[maalisse]

Personally...I maintained for about 3.5 years before I decided to lose more.

Basically, when I lost, I struggled with an extremely distorted body image. Some days I would see myself as very skinny, sometimes as extremely fat. I had no perception of what I looked like any more. I decided that I needed to take some time and let my mental image settle before I lost more. What if it was false "mental fatness" triggering me to lose? I strongly feel that taking the time to wrap my head around my weight loss was critical in keeping myself healthy, mentally and physically.

I considered doing it sooner and secretly as well, but then began to grow worried that between my rapidly wavering mental image and my desire to hide what I was doing, I was falling into some disordered eating patterns. Ultimately, I decided to wait.

My head is in place now and I see myself how I really am, and I no longer feel the compulsion to hide what I'm doing or to lose for the wrong reasons. So, if other folks are coming from the same place as me, I will ultimately recommend the same thing.

And as one goal-oriented person to another, I felt lost when I was done losing...but I started setting goals for other things (running, # of pushups, writing, etc.) and found that I could fill that void again. Was really disorienting for a couple months after I stopped, though!

That transition from weight loss to maintenance is a really crazy mindgame sometimes...

[luckymommy]

For me, I have a binge eating problem regardless of what weight I'm at, but that's just for me. Just today, I reached the low end of my goal (150lbs.) and I decided to see if I can go down another lb. Once I get to that weight, I'll see how I feel.....I used to weigh 145 lbs. in high school, but I've been as low as 137 lbs. (which was very low for me and not healthy actually), but I think 145 wouldn't be unreasonable for me. I also have only told my husband that I'm still trying to lose a bit more because my parents are already complaining that I'm too thin....which I most definitely am not.

I think that if you take it one lb. at a time and just go based on how you feel. I think people can binge at any weight. Of course if someone is not eating enough and they're getting below a weight range that is healthy for them and they feel deprived, they could easily exacerbate a binging problem or create a new one, for that matter. Only you can make this decision and know what's best for you.....you seem very level-headed to me so I'm sure you'll make the right decision.

[starbrite]

Thank you so much for thread. I really needed it
So I have lost 147lbs, and have been hovering at 151 for two months now. I got to 149, but a course of antibiotics shot my weight up and has stayed there.
I decided to set my new goal at 145 because I like the thought of having albs wiggle room i.e. setting my maintenance range at 145-150.
I look good in clothes, but have some serious loose skin issues. I will not go down the surgery route for many reasons (mostly I'm scared ) but also I see that, for me, as vanity. However, my DH, BFF and brother all tell me that my new goal is unreasonable and that I am "Too thin". I appreciate their input, but have a BMI of 23, which although normal, is on the higher end.
I believe I need to maintain around 150 for a while and re-evaluate, or see what my body does in response to my eating.
I am finding this a very complex part of what has been a very complex journey. I'm not sure what to think or do, and am going to proceed in the only way I know how-one day at a time, in a way that suits me and with determination to conquer the weight problem that has burdened me my entire life.