starting to be unhappy because you've gained weight...you've noticed others are a smaller size, and you are comparing yourself...or, and this is something only you can answer...maybe you are really ready to try and lose a little bit more.

The main thing is that you want to be healthy and happy and whole. You decide what that means for you, Shell. You are a gorgeous girl, and sizes are meaningless. You aren't exactly a short little thing, so you shouldn't expect to be an 8.

If you decide you are ready to lose more weight, then check out bariatricsupportcenter.com. They have some ideas for those of you who have been struggling and who have been out for a while.

Otherwise, take a deep breath, realize it's yourperiod...and wait it out.

You'll feel better in a few days!

RobynnShell wrote:

Thanks Tina! I guess Ijust want to weight less today > > Hello Friends,> > > > I need a bit of feed back please.> > > > When I started this journey I was 370. I have never had a goal > > weight,ever. It was never a big deal to me. Almost all of you on > the > > board do.> > > > I lost 175 pounds, which had me at 195. I was ok with that. I felt > > losing 175 and maintaining is for almost 3 years was great! Well > now > > I'm not so sure. I went from a size 32 to a 16, I thought that was > > huge, but most of you are like size 4-12's a size I'll never see > > > > I have been having major major cramping (middle

schmits)Like alot > of > > you were having (i loved that topiclast week I truly thought I was > > the only one and going crazy!)> > > > My doctor put me on some medication kinda like a birth control to > > get my bleeding under control, well i have gained weight up to 208> > in that last two weeks,she told me this could happen. I am still a > > size 16,but am worried. I am in a lot of pain physically due to > the > > cramping.> > > > I don't think I'll ever get under 195 which I was really ok with > > but after reading how all of you are around 140-160 I'm staring to > > think I'm not such a sucsess after all. > > > > I am not the best eater,nor do I like to exercise. We do ride are > > bikes a lot though as we love to do that.> > > > Anyway I'm scared and am

feeling like Im going to fail at this > > surgery. My three year anniversary in on Jan 16,2006> > > > Thank for listening> > > > Shell (hows kinda blue today)

[Guest guest]

Shell,

I'm just starting this journey - and I'm soooo happy to hear from

someone who doesn't have a goal weight, since that's where I'm at.

The lowest weight I can really remember being as an adult was 204, in

college, and I was healthy and VERY active at that point. My sister,

who's never had the problems I've had with weight and who is several

inches taller, has held steady at about 180 for a long time. My

mother's best long-term weight has generally been about 150. So in

spite of what charts, and insurance companies, and doctors may say

about my " ideal weight " , I doubt very much that I'll ever be where

they say. That's FINE - as long as I'm healthy, and able to do what I

want/need to do in my life, I'll be ecstatic!

So I guess I don't have any advice, just support for you where you're

at. Go, girl!

Cathy

> Hello Friends,

>

> I need a bit of feed back please.

>

> When I started this journey I was 370. I have never had a goal

> weight,ever. It was never a big deal to me. Almost all of you on

the

> board do.

>

> I lost 175 pounds, which had me at 195. I was ok with that. I felt

> losing 175 and maintaining is for almost 3 years was great! Well

now

> I'm not so sure. I went from a size 32 to a 16, I thought that was

> huge, but most of you are like size 4-12's a size I'll never see

>

> I have been having major major cramping (middle schmits)Like alot

of

> you were having (i loved that topiclast week I truly thought I was

> the only one and going crazy!)

>

> My doctor put me on some medication kinda like a birth control to

> get my bleeding under control, well i have gained weight up to 208

> in that last two weeks,she told me this could happen. I am still a

> size 16,but am worried. I am in a lot of pain physically due to the

> cramping.

>

> I don't think I'll ever get under 195 which I was really ok with

> but after reading how all of you are around 140-160 I'm staring to

> think I'm not such a sucsess after all.

>

> I am not the best eater,nor do I like to exercise. We do ride are

> bikes a lot though as we love to do that.

