nowatgoal

I've really tried to keep my calories up around 1000-1200 because of the added exercise I'm doing now and I want to keep my metabolism up. I know that my water intake has never been what it should be. That's definitely an area I know I could improve. I guess I'm just frustrated with 5 weeks of no movement towards my final goal when it seems like I'm trying to make such good eating and exercise choices. It feels like my body is done losing. Foxbins post was encouraging - I'll keep trying, in hopes that this is just a stall. Thanks for the feedback everyone!

Glad to hear you suggest this because I've been nibbling on some pecan nuts we got on my birthday weekend. I've been doing a lot of hiking (5 mile trail 2x/wk - and a 3 mile walk 2x/wk - with long hikes thrown in: We're doing another 11 mile hike this weekend.). That's good cardio, but maybe I need to do some weight/resistance training? Thank you! But, I'm not 140 yet. I'm 145 and would ultimately like to be about 135 for the wedding. So close. SO, what I'm gathering from you all is that you don't think that the body just stops when it gets to a certain point. It's a matter of my needing to make some changes and try additional things to try and shake things up. Change my diet and exercise routine...

This is encouraging to read! When you say "losing plan", are you referring to anything other than the standard: high protein, low carbs, exercise, water, etc.?

That's a good point and I actually have worked hard to get closer to the 1200 mark because of the added exercise. I still have a lot of restriction and have struggled from the beginning to get enough calories in.

I'm 5'7" - I'm thrilled with the fact that things are more toned but I'm not quite where I want to be for the wedding in two months. I could use that last 10 lbs. gone.

Its now been over 5 weeks of no loss on the scale. I have been exercising a lot and my calorie intake hasn't changed. I've been averaging about 1000-1200 a day. I have lost some in inches due to the added exercise, but it sure feels like the scale has been stalled a long time. I'm very close to what I think would be a good final goal weight for me. I'm 145 and would like to lose another 10 lbs. but can't seem to get this last little bit off. My wedding is April 29th and so I have a big incentive to get these last few pounds off. My question to the long timers is... How do you know if you're in a stall or if your body is just done losing and has decided this is where it's going to stay? Did your body just level off and that was it?

The transformation in you is UNBELIEVABLE!!! You are so incredibly gorgeous! I can see that you were beautiful to begin with, but NOW, O.M.G. you look so amazing! I bet it just feels so good to be able to let the beauty on the inside shine on the outside. I hope this means you are pursuing your acting dreams again!

Congratulations on your one year anniversary! You did a beautiful job putting your thoughts to words. I love how honest you are and also how you keep a healthy attitude about it. It's not a race and you are being kind to yourself by giving yourself permission to finish your journey when you are ready. You look amazing. We're all celebrating with you!

Now I really wish I had written a letter to my skinny self too! I love this! So well written and heart felt. I am excited for your skinny self to read it one day in the very near future. It goes by so fast. Congrats and good luck for a smooth surgery.

What an incredibly emotional and touching letter and I love the idea of writing it to yourself and opening it one year later. I remember having the same fear you did - This sudden and horrible fear right before surgery that something would go wrong and I wouldn't live through it. I kept saying, "If I just wake up and survive the surgery, I will be able to handle anything else that comes with this VSG journey." I loved the before and after pics too! You look amazing and I'm really happy for you! Congratulations!

I had to look this up, because I couldn't relate. Here are the stats for us mathematically backwards American's: started: 205 lbs. 5 feet ⅝ inch tall has lost: 81.5 lbs. Dr. Fatma - this is amazing progress! Congratulations!

Isn't it the best feeling to know that you'll never weigh in the 200's again?! Congratulations!

Lynda - that's fantastic! You're SO close, you tiny thing, you!

Darn it - all week long I've been 145 and then this morning (on my weigh in day for this challenge) it's 146. Well, I'm using 145 and hopefully that pound was just a Fluid fluke this morning. If not, and it sticks around, I'll let you know next week. SN: Slimming Sara SW: 149.6 GW: 140 CW: 145 lbs to lose: 5 Feb. 15: 149.6 Feb. 22: 146.2 -3.4 Feb. 29:145.0 -1.2 Mar. 07: Mar. 14: Mar. 21: Mar. 28: Apr. 04: Apr. 08 EASTER:

Oh my goodness, I can only imagine the emotional roller coaster this must be for you. I remember the anticipation of my surgery date and it was all I could think about. To have your surgery denied after all of the mental and physical preparation you have done must be heart breaking. I agree with those that have recommended an appeal. I think the suggestion to save yourself some work and borrow/rework one that's already been written in order for it to fit your situation is a good one because that might lesson some of the stress involved. Fight the good fight because you are worth it!

I enjoy a glass of wine sometimes and waited 3 months before trying it. At first it felt very harsh on my stomach so I only had a few sips. I also noticed that the tiniest amount went strait to my head and I was drinking it VERY slowly. I mean half a glass had me feeling loopy! At 6 months out, I can enjoy a glass every once in a while without it bothering my stomach. My tolerance is up but still at the point where one glass is enough for me so I don't drink more than that. Yes, it's empty calories, but I'm very close to goal and its an occasional treat.

You look SO pretty! I should have dolled myself up for my 6 mo. pics! You are looking amazing. Congratulations!

What a transformation! Doesn't it feel great to know you never have to carry those 70 lbs. again? Congratulations!

Oh my goodness, thank you for mentioning that because I almost made a video today. I had it all set up and then realized I was late for a doctors appointment. Now that you wrote what you did, I'm going to make one before the weekend is out! XO

Okay, that was cute!

I remember spending weeks just pouring over success stories and I couldn't wait until I could join them and be a "normal" weight! I lived and breathed this forum because I was so excited to be having the surgery. It's hard to believe in just 6 short months I might be an inspiration to others. WOW - thank you for telling me that!

Yesterday was my 6 mo. surgiversary date and, oh, how life has changed... At my highest weight I was 238 - I lost 33 lbs. before my pre-op diet, then 10 on pre-op diet, and now another 48 since surgery for a total of 91 pounds gone forever At 5'7, I'm just 5 lbs. from my personal goal of 140 I have gone from not wanting to get off the couch to regularly hiking 5 miles several days a week (and enjoying it!). I'm doing a 10 mile hike Sunday! I eat about 1000 calories a day and I'm fully satisfied with that amount of food Instead of a size 16-18 and 1x, I'm a size 4-6 pants and small tops I love to shop for clothes now I'm far more social and enjoy getting out and participating in life I feel so much better about myself It hasn't always been an easy journey, but I love my little sleeve of a stomach and the life it has helped me to create for myself!!! I'll post a before pic of me at my highest weight (238) and a few from this morning at 145. Sorry, was in a hurry and haven't done my hair yet, but wanted to post anyway.

I just love the pics! You DO look like you love working out! Isn't that the best? I was just thinking yesterday about how I enjoy exercising now and I think it's because I'm not trying to lug an extra 90 pounds around when I'm doing it. You look absolutely AMAZING! Congrats on your well deserved R&R time with hubby.

WOW - all those NSV's in only two months time! How amazing is that?! Congratulations! My 6 month surgiversary was yesterday and I was thinking of doing a quick NSV/update today too. I love reading other people's NSV posts. So happy for you.

Aww - thanks, Lynda! You've definitely done the same!