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Knowing when to stop losing...too thin?
Hi all~
I'm hoping some of those who have reached goal may be able to chime-in here. I have heard that weight-loss tends to stop/slow way down when abnormal fat has been used up. What about the "normal" fat...do you continue to burn that? Or do you start burning muscle? Do you think you can become too thin? Here is my dilemma...I have lost/gained a lot of weight several times. At one time I was 411 lbs...lost 231 lbs., then gained back to 291...now lost 100 lbs. so I'm at 191 lbs. I have a LOT of excess skin...plastic surgeon stated that I have approximately 30/35+ lbs. in excess skin. I am 5'6", and med. boned, I believe. Ideally, I would like to be anywhere below 160 w/o the excess skin. So, at this point...being 191 lbs. really makes me 156-161 lbs. if I didn't have the excess skin...does that make sense? Problem is...EVERYONE who sees me now is telling me that I need to stop losing, as I keep losing in my face, arms, shoulders, chest...which really doesn't need more loss, and even in my stomach & hip area, etc., which is good. BUT when I see myself in the mirror...I see a HUGE stomach, thighs, and droopy legs. I do not know where/when I should stop/maintain. I suppose I should go ahead & aim for my 175 goal and then have a Total Lower Body Lift, and re-adjust my goal from there. But that 175 goal is still soooooo heavy to me. I see people starting HCG at 175, etc. I still feel like a huge cow. I know I'm not...I have to keep in perspective that I came from 411...that's where my being content & happy messes w/ my brain:confused: I think I look like a skeleton on top, and a blob on the bottom. I will try to post some pics to show you what I mean...I am really out of proportion...of course others don't think so. So some questions: 1. Should I continue to keep losing until my body no longer wants to lose, and just get as thin as I can, even if I look too thin? I still am losing fairly well...so it's not done yet. Just don't want to get into burning muscle...I am already pretty weak and low endurance w/o having any exercise in over a year. I'm concerned how to know when this happens. Which brings me to my next question... 2. I am contemplating starting to work-out again...I have 16 lbs. to goal. Should I start now, or should I wait until I hit goal and maintain? I'm really thinking that doing the elliptical and Zumba classes would/may help tighten up my legs/thighs...not the belly...that's a hopeless cause...lol. They really helped me lose/tone before. What do you all think? Anyone else have these same issues and what did you do? What are the tell-tale signs & clues to stop before damage occurs? I have never been quite to goal and normal looking before...not since my high school years anyway long, long, long ago...so I don't have anything to base it off of...kwim? Thanks all!!!! |
I can kinda' relate. I've got saggy skin, esp. upper thigh and lower belly :down:. Probably not as much as you have though. Especially if you lost the majority of your weight quickly after that WLS. Are you sure after the surgery you'd lose 30-35lbs? That seems exceptionally high to me. I've researched it a bit, and heard lots of good success stories here on LCF. Many don't lose any weight from it, some 5-10. I don't recall ever hearing of anyone losing more than 10-15lbs from it. Not to shake your hope in the surgery getting you down a lot. I'm sure it'll be a life changing surgery, all that sag gone!! But, I'm not sure I'd put all your "eggs" in that basket.
Additionally, most surgeons recommend you be "done" losing weight before surgery. You do NOT want to try to lose AFTER they've just tightened up all your skin. That said, I too wonder about "when to stop". I am still padded, but have the saggy skin too. I'm a healthy weight for my height (also 5'6") and large framed. Could I lose more? Sure. Do I want to? Heck no!! ;) Many people say " you're so skinny, I hope you're done losing" to me. I am a top-down loser - so I've lost most of the "girls" and my face & upper body is nice and slim. But, like you, the lower body isn't pretty :(. It's hard to know, isn't it? Take a bunch of pictures. That is the most telling for me. Other people aren't reliable, in my experience. Other motives in play usually. I don't think w/ abnormal fat stores available you'd run a high risk of burning up muscle. Just MHO. I also highly recommend exercise. With 1 caveat - it will mess w. the scale, and if that will mess with your head, you'd probably be better off waiting for a while. Walking, maybe even Zumba, would probably not mess w. it as much as running or weight training. I gain when I workout. Period. But, I also look better when I am, and once I'm stable Mable, I'm ramping that up too. Not before though ;). Just walking, and playing weekly softball for now. You're losing well, which is quite different from my experience. I was NOT losing well this round. It was like pulling teeth. Finished at -13, including load weight :(. But, still the lowest weight I've ever been! I took that as an indication that I was out of "steam". So, to answer #1 - yes, I'd keep going. How far into it are you? Maybe do a break for a bit then 1 final round? You're pretty close, but maybe a break would do you some good. 2. See above-take it easy w. the exercise, but adding it slowly is a good idea!! :up: All that said, take a minute and seriously reflect on your weight loss journey. You used to weigh 411lbs!! :stars: That's craziness!! You are less than half the woman you once were!! I'm so proud of you, and amazed at your focus on the "prize" of being done, but wow!! Celebrate a minute!! :jumpjoy::jumpjoy: You're amazing!! I am truly humbled to even offer you advice. Please post some pics. I could use a visual inspiration to go along w. the knowledge of what you have accomplished!! :D :up: You're a beautiful lady, inside and out!! Enjoy your success!! :up: |
