I just realized that I have to loose 140 lbs to be at "normal weight" for my height.

That's like, 10 Paris Hilton's!!!!

Was anyone else ever overwhelmed by this?

Any tips for coping?

Thanks Banders !

Hello!

I have to lose 158 to be at a healthy BMI (the high end of the scale...) That'll put me at 183lbs.

It was daunting at first..then I felt like I could do it without a problem...and right now, it is kind of daunting again. I just hit the 100lbs mark and I still have so much to go and still can't fit in cute clothing...

But I think this wave of feelings is pretty normal. I have to admit, those first 100 lbs came off relatively hunger free and therefore where easier than an weight I have ever lost before. And I feel totally different at 100lbs lighter than I did at 338. When I think that 338 wasn't even my highest...I was 360 while pregnant with my twins... I can't imagine how I felt then...Well, I kind of remember and my body hurts just thinking about it.

You can do it...so can I...

Best of luck,

Rainer

also remember that the BMI is just an index, and the suggested weight might not be appropriate for where you want to be. i know that my goal is about 15 lbs heavier than the max for my height.

if you get daunted with the big numbers, focus on small goals. i get totally daunted, but i've just been counting off the years since i've been a particular size. it's been about 5 years since i weighed 270, which is what i weigh today. if i lose another 10 lbs, it'll be more like 7 years since i weighed that. i'm not really goal oriented, but i do notice achievements, and these small ones have been keeping me motivated.

I need to lose about 160 lbs. to be at the high end of my range, if I decide that's where I want to be. Right now, I am setting mini goals rather than looking at the big number. I had a ticker up for a while, but found that looking at it bothered me because of the big numbers, so I deleted it.

Good luck!!

I started out with a goal that was 140 pounds lighter. I have never focused on the pounds. I focus on the rules, and the pounds have melted off without much trouble at all, and I have added five pounds to my desired weight to account for my advanced age and extra skin, so that now I'm within 14 pounds of goal. If you don't think about your goal in terms of pounds, it, makes it a lot easier to deal with. Celebrate following the rules and not losing each pound.

I have almost 300 pounds to lose to get to 150...Right now I'm basically 3 people and I have to lose 2 of them! How's that for daunting?

You are so right Kathy! I think most of us have always focused on the LARGE numbers and not on the smaller "within reach" ones. I'm learning so much by reading this forum. Even though I'm still waiting for authorization just to get to the surgeon, I'm learning to appreciate every small step that I make on this long journey. One of the most useful things I've learned is to think of the band as a tool rather than the end all and be all that will solve all of my problems. I've been obese and severely obese for well over 20 years and changing my mindset is #1 for me right now. I tried not to obsess with the Healthnet authorization over the weekend, but now that I'm back at work, I'm freaking out again! Thanks for all of your great advice Kathy, keep it up!

I may be in the minority here. My expectation is not to be thin, but to not be as morbidly obese as when I was banded.

Ditto--I specifically set my goal higher than I would have LOVED to, but I had to be realistic with myself.

I'm still trying to figure out the "10 Paris Hiltons" (at 14# apiece??)

:rolleyes2::laugh::scared2::laugh::tongue2::laugh::thumbup::laugh::thumbup::laugh::tongue::laugh:

140 = about 10 Paris Hiltons!

You have had me chuckling about this all day! Very clever!!

I need to lose about 9 Paris Hiltons, but, I would be happy to lose 8 Paris Hiltons. Thanks for the laugh! Having a sense of humor is a blessing, you'll make it to your goal!!

That's what we all hope for--a world with less Paris! :rolleyes2:

I may be in the minority here. My expectation is not to be thin, but to not be as morbidly obese as when I was banded.

Well, I don't necessarily want to be a rail, but I didn't have an operation without thinking that I would get into a healthy body shape. And, whether we like it or not :rolleyes2: that is usually pretty thin. Any weight we lose is making life better for our bodies, but if you can to an ideal weight, you will increase your life expectancy exponentially. As the mom of three little girls...and as the daughter of two people who died in their 50s(both died of lung cancer)...increased life expectancy is my goal.

But...do I ever expect to be rail thin? No...but I'm giving one hell of a go at it!

Best of luck!

Rainer

That's what we all hope for--a world with less Paris! :rolleyes2:

What she said!:scared2:

Oh my goodness...if I could rid the world if 30 Paris Hiltons along my journey, the band is TOTALLY worth it!

140 lbs is exactly how much I have to lose.

I am now 23 lbs short of that goal.

So...yeah, it's daunting, but possible.

My goal is to weigh 160 lbs. The very high end of "normal" on BMI. Not rail thin. Is totally doable.

So....yeah. Feeling freaked out is normal. Just keep your head down and concentrate on mini goals. For me each 10 number was key. 290....280...270...etc.

I have always just focused on 10 pound incriments. Was not so overwhelming to look at it that way for me!