When do you know it's time to focus on maintaining vs. losing

[Used2b575lbs 29]

I have always been big and i'm approaching a goal that seemed so far away 22 months ago and now i'm wondering how much more do I lose? How much more can I lose? and How much more should I lose?

Has anyone else dealt with this problem, I mean at this point it's a great problem to have but it definitely weighs on my mind...

I was 306 lbs at the age of 13 I went on WW and got down to 245 the lightest I have been since I was 12 years old... This past Saturday I weighed in at 248 lbs just a few pounds to one of my huge goals, so it got me thinking hard about what do I do now....

I lost 200 lbs prior to surgery and have lost 127 lbs since last July... last week I lost 2 lbs the week before 4 lbs, I am 6'1" have a large frame and have been doing weight training so I am somewhat muscular...

I do plan on getting cosmetic surgery and while I don't know the exact figures I believe I heard somewhere that this will remove another 20-30 lbs of skin and fat. Being that I was once 575 lbs I don't find this hard to believe, plus I see it in my abdomen and thighs

Just wondering if I should switch my mindset or do I just keep losing and losing...

My BMI according to the standard BMI calculator is still obese but I don't know how much I should trust that based on three factors... I have a large frame, I am somewhat muscular, and I have a lot of excess skin.

I did set my ticket up so that my goal would be to no longer be overweight by the standard BMI calculation if that's the case I should try and lose 59 more lbs but I don't know that seems like a lot.

Thanks in advance for any replies

[apple-saucy 17]

I think you should push through to your goal. You said 59lbs is a lot....and I had to laugh considering you have lost well over 300lbs already...THAT is a lot my friend. I am inspired truly.

I was told that as we get closer to a healthy weight our bodies will naturally slow down weight loss because we'll be taking in and burning roughly the same amount of calories. So maintenaince will just "happen"

[coops 1,790]

Hiya Usedtobe...

Your question is a valid one and one that resonates in my mind a lot... only on a smaller scale!! My weight loss has virtually hauled to stop and I haven't seen regular movement since last year! I am still trying to lose, but there is a part of me that wonders if this is it... is my body -but not my mind - happy at this weight. I too haven't been this 'light' for a long time and although I haven't had as much to loose I understand completely where you are coming from.

I think the BMI is a good indictor, but that is all... nd indicator. My boxing coach doesn't believe in it or like it... and told me not to take any notice. My surgeon agrees... his goal weight is about the normal BMI for me!

Let us know what you decide... whatever it is, whichever way you go, you've done such a bloody brilliant job already!! Either way you are a winner... =]

[samnyc 5]

I had a chuckle after reading your message because I have been thinking about this. Even though I've lost 150lb I'm still at 350 and have a long way to go. I think given how much healthier I already feel from where I was, in some ways I already think of myself as maintaining. Not maintaining in the strictest sense of the word but simply I'm not very focussed on losing weight every day. I think you could do the same, keep doing the right things, in terms of eating, tracking and all that but don't focus too much (mentally) on the losing part. Some more weight will probably come off over time anyway.

Just my thought. Would love to keep track on how you move forward.

[NJMOMof2 17]

I think the best thing to do it to see a nutritionist or your doctor. Some of them have a special scales that can actually calcutate your bone density, body fat and give you a personalize weight goal that is specific to you.

My personal goal is to have NON touching thighs!!

Congrats on your weight loss!

[Used2b575lbs 29]

Thank you all for your advice, I know it's silly to worry about something like being a skinny weakling when I was once 575 lbs but it is a worry of mine I just am trying to figure out what my healthy weight will be where I can still have some muscle even after the cosmetic surgery but am healthy as well.

[Nancy Rivers 24]

Congratulations on your weight loss so far! That is really inspiring.

I would talk to your doctors and dietician about the remaining 59 pounds. The research that I have done seems to indicate that your body will stop naturally at the weight that that is "normal" for you. But, everyone is different.

[Oregondaisy 2,019]

I went by my clothes. When I started wearing a size 6 pants and a small top, it seemed like I was at goal.I know there are people who weigh less than I do , but wear the same size.

It seems like you will know when you feel that you are the right size. There are also a lot of people whose bodies decided for them. They just stopped losing. Losing the last 20 can be difficult. It just depends on how you feel

about yourself when you look in the mirror and try clothes on.