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I agree 100% w/ Julie! Especially the part about you being amazing and an inspiration! :heart: Quote:
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I went to be around 10 last night, but was tossing & turning until about midnight. I was praying and was asking the Lord for guidance and for Him to settle my heart. Sometimes I obsess over silly little things...when I have bigger, more important things to worry about:stars: I decided that I would check emails, messages, play Words w/ Friends, etc. Well...low & behold...Julie's response was there;) I read through it and instantly knew that the Lord sent it for me. It definitely answered some qustions and gave me insight at what needed to be seen. Funny how that works, huh? I have decided to set my goal for now at 175. So I still have 16 lbs. to go...STS today, but am losing inches...pants are looser from last week. I am going to sit there and maintain until after the holidays, then go on to another P2 round. That way I will really lock-in the 175. I figure that should really help me during the holidays...not to be soooo stressed about not being able to "indulge" some. Gonna dig out some of those yummy recipes from Jeanette & Aerin. I started HCG March 20th, and pretty much been rogue "cycling" and I think the time off may be good for my body...protein-wise. I have also decided to go do a few plastic surgery consultations locally and get some second opinions on what I exactly need and how much I might lose/and what they feel a good weight would be for me. It's always been on the back of my mind regarding how much extra weight I am carrying in the form of excess skin. I know it is a lot...as you will see. I will be taking some pics later when I catch up with hubby. Just a warning: they won't be pretty:hyst: When I get to 175...I will start some light exercise, even if it bumps me up a little temporarily. I really think the elliptical will help my legs & thighs. Anyway...I ended up falling asleep 5-10 min. later after reading your post, Julie!!! Just what the Almighty Doctor ordered for me to read/hear;) Thank you...love all the encouragement & support from this forum:clap: |
:love: I'm so happy to read this this morning!! :high5: I too find it amazing how the Lord works!! So glad that I was able to encourage you!! I too tend to obsess about these things :o, :hugs:. He has great plans for you!! I know it's hard to push on, and I too grow weary on the road. But you are such a warrior!! I like your plan and look forward to you being able to relax and recharge over the holidays. Ironically, 175 is my setpoint. I got there on my first round of Atkins (17mos) and that was where I stayed. I really couldn't get below that # until hcg.
I hope you'll find good Dr.s for your consultations. I can just imagine the end result, months after your surgery. You'll be magazine spread material!! :up: I'm really excited for you!! Keep fighting the fight my friend!! If there's any encouragement from not being alone, know I am fighting that same fight right along with you!! :high5: |
you are fabulous :clap:
what a fantastic job you've done :high5: be proud :jumpjoy: i dont think the head ever catches up to the body :dunno: yes go see another consultant and see what they say i think you'll be surprised~you are probably already at your goal! best wishes to you :hugs: |
Great job on all your progress!! You've achieved a LOT. :)
I'm like Julie - 175 was my set point too! Could NOT get away from the low 170's until hcg came into my life ;) I have not had a similar experience with saggy skin, but I would also consider having some body scans (like a DEXA - not cheap but the most accurate) to see where you're really at internally. At least get a good reading on your body fat percentage. That might help you decide for sure if it's time to quit and go for the surgery. Best of luck :hugs: |
I agree with all of the above - except - hear me out - I see "protein/fat" exhaustion going on in this and some of your other posts. I think you need to take a P3 break and get rid of that exhaustion, eat lots of nice protein and recharge for a 2nd run at it. You've been on a super long round.
I know a lady who lost 25 pounds with the body lift surgery. She had ALOT of skin to lose. Like, ALOT. So am not sure that 35 pounds you were told is that far off, but may be a little too high. |
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Angela-:hugs: I feel your pain!! I'm a saggy girl myself. And you're still a work in progress!! Good for you being brave and posting your pictures!! I am too embarrassed to do that myself. Clothing is my good friend!! :shake: And jeans? I love them!! :love:
You are a definite pear. I love being a pear though. We look better quicker when we lose weight ;). You're amazing my dear!! :high5: |
Angela, you are so brave and wow, look at what you have accomplished!!!!!! It's truly amazing. For the record, I wouldn't be surprised at all if you have 35 lbs of extra skin, and I think your PS results would be incredible. Life changing.
