Not Even Close

As I approach the first big goal of my weight loss surgery – I’m down 97 pounds and closing in on 100 – I am puzzled by the question/response I frequently hear: How much weight are you going to lose? And, you don’t want to lose too much?

I understand the first question. I’m curious too. My quick response is as much as I can. I have a number in mind, but my body will make the decision on its own. My eating patterns have stabilized and at some point my body’s metabolic equation (food/exercise/excess/loss) will stabilize as well. It will happen naturally. My days of dieting in the traditional sense are over. Diets didn't work before. I see no reason that forced acts of deprivation, which can’t be maintained, would work for me now.  

The second part, you don’t want to lose too much has me somewhat baffled. This morning I weighed two hundred ten pounds, a long way from skin & bones by anyone’s standard. If someone is dealing with cancer no one ever says don’t take too much, it’s always did the doctor get it all? Concerning weight loss and my health, I want to get it all. I've lived life fat and I didn't like it. Forgive me if I error the other way this time.

If I woke up tomorrow and my weight loss stopped; 97 pounds, that’s it. I’d be OK. My life has improved so much in every aspect. I couldn't have guessed the emotional and spiritual wellness that has come with significant weight loss. I don’t understand it. I can’t explain it, but I’m living it. I’m loving it. My goal is to ride this wave until my feet hit the sand and turn around and watch the sun set. I don’t know how much is too much concerning my weight loss, but I know I’m not there yet. I’m not even close.