Slowing down or stopping weight loss

[SparkleCat 521]

I am a little more than 6 months post op and as of this morning hit my goal....actually, my original goal was 150 and I lowered it to 145, my surgeon just wanted me under a 30 BMI (about 175 or so) I was in a month long stall at 150-155 and was actually content to stay there when this week I started losing again, 1/2 lb to a lb a day...which you'd think I'd be ecstatic about, and I am, but am also thinking I need to slow this train down a bit. I have already switched to full fat yogurt, allow myself tastes of almost anything, but do mainly stick to high Protein. I don't count calories, but am probably in the 900-1200 a day range.

I have never been this thin before...have never worn a size 6 or 8 before, friends I haven't seen in a month don't recognize me...it's starting to freak me out a bit! I don't know where the end line is and am a little afraid I am going to look gaunt and sickly....my skin already looks like it's melting...my boobs are disappearing and all my new clothes are getting too big again.

Anyone else start to get nervous/scared/anxious about getting too thin? Any words of wisdom?

[auntjanny 289]

Not to minimize your concerns, Sparkle, I simply can't imagine!!

[SparkleCat 521]

I never in a million years thought I would freak out about losing too much weight!

Honestly, I have used my weight as a literal buffer or barrier to my life, while it stopped me from being healthy and fully living, it was also my protection...my built in excuse to avoid vulnerability, hurt and true intimacy.

Now that the physical barrier is gone, I think I am feeling exposed, scared and completely out of sorts

While I don't want to be too physically skinny, I think the majority of my fear and concern is that, for the first time in 40 some odd years, I have no excuse to hide from life and I'm not quite sure how to relearn a new, more healthy way, of relating to the world

[auntjanny 289]

Then give yourself the credit you deserve for recognizing this!! This is a NSV for sure, but keep thinking about it... Don't let yourself get too vulnerable that the old ways feel comforting. Truly, it sounds like you are doing well with sharing your concerns. Truly I was not mocking. I just can't imagine such a double edged sword- which this really sounds like. I am happy for you and your great success and wish you well on the next part of this journey!!

[Kindle 8,667]

I tried to stop losing once I got close to goal, too. I added more healthy fats (2% milk instead of skim, more nuts, full fat yogurt and cottage cheese) and more carbs....whole grain/fiber bars instead of Protein bars, more fruit, starchy veggies, etc. My weight loss definitely slowed, but I still still lost another 12 pounds over the last 4 months. I think I'm pretty stable now and will probably stay were I'm at with the way I'm eating. I don't track calories either, but there were a couple days I decided to keep count since that's how so many people monitor on here. I was around 1400-1600 calories on average....definitely more on lazy weekend days where I find myself munching all day and less on workdays when I'm too busy to eat.

I think your body will just find its new normal based on your new diet and metabolism. Goal sizes and weights are really just arbitrary numbers. My surgeon's goal was 160, mine was 150 and here I am at 138. And yes, I feel too thin right now....being able to see my ribs and collar bones and hip bones is a little disconcerting. But I also feel comforted that I've got a 10 pound bounce window to work with. I think you will start to feel comfortable again once your head has a chance to catch up with your body. And everyone else will eventually get used to seeing the new you, too.

Edited November 3, 2014 by Kindle

[bikrchk 1,313]

I did worry about losing too much as it was still coming off relatively easily when I reached my goal range, (140-150, I'm 5'6"). I reached the zone in about 9 months and then adjusted my calorie intake to my BMR + exercise calories, (I'm pretty active). I wear a Garmin Vivo fit to accurately track my activity. Worked like a charm! I maintained about 145 for 3 months then went on vacay and put on 5 pounds in 4 days. I took it off immediately, but decided I needed a bit more wiggle room so I've adjusted my goal range down to 130-140 pounds, hoping to stick in the sweet spot of 135. I've been in a size 4 for a while. I'll be at the new sweet spot in 5 pounds. Just hoping I don't have to replace my expensive denim!

Adjusting your calories up isn't that hard. Add in some full fat dairy, enjoy avocados, Peanut Butter and bananas, throw in an extra higher calorie Protein bar. I CAN say that one week of being "sick" can cause a quick loss that is a little shocking once you're in maintenance. I fought with a GI bug for about 10 days recently and it definitely helped shove me along toward my new goal.

[BellaLuce4 261]

I did worry about losing too much as it was still coming off relatively easily when I reached my goal range, (140-150, I'm 5'6"). I reached the zone in about 9 months and then adjusted my calorie intake to my BMR + exercise calories, (I'm pretty active). I wear a Garmin Vivo fit to accurately track my activity. Worked like a charm! I maintained about 145 for 3 months then went on vacay and put on 5 pounds in 4 days. I took it off immediately, but decided I needed a bit more wiggle room so I've adjusted my goal range down to 130-140 pounds, hoping to stick in the sweet spot of 135. I've been in a size 4 for a while. I'll be at the new sweet spot in 5 pounds. Just hoping I don't have to replace my expensive denim!Adjusting your calories up isn't that hard. Add in some full fat dairy, enjoy avocados, Peanut Butter and bananas, throw in an extra higher calorie Protein Bar. I CAN say that one week of being "sick" can cause a quick loss that is a little shocking once you're in maintenance. I fought with a GI bug for about 10 days recently and it definitely helped shove me along toward my new goal.

Hope you don't mind me saying that for me at this time I'm excited to joining you one day!

At only 7 weeks out 2morrow, I am at my 2nd stall already. Guess that there will always be struggles in this WLS journey. I'm just looking forward to yours???? ( not to minimize yours????)