Close to Goal But Questioning Goal Weight

[Andrew0929 1,101]

I'm so thankful to have been sleeved and to have lost so much weight so quickly. It's been a lot of work but well worth the effort and risk associated with the surgery. My health problems (all the standard ones) are all fixed and I feel great.

As I approach my goal weight, my wife, daughter and several people at work keep telling me I should stop losing now, but I'd still like to reduce my love handles. I established my goal weight based on weight lost 22 years ago and the level that I thought was good back then. However, I look different this time (at age 54) and a few tell me I look frail. Given my workout schedule, which includes strength training 3 times/week, I'm not at all frail but my new turkey neck does make me look older.

Also, I'm told I walk differently (like an old man) and used to walk with more pep (when fat). Not sure the reason for this, but I've noticed myself hunching forward and try to adjust accordingly. So many changes without explanations.

Monday I'm going back to my nut to figure out how to stop losing weight in a healthy manner. Somehow they left that out of my surgeon's instructions. I never imagined I would be in the situation where I'm trying to stop losing weight. Hopefully when I'm out of the honeymoon stage, I won't go back to fighting weight gains again ....

I'm also very thankful for all of the support provided on this site and the great advice and information I've received here along the way ...

Andrew

[RJ'S/beginning 5,358]

Andrew hello, I have been told those very things myself at times. First you have to remember that you are not 25 anymore and that for sure you will not go back to that slim, tight skinned look. As we age gravity works and things tend to go downward.

Your still walking as if you have to avoid people and worried that you still might bump into things. Your still working on your head. While everyone is worried about you and comment on what they think you should do. What do you think you should do?

Pick your head up and walk with the right to be there, not hiding like we used to.

Our so called turkey necks will improve as time goes on. But it is nothing for a surgeon to tuck that area. I have been told about mine abd it hurts. But right now I am trying to get used to the new me. And you are as well! Don't get caught up in the comments...Think for yourself and your teams answers for your weight....

It is a celebration that you have gotten this far......own it okay!

Edited June 7, 2014 by RJ'S/beginning

[BladeFox 235]

Doesn't your body stop organically?

[erp 2,016]

I think you should lose whatever you can and see if you like each weight. I hit my original goal and now would like to lose another 5-10 lbs. Your gait will adjust once your body gets used to your lighter self. I too look more gaunt than I want because of the facial fat I lost and I'm 40. At 54, I suspect this is the case for you as well. I plan on getting Juvederm to restore a bit of plumpness to the cheeks. Physically, I more better because I walk faster and feel lighter on my feet.

[JanetPRN 496]

Give it a little more time. I catch myself walking a little hunched at times. For me, it's a posture issue, sometimes I need to be conscious of how I am standing Our bodies need to get used to our new "center of gravity". My "turkey neck" was really super obvious in my first 6 months. It is definitely starting to diminish.

I am 52 yo and almost 9 months post op.My weight loss has slowed down on its own, and I feel "normal". I am still losing 4 or 5 lbs a month, and my body seems to be adjusting to it easier. Remember , your friends and family are still trying to adjust to their version of the "new you". It sounds like you are doing things in a healthy fashion.