First Post on this Forum

Hi Everyone, I am almost 3 weeks post op and I am definitely a "heavyweight".  Still find it difficult to actually post what my weight or BMI is but maybe one day I will be able to. However, I think this forum will be helpful to me because as others have said - some of the "lightweights' don't understand. I do have a question - being a heavyweight - is it possible to get down to a "normal" BMI?  I know they say that if you lose something like 50 - 65% of your excess weight they consider the surgery a success.  However, I don't.  I want to be a "normal" BMI - can I do it? Thanks.

Welcome!  Its tougher, and it takes longer, but yes it is possible for some people.  We have a few people on here that are in a normal BMI, or very very close.  Personally I don't expect I will get down to normal, which would be something like 120lbs for me.  I was too heavy for too long - my bone and muscle mass are going to be a lot heavier than someone who is 5' tall and has never been overweight.  My current goal is 175 but I will be happy with anything below 200.  Good luck and I hope we hear a lot more from you! Jenn

Thanks Jenn!

Hello Baileysmom yes like Jenn said there are people here who have done it but I don't put that much stock into BMI it does not leave room for muscle weight I know people who are skinny by anyones standards and they are considered overweight by BMI scales. I would like to weigh under 200 like Jenn but really don't car as long as I have energy to play with my kids and I don't get caught in turnstills

That is THE cutest picture you have on your avatar! My goal also is to be under 200 lbs.  I set a "goal" of 150, but I don't know if it is realistic.  Trying to live in the moment, which is difficult for me because I usually straddle between the past and the future.   Welcome to the forum -Dawn

Hi , Welcome to the board!!!  Everyone here is sooo... nice and understanding!!!  I started with a BMI of over 60, at a wt of 344#.  My current goal is 170#, I don't think that puts me at a normal BMI, but I know I will be much healthier, and be able to do lots more.  I am not looking to get to the normal on the BMI, but to enjoy life.  I don't want to have to worry about fitting in a plane seat, not being able to ride roller coasters because I don't fit; not being able to sit at the ballpark comfortable, all the stuff that due to being MOB I can't enjoy!!!   I am almost 6 weeks out, down about 39#, and I know I am on my way to a better life!! Good luck to you Caroline

Check out my post below and maybe my profile.  Our starting stats are the same.  Good luck on your journey.  Loris  PS  I lose in spurts, because I comply in spurts.

Welcome!  I am losing off and on at over three years out.  It depends on how hard I try.  I  have already had my plastic surgeries.  I weigh 157.5 with a goal of 144 which would mean 200 pounds lost.  I would have to weigh 135 to have a normal BMI.  I think more of us former SMO reach our personal goal weight than reach a "normal" BMI.  Losing 50% of my excess weight would not have been acceptable or healthy for me.  Good luck and stick around.  Loris

Hello.  I am glad that you found this board.  I am still a pre-op, and i have chosen a different surgery than most here.  I started this process at 429, and am currently at 404.  I hope to keep losing up until the time that I have my DS, but I have failed at diets before.....so I am not holding my breath.  I definetly think that it is possible to lose down to a normal BMI for YOU.  Just like others have said before me. Once you have been heavy for a long tiem your bone density changes and makes it difficult to get down to the lowest BMI.  I will be aiming for a normal BMI, but I may only get close to that number.  Set your goals close and work for it, but do not be disappointed if you cannot make it all the way there.   There is a test that a woman on the Minnesota board had done that helped her realize that she needed to change her goal weight.  Her goal weight was too low becasue of her bone density.  It made it an impossibility for her to lose down to that weight.  She had it done with her NUT.  I will ask and then post it here for everyone's information. Good Luck on your journey and keep posting to let us know how you are doing. Jennifer

I'm still cautious when people ask me how much weight I've lost.  I just say something like "I've lost a sixth grader."  I don't need people calculating how much I weigh now with what I've lost to see where I started.  I am not at all comfortable with that right now but will be ok when I get closer to goal. My doctor's goal for me is 135, which is laughable!  My personal goal, which is very ambitious is 148 (I know --it's weird--but wanted to be under the elusive 150).  I'll be happy with 165-170.  But I am realistic in my goals and know that they may have to be re-set. I've been consistently exercising 5 days a weeks since surgery and am seeing real results because of it.  My upper body has really transformed and if only the lower body would catch up! Good luck on your journey and welcome!