What's at the end of the rainbow?

[Little Green 583]

Lauren aka ChemistryQueen posted this video the other day about moving into maintenance after losing 175 lbs with WLS. I found one of the parts of her video both amusing and illuminating at the same time and wanted to share it with you.

She's talking about how our main focus is on losing weight because that's what we've struggled with our whole lives. She says,

"I've been chasing this rainbow my entire life and I got to the end and there's no pot of gold.

You know what was at the end of that rainbow?

Maintenance, and loose skin."

She goes on to share some more insights about having other goals besides weight loss so that you don't get discouraged as the reward of a lower # on the scale disappears. (Dr. Weiner also talks about this in several of his "preventing weight regain after bariatric surgery" videos.) Check out her video, she's great!

[Apple1 2,572]

Very good point. We need some new things to focus on that also support our new healthy lifestyles.

For me it is fitness, running specifically. I have set some short term and long term goals for races and this has really taken my emphasis away from losing weight already. I know the weight will come off so I am just eating right and working on building my running mileage.

[SuperDave 1,115]

My "maintenance and loose skin" is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I am 10 times healthier, happier and better adjusted. My professional and social life have greatly improved. I recently bought a car based on what I wanted, not on what would fit me. I buy clothes because I like them or because they look good on me, not because that is what was available at the fat guy store. food has zero power over me. I enjoy new hobbies and activities because they are fun instead of work. I guess you can dwell on one or two negatives, but why would you? There is too much good that came from my weight loss. Who cares about the rest?

[Half-Tum 404]

18 hours ago, SuperDave said:

My "maintenance and loose skin" is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I am 10 times healthier, happier and better adjusted. My professional and social life have greatly improved. I recently bought a car based on what I wanted, not on what would fit me. I buy clothes because I like them or because they look good on me, not because that is what was available at the fat guy store. food has zero power over me. I enjoy new hobbies and activities because they are fun instead of work. I guess you can dwell on one or two negatives, but why would you? There is too much good that came from my weight loss. Who cares about the rest?

My inspiration is written right here.

Dude, besides being 1 inch taller than me, what you have lost seems to be EXACTLY what I'm looking to get out of this...just had my surgery this past Monday.

Edited July 30, 2017 by Half-Tum

[SuperDave 1,115]

1 hour ago, Half-Tum said:

My inspiration is written right here.

Dude, besides being 1 inch taller than me, what you have lost seems to be EXACTLY what I'm looking to get out of this...just had my surgery this past Monday.

Congrats on taking the step. I will tell you, it is not always easy. I wanted to give in 100 times. But now, 3 years post surgery and maintaining under my goal weight for over a year, it is just how it is. It is no longer a struggle.

Box of donuts in the break room at work? Don't care.

Out with friends at a restaurant and worried what they will say about my eating habits? Don't care.

Afraid of negative comments for having weight loss surgery? Nope, don't care.

Loose skin? Of course I have loose skin, I am far under half the weight I was 5 years ago. Don't care.

You will get there brother. You will be amazed at the change. You will wonder how you ever let yourself get the point you did, and then you will resolve not to let it happen again. You got this!

[Hellya 144]

On 7/29/2017 at 6:39 AM, Apple1 said:

Very good point. We need some new things to focus on that also support our new healthy lifestyles.

For me it is fitness, running specifically. I have set some short term and long term goals for races and this has really taken my emphasis away from losing weight already. I know the weight will come off so I am just eating right and working on building my running mileage.

I think this is a GREAT attitude, one I happen to subscribe to. For me, the goals are just about getting some physical activity in daily, and now that physical activity is easier and the habits are set, I'm starting to see the long term benefits: it's great for my mood, it makes me feel strong, it confirms that I can do things that are hard, it (because I jog or walk outside mostly) gets me much needed Vitamin D (I'm in the north), it gives me time to sort stuff out (if I'm alone) or time to just hang and chat with my hubby (if he can come).

And the weight HAS come off and continues to, even though it's slowed significantly. But I'm not even worried about it now.