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How do you know when enough is enough?



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I'm 5 lbs from my Drs goal and I've had several people tell me that I don't need to lose anymore. I personally want to lose more than the goal I've set but how will I look? I guess there isn't any real answer to my question.. But geez I never thought I'd have losing too much be a concern or even a possibility.

PS..why don't people with thoughts about "my" weight kept their mouth shut? I want to say...did I ask you if I've lost enough? Ugh

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I am a scientist in a healthcare company and I read a lot on lifestyle factors and their connections to chronic disease and mortality in the scientific and medical journals. Goals are of course entirely a personal choice. In terms of mortality and morbidity though, slimmer is better down to pretty low levels - not suggesting anorexia is good, mind you.

For my own part, I don't know what will be possible, but I'd ideally like to get back down to around 170lb on my 6 foot frame eventually. That was where I was until about age 30, and that's just where I felt and performed best physically. Looks like that will be about BMI=23 if I get there. Still have a ways to go at this point before anyone will say I am too skinny ;) , but I am not going to worry too much about what someone else says is my ideal weight. To me the #1 thing is to be happy with yourself.

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Here is a link to a recent meta-analysis (a study combining the results of past studies) on BMI and all-cause mortality published in the prestigious journal The Lancet. Over 10 million people from 239 subsidiary studies were included. All-cause mortality was minimal within the BMI range 20-25.

http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(16)30175-1/abstract

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Don't listen to ANYONE about getting "too skinny."

They're merely expressing their discomfort with watching you change. Their discomfort doesn't concern you at all.

If you put any stock in the BMI charts, at 5'2" and 145 pounds, your BMI is still in the "overweight" category.

Trust me -- really, trust me! -- you can gain some weight back. And within a year or two of reaching goal you will probably be struggling with a little regain anyway. Which would you prefer -- to struggle with regain from 145 pounds or 125 pounds?

P.S. After reaching your goal, you will eventually find that what looked even to your eyes as "skinny" will begin to look normal, because it is normal. When you've been obese / overweight for a long time, it takes a while for your eyes / brain to become accustomed to what "skinny" looks like -- and doesn't look like. Good luck!

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@VGSAnn2014

Thank you. Even at my Drs goal of 140 I'm still in the ow category. That's why my goal is less but I sit here at look down at this belly and think there's no way that's 5 or 10 lbs left to go.

I realize that I am only 6 months post op and this is a new way of life that needs a constant commitment from me. If and when that day comes that I have gained some back that I can regroup, kick myself in the Arse and get back to work.

Thank you and it's time to put ear plugs in for all the unwelcome comments and advise for the "You're too skinny crowd"

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post-255097-14692529615231_thumb.jpg

Seriously. I hear you on this. If one more person tells me I look too skinny I'm going to lose my shit SMH. I'm 5 foot 3 and 148 pounds because I recently gained 3 pounds and I'm still getting these bullshit comments. Don't people realize it's rude to say someone looks too skinny just like it is to say someone looks too fat? Especially a person that used to be fat and then tell them that now they look too fucking skinny!! [emoji35][emoji35][emoji35][emoji35]

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attachicon.gif ImageUploadedByBariatricPal1469252945.345726.jpg

attachicon.gif ImageUploadedByBariatricPal1469252958.244870.jpg

Seriously. I hear you on this. If one more person tells me I look too skinny I'm going to lose my **** SMH. I'm 5 foot 3 and 148 pounds because I recently gained 3 pounds and I'm still getting these bullshit comments. Don't people realize it's rude to say someone looks too skinny just like it is to say someone looks too fat? Especially a person that used to be fat and then tell them that now they look too f**king skinny!!

You look GREAT! Not too skinny at all

Little tia

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attachicon.gif ImageUploadedByBariatricPal1469252945.345726.jpg

attachicon.gif ImageUploadedByBariatricPal1469252958.244870.jpg

Seriously. I hear you on this. If one more person tells me I look too skinny I'm going to lose my **** SMH. I'm 5 foot 3 and 148 pounds because I recently gained 3 pounds and I'm still getting these bullshit comments. Don't people realize it's rude to say someone looks too skinny just like it is to say someone looks too fat? Especially a person that used to be fat and then tell them that now they look too f**king skinny!!

You look great

Sent from my 831C using the BariatricPal App

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My doctor told me to overshoot my goal weight of 160 by 5 lbs because he wanted me maintaining between 155-160 instead of 160-165. When I first hit 155 I had a coworker tell me, "You used to look healthy but now you look sick." I let it get to me. I cried and cried. I was depressed for a while. Then I realized she is just jealous and I look fantastic and could easily beat her in a race. So who is the sick one?

post-233184-1469402469301_thumb.jpg

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      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
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