Newbie saying Hi!

Hi! Glad I found this board. My husband and I had RNY on Feb and March of 2003. We've always enjoyed lifting weights. We have our own home gym so we can workout on our own schedule. I do have a question for those of you who've been at this longer than I. I'm 4'11" tall. Before my surgery I weighed a whopping 286 lbs. I know what you're thinking and yes, I was as wide as I am tall. I'll be posting some before and current pictures soon. I'm down to 174.4 lbs, and I know I need to lose more. Problem is that I'm not sure how to set an accurate and obtainable goal. To have a normal BMI, I need to weigh 114 lbs or less. My bodyfat % is about 38. Unless I lose muscle, I don't see how I can weigh 114 lbs. Should I go by clothing size, scales, or bodyfat%? I currently wear a size 14 jeans and can wear a size medium shirt if it will stretch over my butt, which isn't shrinking as fast as my waist. Any advice would be great! Thanks for the help. Jennifer Williams

Jennifer, In my case I choose to go by body fat percentage, the reason is I just feel that the published normal weight would not apply to someone in my situation. Using weight causes my body to be compared to others who may not be as muscular. For me I shoot for the normal BFP then it more reflects my health because it is a ratio relative to my body and then that ratio can be compared to others to determine where I fit. Just my thought, Robert

Now that I have had mine measured I agree. You really need to look at lean muscle mass (vs) body fat percentage. Great thought Robert. John B. turned Earl and I on to the body fat measurements. Great tool. Although I had to learn to look at the right numbers, it finally sunk it that I was doing pretty good. Welcome Robert. I know you've been here before...glad you are back. Val

I agree with the board here, the only real measure is body fat vs lean body mass. I have mine monitored with a Tanita, it is accurate enough for now at least. In fact they claim to be within a few % points (Good enough for me now) I do want to do the Bodpod, I hear it is dead nuts on. Welcome to the board!!!!