Goal Weight Adjustments - What weight is the right weight?

So I hit my normal BMI!! Yes I am thrilled!! 

I am currently sitting at 160 pounds - I am 5'8".  I have been working toward a goal weight of 150. I am now wondering about adjusting it a little lower. I still have extra fat on my arms, legs and stomach. I don't think it will be gone in ten more pounds. Wondering how the veterans decided on a goal weight or if you waited to see when you liked your body.

I do have excess belly skin, and a little on arms and legs, but it's actually not too bad which might be because I have kind of been a slower "loser." Anyway, thoughts are appreciated.

Here is my latest video on my weight loss update/milestone reached. 

https://youtu.be/8Xsb6gqyV2I

We all have to decide what is best for us. I like the saying that our goal weight should be something we can easily maintain while living the life we want to live.

I am 5'7" and like being on the leaner side. I am old and it is better for my joints.

Have you had your body fat percentage measured? Perhaps that would help you choose your goal.

Thanks for this, Laura. I have not had it measured in years. How can I do that? Surgeon's office?

I just made a surgeon appointment. I haven't been in a couple years (I know terrible). They will measure my body fat so that's cool.

You can see if your surgeon offers that, or ask your PCP to order a dexa scan. Body pod and hydrostatic (underwater) weighing are also very accurate ways to measure body fat. Avoid caliper testing (usually offered in gyms) because they are not very accurate.

Keep up the good work!! 

Thanks, Laura!

Recently sleeved here, so no experienced advice, but I wanted to say that you look absolutely gorgeous and are an inspiration.  Congratulations on reaching such a monumental milestone!

Saying that, I feel like goal weight is super personal so if you're not totally happy with where you're at now, you could either try pumping some iron, or losing a little more.  I'd think the only precaution would be to continually check your body image status, to make sure it's not just the old cruel voice from being overweight that's lying to you about how you look now.

Thanks!  I agree with the body image issue check. That's partly why I ask. If given my own devices I want to lose like 30 more pounds lol. But I think it might be more like in the 20 pound range I want to go for. And I have been working out and strength training and toning things up so that is definitely helping. 

Congratulations on reaching a normal BMI.  You look GREAT!  Goal weights are such an individual thing.  I think you could stop now, or choose to lose more weight, as you feel moved. 

One thing about the excess skin thoughts:  As I approached goal, I decided to lose more weight because I still had quite of bit of excess on my belly.  I lost 20 more pounds, and then decided that was enough, even though I still had a big belly.  When I went in for my plastics eval, the surgeons told me I didn't have any excess fat in my belly. It was all skin. They removed 5.5 pounds of excess skin with my tummy tuck!  So you might have less excess weight to lose than you are thinking.

Congratulations on your excellent success.  You are doing great.

Carol

I echo what everyone else says. You look fabulous!  And the right number is a personal thing. 

I'd recommend to keep doing what you are doing -- eating well & working out.  Your body will find the right weight.  I lost prob a little more than was good for me and maintaining it was really hard.  (But it was cool to be super skinny for a minute :)  

For me, the right weight is one that is healthy and I can maintain without crazy amounts of effort -- and is below 200.  Right now since I have been lifting so much, I feel super good at 195.  It is a bit too close to 200 for my comfort and I may be taking the baby plunge, so I'm trying to get myself a 10-15 lbs buffer.