Vets: getting below 22 BMI, can it be done?

[NMJG 1,266]

Vets, I have a question for you. I really want to get down to 125 lbs. but I am wondering if that is an unrealistic goal. My weight loss has slowed way down and has almost stopped. I am still always under 1200 calories a day (usually under 1000) and walk a minimum of 60 minutes every day. I am currently at 140 lbs. I'm a size 6/8 and BMI is 22 according to the charts.

I saw my dr last week and he said he thought I could get that 15 lbs. off. However, the bariatric nurse said I might be able to get another 3-4 lbs. off but my body was pretty happy where it was and I wouldn't go lower than that. I am pretty happy with where I am at and I know the extra 15 lbs. are "vanity" pounds, but hey, if I've gone this far I might as well go all the way. The fat is all on my abdomen and upper thighs. I don't think it bothers anyone but me, but I'm the one who looks at it every day LOL.

I do plan for plastics next year. My dr said no plastics until I am 18 months out from surgery. I am currently 8 1/2 months out.

I am post menopause, but I am on HRT, which is supposed to help somewhat with metabolism and muscle tone. Your thoughts?

[LilMissDiva Irene 3,280]

@@NMJG Absolutely yes it can be done. Nothing wrong with vanity pounds imo I want to do the same thing. I wonder though if perhaps you can just keep doing what you're doing but add in an extra 30 minutes of workout time? That might help move things along. Make it something other than what you are used to doing, our bodies can become stagnant and resistant doing the same thing all the time.

You can probably try to lose 5 more and then see how you turn out with your skin removal. That will likely take off a few pounds on its own and perhaps an extra size or two. Good luck.

[NMJG 1,266]

thanks, Irene, I was thinking about that. Honestly, I hate exercise LOL, but I am very good about getting my walks in. I was thinking that adding in something different would help move things along. I'd really like to get my fat butt into the pool and swim laps (did that when I was younger), but I can't seem to motivate myself to actually do it. Maybe a spin class? There is a boot camp class I can take this summer, but I'm afraid!

[LilMissDiva Irene 3,280]

Ha! You're afraid? Of what my dear?? You had surgery and removed 85% of your stomach. You are no longer allowed to use the excuse of being afraid of anything.

[Sleeveless in seattle 208]

Use that 60 min you spend walking and kick it up a notch. Speed up, do hills, find a good video you can do, lift light weights. Unless you are already power walking or doing hills, it's not a lot of calorie burning even though it probably feels great and is certainly good for you.

[NMJG 1,266]

I agree, my walks are pretty sedate.

[MisforMimi 760]

Interval/HIIT training. Bust into a sprint. At 140, guess what? You wouldn't be the "big girl" in the spin class or the boot camp! So dont be scurred!!! LOL...

[NMJG 1,266]

uggh. just went to the gym at work and did 20 minutes at 110 heartrate on the stationary bike. Lordy, I hate exercise LOL.

I figure my BMR is around 1380. If I eat 1000 calories a day and do 300 calories of exercise a day, I *should* lose a pound a week, one would think.

I've heard that HIIT is a good way to go. Guess I'll sign up for boot camp (eeek). It doesn't start for another month, though.

[NothingUpMySleeve 244]

I have no advice but I have the same goal of 125. We can do it!

[Escape_Pod 358]

I'd say you could definitely lose those vanity pounds if you want to, but that's the question - how badly do you want to? If you're already pretty much "maintaining" at your current calorie intake and exercise level, you could adjust to get those pounds off, but if you increase your calories again once you meet goal, or decide you'd rather go back to your walks, those pounds will come right back again. It's a balance, and it's a matter of deciding what your priorities are, and what you want your life in maintenance to look like. To quote one of my favorite bloggers, it's about living the healthiest life you can ENJOY.

[NMJG 1,266]

So that's part of the problem, LOL, I often think I am just fine where I am at and I know I can maintain here pretty easily. It is the weight I was in my forties for years until I had a car accident that wiped out my exercise for a long time, and then took a desk job, and then menopause hit....yadayadayada.

But, I am motivated today, so I am going over to the gym and am doing a Protein shake day to realign myself. Been letting those carbs sneak up and if I can get them back under 20 daily, i think that will also get this loss going. Weighed this morning and still 140.

[BlondeBanshee 91]

You need to build muscle! Being post menopausal your losing muscle, add muscle and you won't care what the scale says! Your body fat % is already pretty low adding muscle is going to look amazing on you and it well happen quickly!