>

> Anyway I'm scared and am feeling like Im going to fail at this

> surgery. My three year anniversary in on Jan 16,2006

>

> Thank for listening

>

> Shell (hows kinda blue today)

[Guest guest]

Cathy,

Thanks so much for your support. I'm not sure if not having a goal

weight is good or bad. I am very healthy now but really loved what

Martha wrote (thanks Martha)

The one thing I can say for sure is this:

This surgery for sure has a honeymoon period for me it was about 2

1/2 years, longer then some I've heard. Weight just dropped off me

like magic. Now I am like anyone else. I must must must work at it

everyday. This surgery is only a tool out of a large tool box of all

the other stuff we have learn. Its hard ,its tuff.I now need to lose

10 pounds and although 10 pounds is much less then 175 its still

tuff.

I love that your all here. I started this group for very selfish

reasons, I needed someone to talk to who knew were I was coming

from. The growth of this group is amazing to me. You all thank me

for starting this group ,but truly it is ALL of you who have blessed

me.

You all mean so much to me!

Shell

> > Hello Friends,

> >

> > I need a bit of feed back please.

> >

> > When I started this journey I was 370. I have never had a goal

> > weight,ever. It was never a big deal to me. Almost all of you on

> the

> > board do.

> >

> > I lost 175 pounds, which had me at 195. I was ok with that. I

felt

> > losing 175 and maintaining is for almost 3 years was great! Well

> now

> > I'm not so sure. I went from a size 32 to a 16, I thought that

was

> > huge, but most of you are like size 4-12's a size I'll never

see

> >

> > I have been having major major cramping (middle schmits)Like

alot

> of

> > you were having (i loved that topiclast week I truly thought I

was

> > the only one and going crazy!)

> >

> > My doctor put me on some medication kinda like a birth control

to

> > get my bleeding under control, well i have gained weight up to

208

> > in that last two weeks,she told me this could happen. I am still

a

> > size 16,but am worried. I am in a lot of pain physically due to

the

> > cramping.

> >

> > I don't think I'll ever get under 195 which I was really ok

with

> > but after reading how all of you are around 140-160 I'm staring

to

> > think I'm not such a sucsess after all.

> >

> > I am not the best eater,nor do I like to exercise. We do ride

are

> > bikes a lot though as we love to do that.

> >

> > Anyway I'm scared and am feeling like Im going to fail at this

> > surgery. My three year anniversary in on Jan 16,2006

> >

> > Thank for listening

> >

> > Shell (hows kinda blue today)

[Guest guest]

Shell,

I started at 387 pounds (I am 5' 7 " tall). The counselor at the

Kaiser Permanente Northwest asked me what my weight loss goals were.

I told her I would be satisfied with losing 130-140 pounds and

weighing 250 pounds.

She said that was a realistic goal. I told her I based that on what I

thought I would be able to maintain after the weight loss and

honeymoon period. If I lost more than that, great! I did this

surgery for the physical/functional benefits. I have not been

disappointed. I have tons of energy, flexibility and I am literally

600 percent more active than I was 18 months ago. Am I happy? You

are darn tootin'! Am I happy for someone who has lost more weight?

Yes, I am!

People are different and their journey down the weight loss road we

have taken will happen at different speeds and have different

destinations. Please be happy.

Regards

ette

RNY 1/22/2004 Kaiser NW

Start 387/Goal 250/Current 242/New wt goal:?/ Personal Goal: Portland

to Coast walk 2006.

[Guest guest]

Just my two cents...feel free to disregard. Cathy, I've been reading a lot lately about the successful habits of those WLS patients who actually "make it" to a normal, healthy weight...and who keep it off.

All of them have a goal weight in mind. Otherwise, it's very easy to think, "I've come far enough...this must be my natural set point" and other similar thoughts when the weightloss slows down to a crawl.

And that very well may be true. But, it may be equally true that little tiny, miniscule habits are starting to get in the way of your progress. For example, 5 almonds a day are nearly 100 calories. Not a big deal, but if you simply add those nuts every day for a snack, you are talking about an extra pound a month. Not a big deal, but after a year it's about 10.5 lbs, and in 5 years, you are talking 55 lbs. of extra weight. All because of a mere 100 calories extra each day. That's not a lot of wiggle room.

