Starting to freak out about maintenance

Now that I'm actually in the 100's, maintenance seems more real to me, and something that I will (hopefully) be at by the end of the year. The concept of not trying to lose weight is foreign to me... I have been trying as long as I can remember. (I'm very skilled at gaining weight though... lol) I don't know what scares me more, losing too much weight or gaining weight, you know what I mean? What if I can't stop losing weight? Also, when I have reached my ideal weight, then what? Being overweight has been a reality for me for so long, I can't even imagine what it will be like when it isn't an issue. I don't know, my thoughts are just jumbled right now. I just had to get this out here because I knew this is the place to talk about this.

What if I can't stop losing weight? 

 Molly, my dear - I am SO going to remind you of this sentence when you have a stall and when you finally call goal.  

With a rare exception, no one has a problem stopping the weight loss.  The last 10-15 lbs are a battle royale!  And to maintain you simply add more fats and healthy carbs, upping your calories until you find your maintenance point.  

I know that I sounded full of myself when I wrote that! I'm not I promise, lol! I know  that I will most likely be able to stop the weight loss... I always have before! 

I definitely get worrying about this stuff, since I'm a worrier too, but I think it falls into the category of "cross that bridge when you get to it."  At least, that's what it does for me!

Thanks, Gwen! I think part of why I piosted this was to just have my feelings validated. I know my fear of not being able to stop the weight coming off is irrational. However, the fear of regain is not!

I was three years out last week and i can honestly say i don't think i have ever heard anyone say that before as something that maintenance is about.  I have never once thought about it like that and i think (and i'm not speaking for everyone) that maintenance is not about trying not to lose weight but trying not to gain it. Yeah, really quickly it becomes the same old merry-go-round.

There are those myself included that lost more than my goal and for a brief moment thought 'is this going to stop'? but maintenance is just a variance of pre-weightloss, trying not to gain.

There have been those who added avocado and nuts and things but mostly for a short period of time.  

I also think the last 10-15lbs will in all probability disabuse you of that notion.  It's a bear and it's usually when you see a lot of posts stating "I think i'm there now".  So for the moment i would say it's nothing to worry about. There have been a couple of folks but it's pretty rare.

Cheers

I am also finding the transition to maintenance both difficult and scary.  I am now 12 pounds below my goal weight - and within a fraction of a point of a normal BMI.  I look scrawny on the top half of my body, but I still have some belly fat, so I'm conflicted about losing more weight or not. 

So about 3 weeks ago I added 100 calories a day for a couple weeks and gained 4 pounds almost overnight!  this is what happens whenever I stop a diet and I panicked and cut my calories again.  I realize I added some carbs - just things like blueberries and humus with veggies - but I think that's why my weight went up.  I am so sensitive to carb intake! 

Anyway, I just wanted you to know that you are not the only one who worries about maintenance.  I share your fears.

best wishes,
Carol

We actually talked about this last night in the support group I go to every week.  The doc leading the group told us about a flag system he has patients use.  When I'm at my computer I can write more about it.