MichiganChic

50

I have always carried most of my weight in my hips and thighs. I don't think any amount of exercise will do anything about those fat deposits. My thighs were HID-EE-US. I had it all cut off. In December I had a vertical thigh lift, and while they are far from perfect, they are a million times better. It's amazing how much freer I feel without all that hanging, dripping, wobbling and generally disgusting and miserable fat on my thighs. Once they are healed, I'm going to try to build some muscle, and at least now I have a chance of improving them some. Look at some pictures on real self - you'll see plenty of issues, probably worse than yours.

Sorry they treated you like that. I think you are doing great. You don't give your age or height, or goal, but all those things play a part, and you have lost a significant amount of weight. What did they say your excess loss percentage is? What numbers are they using to calculate it? I could understand concern if you were not compliant, but since you are, there is nothing left to do. Even if you do not represent the average pounds lost, could you do anything different? I doubt it. Just keep doing the things you are doing, and your loss will continue. I do think you should plan to back, just request different people. I have kept detailed, daily records of my weight since my sleeve. At 26 weeks, I had lost 51% of my excess weight, so in answer to your question, it is reasonable. I was 306 when I started and 225 at 26 weeks post op. I am now around 90-95% of EWL, or even 100% depending on what you say the goal is. My point is that it's easy to lie with statistics. If they are basing it on a very low goal, your current % is going to be low. My docs office used the stats as guidelines, but treated me as an individual. My 26 year old daughter had the sleeve 4 months ago, and she's lost around 60% or more already. But she's young and I think that makes a difference. I know people who lose much slower. It just goes to show we are all unique, and all successful. You are successful, and while you can spin numbers many ways, the fact is, you've lost a LOT of weight, and our bodies only can lose so fast. You are doing fine, just keep up the good work.

I used to give up fast food, and forced my family to, as well. They hated it, lol. Now I don't eat fast food. I don't know what I could give up....I don't eat any of the usual lent suspect like pop, candy, cookies, etc. Perhaps I'll give up cussing....but I really hate to! Maybe I could give up coffee, but I love my coffee. So, I suppose the cussing would be the actual best for my soul

I had GERD for years before surgery, but didn't have a hernia. I'm 26 months out and haven't had problems with GERD for over a year and a half. I don't take anything for it, either.

Depends on your body shape and the make of the pants. However, at 5'4" and 165 pounds, I wear a 10, and they are almost too loose. I think I would have been 14 at this weight in high school. The vanity sizing these days works for me

I love Perfect shape Body by Victoria at VS. They have several styles to choose from.

@@sweetcheeks14 If you were asking me if I exercise, I have to admit that I do not, currently. I did religiously for the first year during weight loss, and sporadically most of the second year. I walked, lifted weights, and did the ski machine and elliptical. I had some plastics in the fall and during the holidays, so I've not exercised since. Once things are fully healed, I'll go back. I was just getting into yoga, and also I want to swim.

@@feedyoureye you got it! We are so, so much better off! I've also come to the realization that I'm a perfectionist, ergo, I'll always find a way to self criticize, unless force myself not to. It's been a couple of weeks that I've consciously been making this decision to accept this weight and declare success, and I'm coming to the same conclusion as you. We need to enjoy the sun while it shines! You look great, too, and I appreciate your encouragement

@@BethinPA Thank you! I do think only those of us who have walked this path really know the all consuming effort required. My follow up post was really to just say I agree, it is time to call it good and enjoy life. It's quite freeing to let go of that baggage and line of thinking. And congrats to you, too! You've done it, too!