So, i think it is easy to delude ourselves. To think that "Well, I've always been a big girl, I'll always be a big girl. It's just the way it is." If you read the before/after stories on obesityhelp.com, frequently the individual will start out thinking that they want to be a size 12...and they wind up down at size 6 or 4...something they NEVER thought would be possible. These are people who remain flexible and vigilent...so that when they get to a certain weight, they think, "I CAN do this."

For example, although I believe I've been as low as 138 at this height, I do not recall ever wearing smaller than a size 10 dress..and I think size 11 pants. Yet, right now, at 187, I am wearing size 12 jeans. At the beginning of this journey (at 261 and then 235 at time of surgery), I thought I'd like to get down to 160. The doctor suggested 145 as a conservative, moderate goal. Looking at the BMI chart for my height, I could get as low as 112 before being underweight. So, now I'm thinking, "Shoot..maybe somewhere between 125 and 135", why not?

The point is...I've never been entirely happy with my body and completely chub free. And so it is easy to limit my thinking, you know, "Well, realistically, I'm likely to only get to 160". I mean...why limit myself in that way? Why not shoot for the moon? Why not? What is stopping me from being 130?

The only thing stopping me is my own doubts about my ability to get there.

If I think about my academic life...I was the first one to get a degree in my family. I could have settled for a 2 year degree. That would have been a higher level than anyone in my family (at that time) had ever achieved. And then I could have stopped at my 4 year degree. After all, that's good enough. It could get me a job, good job. It was enough.

In fact, I was a social worker for a couple of years, and people always told me that I should just accept that...live out my life as a social worker, and give up my dream of going to law school. And I made a decent wage. My life was good and comfortable.

But, I had a dream. I wanted to be a lawyer. And so, I gave up the security of a good and comfortable life...I left behind a fiance...and I ventured off to another state to study law. I could have stayed here, and gone to a number of schools. But, i had the opportunity to go to one of the best schools in the country, and I took it. Even though it meant deviating from my life. Shaking things up.

And yes, my relationship ended. And yes, law school was tough, and I incurred debt. But, it was the best three years of my life. And the best decision I've made (other than this surgery). I met incredible people. i was challenged. And I have had doors open to me like I never imagined. i have travelled the world, partly because the individuals to whom I am now exposed are adventurous, and they do things like that...and I decided that I could do it, too.

The point is...I made a plan. Semester by semester, I stuck to that plan. I took a 3 year deviation from the path (when I was a social worker), and I almost stayed completely stalled because of it. But, I mustered up the courage and I changed my life. And I've never ever regretted it.

I dared to dream, and I made a plan, and I went far, far, far beyond the expectations that my family had for me, or that I had for myself. Everyone would have been just fine had I decided to stop short of the law dream.

You may find that you are satisfied at 200 lbs. That may work for you. I have no idea how tall you are...or if that weight is actually a normal, healthy weight for your height. Yes, we have been carting around a lot of fat that has built up heavy bones and muscle over the years. But, the reality is that you lose some muscle mass when you lose this weight. Even if you are working out religiously.

So...why not make a goal for yourself that falls within the "normal" weight category? Sure, you can stick towards the higher end of that category...you don't need to be a skinny model. But why settle for something less than optimal health...particularly when you are starting out on this journey?

My view: if you lose 175 lbs, that's phenomenal, that's wonderful...that's a success (using Shell's numbers here). If you never quite make it to that goal weight, you know...maybe the goal was unrealistic. But here's the thing...if you never set a goal...one that is within the range of normal...how will you know whether you are just permitting bad habits to impede you from reaching your full potential? How will you know whether you are being your own barrier?

It is not unreasonable or unattainable to think that you can properlly use this tool to get to a weight where you are considered to be healthy. Some people feel more comfortable at the heavier end of that category, others in the middle...still others at the end. I think the range for my height is 112-156. That's quite a range. That's 44 lbs, within which range I can be considered healthy. So, why not shoot for that range?

