[RangerChic]

You look great! Don't listen to anyone who would tell you different or act like an idiot. They are just that, idiots.

As far as your plateau, what are you currently doing for your plan? How many calories a day, how much water, etc.

[170starting]

I am sorry that I dont have any advice but I just want to say you look absolutely fantastic. You have come so far and I for one, am utterly inspired by you! Thank you

[Mel]

You've done a fantastic job! And those deadlifts are awesome!!!! The result? Those great hamstrings that you were displaying in the picture.

For me, the last 10 pounds was all about 110% effort. Clean eating ALL the time, never miss a workout, never just go through the motions. Maintaining at that weight takes the same effort. You look great now, but I know how frustrating it is to work so hard and not be quite where you want to be, and not look like what you thought you'd look like.

Skin is very individual stuff. Have you read our FAQ sticky on skin in the Maintainers Forum? There is a lot of discussion about all the issues you've raised.

Many of us here have had tummy tucks after reaching goal and maintaining for a while. You look quite young which is a big plus. Have you had children? Pregnancy as well as fat takes a toll on skin and makes it harder for some of us to "spring back". Having surgery to remove excess skin is in no way a weightloss cheat. If it's within your budgetary realm, I'd look at it as a reward. For me, I'm not sure I would have been as likely to maintain if I hadn't had some of the skin removed. At my age and after 2 large pregnancies, it wasn't going away on it's own. Now I work extra hard to maintain the body that was under the floppy skin. My arms and legs recovered well (and they are loaded with muscle!), but I carried most of my weight on my stomach.

It's a very personal decision. Only you know what you can live with both in terms of diet and exercise, and cosmetic surgery.



Mel

[Thighs Be Gone]

My lower abdomen is a mess. A MESS. It won't matter how much I lose or what I do. I will have to have surgery to be happy w/it.

Don't worry with the dumby diddlies on the beach. I just wish you were going to be front and center when THEY had weight problems because at some point, they most likely will.

[Samantha039]

Originally Posted by cooperistic

It does hurt because it makes you question all the hard work you have done and makes you feel like no matter what you do, it's never enough.

you took the words right out of my head and put them down. i really have to say that i realy appriciate all the things said. they really make me feel better and give me hope hope hope hope. its been while since i posted on this site but i re-discovered it pretty recently and i dont know why i paused in the first place.

im not there yet, but im further than i ever EVER thought i would get when i started. its rough climb, but i am starting to feel inspired again that when i reach the top of this mountain i will have accomplished something that i had only dreamed i would do. ( and i'll have great calves )

[Samantha039]

im gonna get all mooshy here and say that i got all cry-ee reading all these things.

[jahjah1223]

You look GREAT in that bikini! i think your body just doesnt want to lose anymore weight..Maybe you should start pilates and yoga to tone?

[rinku]

Hey !

What's wrong with you ...you look sooooooooo pretty and in shape, it was only one incidence when somebody laughed (considering if she ever did on you) You've somehow forgotten how many people have appreciated who saw you fight the battle of bulge and then win over it. What you've done is amazing, you've gifted yourself with a more fit and healthy body.

Theirs much more than Bikini to be worn my dear ..if that's the only thing that worries you. During your routine life you don't have to wear the Bikini..and then theirs something you have to accept and move on, I do agree with all the ladies over here, give yourself few more months of eating healthy and try some toning exercises and you must see some kind of toning and if that's not much then remember we are lucky to be born in an age where technology is available to get rid of it.

As far as plateau goes...grrrrr I hate them too I've been stuck on it for no good reason since last 2 + months & with over 30 more pounds to lose I see you are still lucky that you just have the last 21 pounds to reach your goal weight. My suggestion forget what people say, 90 % of them would always appreciate you for what you've achieved so far..remember weight loss is not easy its one of the toughest thing to do and you're one of those brave souls who have done it in their life time

Celebrate your life !

[zenor77]

First of all, you look great! People come in all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels. No one should laugh at anyone! You never know how far they may have come. That is so rude. The human body is beautiful and everyone has, at least, some perceived "flaws."

Second of all, I would give the skin a year to tighten up after you reach your maintenance weight. If it still bothers you after that, then go for the surgery (if that's your thing.) Getting rid of excess skin is not cheating at all in my opinion.

I had weird breast issues after I got to goal, but my skin tightened up after several months. I still have a bit of crepe-y skin on my tummy, but it doesn't bother me. So, you never know.

I say be happy and keep on going! Life's too short to let a couple of immature girls affect your happiness!

[Samantha039]

i do lots of weight training. i love it. just love it. it makes me feel very strong. i started weightlifting with my coach and could only deadlift 85 lbs. not i can deadlift 215 after 15 reps. WOO.

as far as being lucky, it bothers me when people say " im so lucky ive lost all this weight" im not lucky, i worked very hard to get here. luck has NOTHING to do with it.