I know that a full tummy tuck awaits me at goal (my babies were HUGE and stretched out that skin so far, but it didn't go back), but one thing I am SO GLAD I DID was go see several PS's for consultations even before I began losing (they actually helped motivate me, got me over the "guilt" and "shame" I had about my tummy skin pouch, which had literally, stupidly, kept me from even trying to get back in shape). One, they told me how much I needed to lose to have a reasonable result (I am way past this now!), and two, they reassured me that my tummy boob was only reparable through surgery, just like your skin. You have EARNED the right not to carry that empty skin around anymore - whether you do it now or wait until you've lost a few more pounds. My doc (the one I am using) says it's it's not uncommon for women who have skin removed (cuz that's what my empty tummy skin pouch is) to feel SO MUCH BETTER that they then go on to lose a few more pounds. And still look great. And you will be much less of a pear when you're done! I am blown away by what you've done. Truly. A hero. I am in awe. |
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Yes...tight jeans really do help me...that's when people notice the weight loss the most. Thank for the re-assurance again. I have a hard time thinking that I am amazing because I feel like I should have never even been that heavy to begin with...a couple times actually. But truth be told...both maternal & paternal sides of my family is riddled with overweight relatives dating way back when...it is soooo hereditary in my family. I'm not a huge eater...just eat the wrong stuff and tend to be more carb-phobic than the next person...resulting in huge weight gains over time if not kept in check. Quote:
You guys are all so awesome!!!!!! |
Angela, I SO would've tried to weigh a saggy part as well! LOL to that! I have wondered that myself, if I could whack that part of me off, how much would it weigh! I like my stretchy jeans for some of the same reasons!
I get what you're saying about feeling like you should've never got to that place - I say that to myself at times, too - like feeling like I can't take a compliment because, well, I should've never been that heavy to begin with! But that's just CR@P and I recognize that even when I think it now. Maybe that's progress! |
Ladies, I love reading about how much you've lost. You're inspirations for those of us who are just starting out. :heart:
Crazy PreK Teacher, I wish I could see your pictures; they are only little red Xs on my computer. Do you have them posted someplace else, like a blog or something? |
Angela-you're wonderful!! I look forward to you being "done", healed from your surgery, and living life in maintenance.
And on the "never should have been that heavy in the first place" I hear that!! I could do that too, beat myself up over past mistakes but it's not helpful. I take it seriously and cautiously so as not to EVER go back there. But, I am proud of how far I've come, and by appreciating it I hope to never take this "thinner me" for granted, get too comfortable and regain. That's my plan. ;) You have come a long way baby!! Lost over 200+lbs? That's craziness :stars: Who does that? You're quite a success!! :up: |
Angela - I've been away but just wanted to pop into this thread and give you a GIANT high five for all you have accomplished! :high5: You have more than earned your lift and I agree with others about getting a few consults, not just for the opinions, but to find the very best doctor for YOU. :hugs:
I will also agree with C'Marie that you probably need that P3 break to make sure you don't go into protein deprivation mode. As far as losing muscle goes, there are many factors that go into what and where our body draws it's sustenance. You WILL lose some muscle weight but that's to be expected as you need less muscle to carry your lower weight. Don't worry too much about that part of it. I also agree with everyone who weighed in on the exercise. I personally would wait until my weight stabilized in a proper P3 (maybe two weeks in?) before adding anything as far as exercise and wait until P4 before adding anything too strenuous like weights. That said, unless I am VERY sore, exercise hasn't really messed with my weight too much and it does help with the toning. P3 itself is even better than exercise for shifting and re-shaping so you may see good results with just adding some light things. On the "how do you tell if you're getting too skinny" thing, I just wanted to share a couple of things that have happened to me during my last couple of rounds when I've gone too low in weight. I am 5'9" and I started to notice this when I got below 140 pounds. *****TMI ALERT BELOW: Stop reading if you're grossed out or offended by "lady part" discussions!***** Like you, I never really stopped losing well, abnormal fat or no. In both of my rounds where I have dipped below that point, I noticed something unusual about "the girls." (And I am trying to figure out how to say this without being too seriously gross here! :o ) When I went too low, the girls got noticeably "lighter" in the last week that I was losing and I saw them become inverted or caved in. Not just getting smaller (which also happened) but seriously abnormal loss. The first round, I wasn't really sure what had happened, but as soon as I gained back a few pounds at the beginning of P3, it sorted itself out--my body was just putting that "normal" fat back where it belonged. It happened EXACTLY the same way in my second goal round, including the redistribution of weight back to where it belonged when I popped back to normal weight range. The last round, I had a similar thing happen in my other "lady parts." (Again with the TMI!!! :o ) If you google it, you will find all kinds of information about how that area is basically made up of body fat. Well, I lost a good portion of that fat. "Saggy" just about begins to describe it! :sick: It's sorted itself out now--again, normal fat going back to where it should go--but it was disconcerting to say the least! As soon as I got back into the 140-145 range, both of these things went back to normal. Anyway, just a couple of practical (if veiled!) examples around "how do you tell..." Best of luck to you! |
Angela
Way to go :jumpjoy::jumpjoy: You have accomplished so much :hugs::hugs: How awesome!! |
Angela, all I can say is BRAVO:clap:! And yes, you are really amazing!
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You're such an inspiration! How amazing what you have done!!! You should get the surgery and I bet as others have said it will be truly life changing! you are awesome!!!!
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