Setting goals

I'm curious to hear about goals people set for themselves, post-WLS. For example, what was your first goal, post-WLS? Second? What did you set as your "final goal" or target weight, size? Did you not set a final goal and wait to see what felt right? For me, I'm still pre-op. My first goal is to fit in every pair of pants/short I own. Shouldn't be too hard. I've been a 28 ever since I can remember so every pair of pants/shorts is a 28. But, some of them are a big 28 and some are a small 28 LOL. I want to be able to reach in the drawer/closet, pull out anything and fit into it. Doesn't mean I'll like it and wear it, but I want to be able to fit into it. Second goal is to buy a size 26, be able to fit into it AND wear it comfortably all day. I can't even remember the last time I could fit my butt into anything that was a size 26 (unless it was made of stretch cotton). Third goal, be able to go into Target and buy a complete outfit that looks good on me. Target has a plus size section but it's not quite plus enough for me. Fourth goal, be able to walk into a non-plus size store and buy something that fits (that isn't a purse LOL). What was some of your first goals? What goal did you reach that you felt was your biggest milestone? What did you set as your "final goal" and how did you decide on it?

Hi Tina! Really great question. I am not sure I set 'goals' as such. I had/have a list of things I wanted to be able to do .. fit in a booth, tie my shoes in the middle .. heck be able to tie my shoes period!!! , cross my legs, buy clothes that didn't have a W after the number, walk all day without having to stop every 50 ft to relieve the pain in my hip, fly on an airplane without a belt extender, and so on. My ultimate goal is/was to be a size 8. I've done just about all except that size 8 thing. I am settled pretty solidly in a 14 and if that is all that it's going to be so be it. Physically I can run circles around the 'old' me and I am happy with myself and my body. I would really like to see what I would look like if I could shed these last 30 or so pounds, but I think I've gotten comfortable maintaining so it's not going to be easy. Best wishes as your WLS journey continues and keep posting! Hugs, Mo

I agree good post... You see a lot of people define their success by their size... That can be a motivator for some but for me it would make me crazy... I am not any one size period. I may be a range of sizes depending on what I buy, where I buy, if I buy petite or regular, etc. My first goals were health related. My cholesterol, sleep apnea - all gone and fairly soon after surgery. Then I had and have workout goals. I had a "weight" goal as far as what was sent to insurance, etc. That weight was high and never put my BMI in a normal range. So, I had a personal weight goal to have a bmi in the normal range (in the middle of the normal range). For me and maybe most women, I think we always adjust our goals... it's just part of who we are, and how we are influenced (in the media, print, etc.). As much as I can, I keep my goals health/fitness related. It carries over into other aspects... I travel at times a lot for work and always out of the country... I always lived in fear of losing my luggage. What would I do... It's not easy finding plus clothes outside of the US... Today, not having to worry about that is huge... as a treat, when I'm traveling I may buy clothes depending on my locale... something I never use to do.... Best wishes on your journey... Lisa

I am pre-op but I believe the first of my goals is to climb the three flights of stairs to my office without having pain in my knees. With that done it will be a sign to me that I have more energy and I will be encouraged to be more active and get more exercise. After losing my first 35 lbs I would like to fit into this very pretty dress that I haven't been able to were for 9 years. After that I may be up to hiking Sugarloaf Mtn. with my friends! Elizabeth