Determining Goal weight

How and when was your goal weight determined? I have surgery in less than two weeks. Thank you!

 My doctor did not give me a goal weight. He talked about percentages lost and BMI goals. I think it is nice to have a goal, but a goal of health is less frustrating to achieve than a number on the scale, YET, you will see I did pick a number. I did change it several times, and I might lower it when I hit the next goal. At my age, there is no way the assume I will get back to high school weight.

  So pick a realistic number, when you plateau (and we all do) use measurements, or lifestyle changes as your reward for the day, don't be hard on yourself but stay focused on good habits that based on your doctor's instructions.

You always have such wise words...words I need to hear! thanks

My surgeon is in the same group as yours. Very satisfied with them. He also talked about percentage of wgt loss. Paul H. on OH always has such wise words. Dieticians Sally or Janelle from MD office are great resources and will respond to emails. Good luck and look forward to watching your progress.

My surgeon does not give a goal to his patients. He believes that is your decision and ultimately where your body is good at. And you know, he was so right on. I had one goal and my body had another, which was 20 pounds lower than my personal goal.

Good luck to you, but don't let anyone give you a goal. We are all individual and as with anything, YMMV (your mileage may vary).

I think it's better to have a goal weight 'range'.  Let's say you get focused on a number, but your body just won't get there.  If you get to within 10 pounds of some random number, but JUST CAN'T HIT IT, you may lose sight of how far you've come and stop celebrating the ### pounds you HAVE lost!

Also, keep in mind that having carried around an obese body for an extended time, your bones are much more dense than the average weight person.  "Lead Pipes", I've heard them called.  So you may look identical to another person in size and build and all, but be 20 pounds heavier than that person.

Personally, I always thought 185 would be a good number for me (I'm 5'11").  So far, my lowest has been 207.  But people have guessed my weight anywhere from 175 to 190.   My point for sharing this?  DON'T OBSESS OVER A NUMBER.  Do this for your health, do it so you can enjoy things that your size have prevented you from doing.  Don't do it to reach a random number, the non-scale victories are a WAY bigger deal!!!

oh Darla - I do so love you...

I know my goal and where my body decided to stop were 20 pounds apart (I wanted to get to 165 and ended up at 185).  I did some body fat testing and found that my lean mass was something like 145 lb, so getting to 165 probably wasn't realistic for my body.  My body fat percentage right now is about 21% (the high side of "acceptable").

I did have a tummy tuck and arm lift to get rid of the stomach skin and fat I couldn't lose and the arms I have always hated.  That took 15 pounds off.  I had regained about 15, so I ended up back at 185.  I am getting the feeling that my body really really likes this weight.  I have been here before for long periods of time. 

It is such a journey to go through and you have to get to know your body all over again.  It is exciting and fun but can also be scary and stressful.  I am having more trouble getting comfortable with my body post tt than post RNY.

I know this was a convoluted answer, but my point is that you have to allow your body to do what it wants to do and not get fixated on a number.  I am so grateful for the 61 pounds that I have lost and if I never lose another ounce I will be happy.  The difference from 2 years ago is amazing. 

Good luck on your journey - it is a crazy one!
Amelia

Thank you all for your feedback and knowledge! I had my pre op physical today and am seven days away from the start of my new life. I had a brief anxiety attack in the middle of the night, but otherwise, I am more excited than scared. I have recommended this website to other people looking at surgical options. I do not know what I would do without all of you!