I want to ask a question with out offending

[JamieLogical 8,684]

My goal weight was 165, which is actually 10 pounds "overweight" by the BMI charts. The lowest I got was 153, but that was definitely too thin for me. 165 is my happy space.

To the OP, here are some pics for you. My highest weight was 270, my weight in the "after" photos was around goal of 165. I am 5'6" tall.

[Newme17 3,444]

My starting weight was 294. I am now 116. I NEVER thought I would be a 39 year old mom that can wear a size 0. I didn't seek that out as a goal, it just happened. My doctor gave me the goal of 135-145. I hit the top end of the goal in 9 months. It took about 3 months to lose the other 10 pounds. I started training for my first half marathon in July of last year and got down to 121 then. Even though I stayed the same weight, during that time I went from a size 6 to a size 2. I lost more weight after stopping birth control.

With all that said....how you look after is based on so many different factors. I lost 178 pounds, but have minimal excess skin. I know others that have lost 80 pounds and have LOTS of excess skin. I give credit to my workout regime in part. You cannot just do cardio, you must do weight training.

The hair loss. I experienced that starting the 3rd month through about the 9th month. It was minimal though. I have PCOS and experienced much worse before the surgery. I have been committed to getting my Protein and taking my Vitamins.

I agree with the others. Looking a certain way is still healthier than being obese or morbidly obese in my case.

Thank you for sharing yours! I'm going to be 39 soon and I lift weights pretty regularly. I haven't had my surgery yet either. I am half white and half black (I do think genetics play a big part to how we look, skin, etc) and I'm extra hopeful now!!! Yay!

With that said, my health is more important than what I will look like. We can always use makeup, get cosmetic surgery, etc.

I like what a previous poster said, being obese will kill you, looks won't. So true.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

[AnA92212 577]

First 2 are before (obviously)

[Serenity26 119]

You both look amazing ????????

Motivation is what got you started. Habit is what keeps you going.

[sweesee 30]

First 2 are before (obviously)

You look much younger now! Great job!

[Mzdiggs 169]

I am going to say that part of what you are feeling May be cultural, I understand because I had the same concerns about being too small and looking gaunt. I could be wrong. Thought that for several years, however my health conditions far out weighed my fear. When I decided to move forward I just didn't think about it any more. I didn't think of a goal, my doctor never really set a goal and my only focuses on my excercies and diet issues that I bring to her. I am 57 and very surprised at how my body responded to the weight loss. Prior to this I was extremely active and was a fitness instructor for years (even though I was way of 250 pounds). Your body is going to figure it out, don't focus on anything but you're health.

[ShelterDog64 2,364]

@@JamieLogical I've never seen your before pics...you've done some amazing work, girl! You inspire me

[Newme17 3,444]

First 2 are before (obviously)

Wow! Great job!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

[triplethreat 257]

Definitely aged me.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

[krissyvsg 47]

@triple threat you feel it aged you?

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

[Raymia 565]

My starting weight was 294. I am now 116. I NEVER thought I would be a 39 year old mom that can wear a size 0. I didn't seek that out as a goal, it just happened. My doctor gave me the goal of 135-145. I hit the top end of the goal in 9 months. It took about 3 months to lose the other 10 pounds. I started training for my first half marathon in July of last year and got down to 121 then. Even though I stayed the same weight, during that time I went from a size 6 to a size 2. I lost more weight after stopping birth control.

With all that said....how you look after is based on so many different factors. I lost 178 pounds, but have minimal excess skin. I know others that have lost 80 pounds and have LOTS of excess skin. I give credit to my workout regime in part. You cannot just do cardio, you must do weight training.

The hair loss. I experienced that starting the 3rd month through about the 9th month. It was minimal though. I have PCOS and experienced much worse before the surgery. I have been committed to getting my Protein and taking my Vitamins.

I agree with the others. Looking a certain way is still healthier than being obese or morbidly obese in my case.

Thank you for this information!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G928A using the BariatricPal App

[alwtg 199]

I have to confess that I struggled with this concept too, possibly because I was sceptical about my possibilities of succeeding even after surgery, but there seems to be a point where your body knows when to stop. I was 392, I'm now 111 and early indications are that my body is quite comfortable here, I'm reasonably comfortable facially - all the areas I don't like can be hidden with clothes but I think everyone gets some comments about being too small etc. If I was to offer any advice I'd suggest that you will know what feels right for you just go with that, nobody else has to live in your body.

[Travelher 915]

Definitely aged me too, but I'm nearly 50...I lost a bunch of weight after lapband surgery in my late 30s and it didn't age me.

Now that I've had bypass at 49, the fat hid all the wrinkles...and boom here they are. But I'm still told I look young for my age so, I'll deal.

[Lyonness05 4]

I had surgery on December 22, 2016 ! I'm down 41 pounds! I think it has to do with the individual! And genetics! I know several people who have had weight loss surgery, each persons results are different!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

[Jazzzyjay 222]

I'm pretty certain my weight loss will age me as I tend to gain/ loose weight in my face right off the bat. And I already have a issue with hollow under eyes. I'm planning on having some Bellafill injected under my eyes and in my cheeks as they hollow out more. I was going to do it last year but figured I would wait a little while now that I've had surgery.

Sent from my Y538 using the BariatricPal App