@@VSGAnn2014 Yes, time to focus on other things. I have a great career, so I'm good there. In fact, I got my current job about a year and a half ago when I was down about 100 pounds. I have my MSN, so I'm mostly good with education, though you never know. As for travel - yep - working on that one! I'm planning a trip in April to sit on a beach. Something I've wanted to do for 25 years and never could bring myself to do it. I have a wonderful and supportive family. So, I definitely feel like I have a rich life and am blessed for it. I don't talk a lot about that here, because I am always focused on weight loss discussions here. I make it my business to stay focused on the changes I've made because I am pretty sure I'm one who would backslide otherwise. I'm definitely goal driven and it makes me nuts not to accomplish them, and I don't like to revise the goal just because I couldn't meet it. This is a case where I had to revise and get ok with it. The original goal was based on the science of BMI, so not really arbitrary. However, I just can't negate the fact that I was super morbidly obese, am 52, and that impacts more than science and the standard BMI chart reflects.

I have weighed every day since surgery. I think it keeps me on track, and I don't flip out about a little fluctuation. I track it daily, compare week to week, and use a monthly average to make sure I'm on track in maintenance.

@@Think can't wait to see that! I had a butt lift and my upper rear is better than the lower half. I was thinking about getting fat injected, but I'm about out of fat, so I need to decide that before I have any lipo. I have a little fat left in my thighs. Never thought I'd ever be worrying about not having enough fat, lol!

@@Chelenka thank you! You are right - be happy. It's a choice, and I'm going with it!

Love this chart. I'm 5'4", and I am calling it good at 165. I really wanted to be 145, but I can't seem to get there, and at 52 years old, size 8/10 pants and sm/med tops, I think I'm good where I am. This chart made me feel good about that, lol.

That is so very exciting! It is almost instant gratification. Best of luck to you, safe travels, and get well soon! Can't wait to see those pictures!

Technical difficulties, lol. ????

It's been 10 months since I posted that original question, and it's been a long road. I have had 2 plastic surgeries, but I haven't lost any more weight. I have continued to struggle with that question, but am coming to terms with my weight. I'm starting to let go of focusing on that number, and frankly, I've finally worn myself out with the exhausting, all-consuming thoughts that lead to no where. I may never see a "normal" BMI, but that doesn't define my success. It's time to remember not to let perfection get in the way of good enough. Here's a picture from today. I'm happy with good enough.

I am 26 months post op. I've lost about 140 pounds, and 160 from my highest. Every day I wake up and thank the Lord for this gift I've been given. The first photo was pre-op, and I was 306. The second in the blue was about 4 months postop, and I was around 240. The one in the checkered jacket was at one year post op (about a year ago), and I was 173. The last one in the pink top was taken today, and I'm 165.

@@CowgirlJane - agreed. People really should take this serious. I know that sooner or later these seromas will heal, but I don't think it's going be for a while. In the end, I fear I'm going to be off work again, and in the end, the rush to get back to business just cost me more time. It's been 8 weeks, and I'm still not 100%, and potentially looking at another surgery. It is also true that complication are not necessarily the result of a poorly performed surgery or a bad surgeon. In my case, I do not think my surgeon did anything to cause my seroma. Depends on the complication - sometimes it might be the surgeons fault. These are elective procedures, and surgeons are humans who can make mistakes. In the end, we all go in knowing and assuming the risks. I'm still glad I did.

So I was thinking my breasts were a little low, too. I measured from sternum to nipple, and was 22 cm, so pretty close. However, I think my nipples are a little high, meaning my entire breast is a little low, (I think I was like that before), but I still love them! They are very pretty;)

LOL, I had my boobs done a couple of months ago, and I have to say, I spend a lot of time admiring them! I'm like a teenager getting them for the first time, only they are way better this time! They are very pretty. I had my thighs done, long incision to knee, and they aren't great, but better. Still worth it to me.

I buy all that, too! Love that Bai5 drink! I usually have one a day.

As you get further out, you might find you do a little better with dry food. But I totally had to laugh about it the rules being like being Catholic. So true! As a born and bred Catholic, that's probably why the rules and following them feel a little non-negotiable to me! I try to follow them best I can, and I feel so guilty when I don't. I guess if breaking the rules equals sinning, then the subsequent weight gain from breaking rules equals the purgatory/hell from sinning, lol! Don't know about you, but morbid obesity felt like hell on earth, to me. I really hated it.

For me, cookies, crackers, cake. And nuts are bad, too.