How much stock do you put in frame size?

Did you consider frame size at all when determining your goal weight (or goal range)? I'm right where my trainer and dietitian think should be my happy place, but my original goal was the middle of the normal BMI range (130) which is still 20 lbs away. Plus I have a small frame (5 5/8" wrist @ 5'5" tall), and the calculators that adjust for that say my healthy weight range would be 117-130, so my original goal would actually be at the top end.

I'm trying not to stress about the number on the scale too much anymore...I've gone from a size 24 to a 6/8 and have more muscle definition than I've ever had in my life, so I realize 20 lbs at this stage isn't a life-or-death difference. Just curious if anyone else has taken frame size into account when setting goals.

Also, on an interesting note -- my wrists were 6 3/8" at my highest weight, so I was convinced I was really large-framed. Those measurements don't exactly take obesity into account though...what mental gymnastics we go through to deceive ourselves!

Sounds like they haven't given you a compelling reason to be at the higher weight, so my suggestion would be that you keep going.  

If you transition into maintenance at the higher number, you will never know how you could look and feel at the lower number because it will be very difficult to lose 20 pounds when you get further out from your surgery date. Also, if you find it hard to maintain at the lower number, you've got some room to safely increase to a caloric level you're more comfortable with.  But I'll bet you don't!

I took my weight down to a lower BMI and I'm really glad I did.  An additional 20 pound loss really changed my body.  There were lots of small fat pockets that came off through that loss.  My health team now describes my body type as lean - can you believe that?  No one was pushing me to go to that lower number, but I am very careful to protect it now and have no regrets about where I am.  

There's no reason to deny yourself a chance to go to those lower numbers.  Also, I understand that with RNY it isnt unusual to experience some regain Around the third year after calorie malabsorption decreases or ends.  You're doing a great job.  Carry on!

edited to add - you may want to consider getting a Dexa scan when you're at the number you think works - it will give you a % body fat number and much more info that will help you decide whether that is the best weight for you to stay at.  Lots of people don't fit into the BMI standards.

Thanks; I'm definitely not trying to stop my loss intentionally, more just wondering where I should be satisfied if I happen to stop there on my own, lol. I appreciate the feedback about preparing for some potential regain!

A loaded question in my book.  

I do have a larger frame and I do have more dense muscle mass than many people do, so I'm one of those true outliers for whom the BMI doesn't really work. This pic shows me still in the overweight range (BMI of 27). And this pic shows me a mere 4 pounds below obese on the BMI. So keep that in mind when you read my recommendation. 

The first thing I'd suggest is to throw the idea of being in a normal BMI range out the window and focus instead on where you feel really good and where you and the non judgmental people close to you think you look healthy. 

I'd recommend, if you do have a frame to support it, lose the extra 20 you wanted to lose. If you find you want to try for 125 and are able to manage it, go down even farther. It's up to you. You can always gain back some weight if you don't like yourself at the lower weight, but it's hard to lose weight after being in maintenance a while. 

Body fat percentage, frame size, and levels of health, fitness, mobility and flexibility are the measurements I have come to rely upon to set my acceptable weight. 

Whatever you decide, I recommend it be your decision and yours alone. 

Thank you! You're absolutely right. And you look great -- your pics definitely show the limitations of the BMI scale!

Holy crap you look amazing. I would never think you we just a touch under obese or over weight in these. Point well made. For women BMI doesn't take into account other "attributes as well. I'm sitting at a natural 36H, so I'm going to weigh more as someone who is the same general size sporting a-cups. My last bone scan has identified that I have freakishly dense bones. BMI is not for every one.I think how you feel is the most important important thing.

Frame sizes can vary, but not as much as we'd like to imagine. I think a lot of people get used to rationalizing their obesity by convincing ourselves that we're "large framed," or "big boned," or something along those lines. It's mostly a bunch of crap.

Doesn't deciding how much you should weigh by measuring your wrist seem kind of silly?

Losing 20 pounds a year or two from now will be really, really hard work. Lose it now. If you want to add back some weight later, we can all put our heads together and figure out how to pack on some pounds. Just in case, you know, you've forgotten how.

Haha thanks Grim! When you put it like that, it sounds incredibly silly. I've never been this size before (well, not since before puberty), so I have no idea where my happy place should be. My brain just keeps saying impatiently, "Are we there yet?"

I think I also need to come to terms with the fact  that no amount of weight loss will make me happy with how I look. Losing 20 (or 30, or 50) more pounds isn't going to get rid of my bat wings and butt wrinkles. I feel great, and that's what should matter.

Can you get your body fat accurately measured?  

My PT's office does the finger-to-toe electrical measurement, and the last one showed me at about 33%. Another reason to doubt the one-size-fits-all weight suggestions. I don't know how accurate that is though...the handheld monitor at the gym is always 6% different (I don't remember which way though).