I'm 10 months out. Nearly lost 120lbs. Way exceeded my surgeons goal. I work out religiously. Always trying to find the right balance with eating.

I have the most supportive friends and family, I'm so blessed-but how do you deal with the pressure to continue to succeed? To not gain? How do you ignore the eyes that are watching to see if you actually can keep this weight off? Just feeling a bit emotional and stressed today and would love to hear from some veterans... ?

Amber, I'm going to follow this post because, even though im still pre surgery, I know im going to have this same question if i become as remarkably successful as you have been. Im inspired by your achievement and since i know i will have the same eating/work out mindset as you show, i can only pray that i will also have similar results. That being said, i am NOT going into surgery with an amazing support system- my husband is and will remain the only one who knows about this and he is a non confrontational person who would really let me walk all over him if i wanted. That only goes to state that he is not a support system, though he loves me dearly and is not against it. Hes simply prefers to ignore the issue of my weight and food addiction.

My only advice is to work on this for yourself and once you get to a point where you are either satisfied or can no longer loose safely, express that simple fact to those around you. Most of the time, the biggest thing people are looking for is confidence and reassurance that their loved one is happy. Once you reach a maintenance point, share the news! Tell everyone that youre proud of how far youve come and are now looking forward to safely maintaining the new you. Your support system should then easily transition into one who supports your maintenance instead of rapid loss. For the heck of it, throw yourself a party for you and those closest to you, celebrating your goal and kicking off the maintenamce part of your journey.

Good luck!

18 hours ago, Amber Jessup said:

I'm 10 months out. Nearly lost 120lbs. Way exceeded my surgeons goal. I work out religiously. Always trying to find the right balance with eating.

I have the most supportive friends and family, I'm so blessed-but how do you deal with the pressure to continue to succeed? To not gain? How do you ignore the eyes that are watching to see if you actually can keep this weight off? Just feeling a bit emotional and stressed today and would love to hear from some veterans... ?

Congrats on your success !!! Seems to me you are already doing what needs to be done. Keep it up! You did this for you and your health don't let anyone or anything bother you. You are strong and empowered.