Just my two cents. Those that fail to plan, plan to fail. All great athletes will tell you that visualizing an ultimate goal is what helps them to realize it. All great politicians and business leaders will tell you the same. You need to have a destination on your journey...but you can take side trips along the way...and you can change your mind about that ultimate destination if you find you are completely enamoured with one of your sidetrip location.

Just don't sell yourself short. Dream big. Imagine the best outcome...and go for it. Why not? Why not???? If you wind up weighing more than your original goal because that's just how you are...well, take full credit for what you've done, and learn to be flexible enough to feel like a winner regardless whether you were able to obtain your original goal. Just be careful not to delude yourself into thinking, "this is good enough" if the reality is that you are sabotauging your own chance at meeting the goals.

RobynnCathy wrote:

Shell,I'm just starting this journey - and I'm soooo happy to hear from someone who doesn't have a goal weight, since that's where I'm at. The lowest weight I can really remember being as an adult was 204, in college, and I was healthy and VERY active at that point. My sister, who's never had the problems I've had with weight and who is several inches taller, has held steady at about 180 for a long time. My mother's best long-term weight has generally been about 150. So in spite of what charts, and insurance companies, and doctors may say about my "ideal weight", I doubt very much that I'll ever be where they say. That's FINE - as long as I'm healthy, and able to do what I want/need to do in my life, I'll be ecstatic!So I guess I don't have any advice, just support for you where you're at. Go,

girl!Cathy> Hello Friends,> > I need a bit of feed back please.> > When I started this journey I was 370. I have never had a goal > weight,ever. It was never a big deal to me. Almost all of you on the > board do.> > I lost 175 pounds, which had me at 195. I was ok with that. I felt > losing 175 and maintaining is for almost 3 years was great! Well now > I'm not so sure. I went from a size 32 to a 16, I thought that was > huge, but most of you are like size 4-12's a size I'll never see > > I have been having major major cramping (middle schmits)Like alot of > you were having (i loved that topiclast week I truly thought I was > the only one and going crazy!)> > My doctor put me on some medication kinda like a birth control to

> get my bleeding under control, well i have gained weight up to 208> in that last two weeks,she told me this could happen. I am still a > size 16,but am worried. I am in a lot of pain physically due to the > cramping.> > I don't think I'll ever get under 195 which I was really ok with > but after reading how all of you are around 140-160 I'm staring to > think I'm not such a sucsess after all. > > I am not the best eater,nor do I like to exercise. We do ride are > bikes a lot though as we love to do that.> > Anyway I'm scared and am feeling like Im going to fail at this > surgery. My three year anniversary in on Jan 16,2006> > Thank for listening> > Shell (hows kinda blue today)

[Guest guest]

how tall are you not everyone can be a size 4 and if you are tall then you would be too skonny at a size 4 or even a 12 or 14 every bone structure is different also .. you have lost almost half of yourself and you should be very very happy with yourself on that alone just keep it off and maybe later more will come off or maybe you just need to firm up who knows

shirley of fontana wo calShell wrote:

Hello Friends,I need a bit of feed back please.When I started this journey I was 370. I have never had a goal weight,ever. It was never a big deal to me. Almost all of you on the board do.I lost 175 pounds, which had me at 195. I was ok with that. I felt losing 175 and maintaining is for almost 3 years was great! Well now I'm not so sure. I went from a size 32 to a 16, I thought that was huge, but most of you are like size 4-12's a size I'll never see :)I have been having major major cramping (middle schmits)Like alot of you were having (i loved that topiclast week I truly thought I was the only one and going crazy!)My doctor put me on some medication kinda like a birth control to get my bleeding under control, well i have gained weight up to 208in that last two weeks,she told me this could happen. I am

still a size 16,but am worried. I am in a lot of pain physically due to the cramping.I don't think I'll ever get under 195 which I was really ok with but after reading how all of you are around 140-160 I'm staring to think I'm not such a sucsess after all. I am not the best eater,nor do I like to exercise. We do ride are bikes a lot though as we love to do that.Anyway I'm scared and am feeling like Im going to fail at this surgery. My three year anniversary in on Jan 16,2006Thank for listeningShell (hows kinda blue today)