frustrated about bmi-help from those years out from rny

Im frustrated about my bmi. I am at 24, I'm 5'2" and 131 lbs. I do kung fu 3 times a week, and my intake is usually 1000 cal or less. I did fit day today and got in 1010 calories, mostly protein and little fat. I have not really changed clothes size, still 4-6 depending on department I shop in. I eat the standard protein, fruit and vegetables. I don't eat sugar or white carbs. I looked like a skeleton at 120. But I'd like to be 125 or even 127. So I do have a good amount of muscle, but my bmi has me close to being over weight again (24.9 is overweight)! I have regained about 10 lbs from my original goal of 120, doctors goal was 130. But have only increased the exercise and still watch what I eat like a hawk. Know there was going to be a bounce back, but this is frustrating to me. I could see if I was eating sugar and carbs, but I watch closely. I know I've gained muscle, I don't want to make excuses either.. I just need to know what you all think. Am I crazy, am I just to keep doing what I'm doing and not worry. I just don't want to deceive myself. Should I be worrying? Thanks so much, Blessings, Tami

Tami Don't allow yourself to be a number.  You are an individual with specifically unique qualities that define who you are and no number will ever define you as being overweight or underweight because of what you should weigh! If I ever thought for a second that I should really weigh 120 lbs for my height...I think I would be seriously depressed and feel like a total failure...But the fact is...I LIKE where I am and I wanted to share this site with you because it's got more than one calculator and method of where you REALLY are in terms of your specific body.... I am overweight by a BMI calculator.  But by the other tests I am not!  So try the other calculators and other really cool stuff on this site! http://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-calculator/ Hugs You look fabulous!  Anita

Tami, BMI is overall a good measure but it t'ain't perfect. Take two men... both 5'10" and 180.  One works out and is fairly muscular.  One doesn't and is larger around the mid section.  Because BMI computes using height and weight ONLY, these guys have the same BMI.  But who is healthier?  Obviously the one who works out. So, we have to measure success and health in a number of ways beyond BMI. Percent bodyfat would be a great thing to look at.  That would give you and idea of your status.

If you know you are working out and eating the right things in the right quantities... then you are there, my dear.

Kathy

BMI means nothing to a formerly SMO or MO person...it's a TERRIBLE guide..it's even bad for many regular people. For instance Brad Pitt is considered overweight.  Arnold Swartzenagger (sp?) was MO when he was at his prime.  A better judge for you would be body fat % and what you look good at.   "normal" weight for someone my height 6'1''  is 189.  I got down to 191, and people were asking my wife if I was sick...she (my wife) told me I looked really really bad.   So i purposely allowed myself to regain back up to 198.  It's only 7 lbs...and I get SO MANY compliments now about how healthy and good I look.  according to the BMI chart i'm "overweight"...but if you look at the fact that being MO makes your bones heavier (yes it's a weight baring exercise...lol)...and i have about 20 lbs of excess skin on my stomach thighs chest and arms from losing 300 lbs....i'm good. I'd say screw the BMI chart...find your comfortable weight, determine what your "swing" will be....mine is 198-202 and if you go over or under that you take action. Scott

why arer u obsessing over numbers??? your concern should be how you feel and how your health is, not a number!!!! actually it sounds to me like you are not eating enough calories.  be careful, your health could be at risk if you are not getting is enough calories. especially since u seem to exercise regularly. be well, jacki

Here's another site I really like. It takes your AGE as well as hight and weight into account.  http://www.thinnerself.com/files/calculator.htm I'm 46 I'm NOT going to weigh the same as some 20 something hard body. I also have a large frame. I'm short but that's its. I'm not petite by no means.  When I got to 114-115 I looked sick and I was YELLED at by my PCP and WLS doc for getting to thin even though I was OK by the BMI charts.  My PCP wants me at about 135-125 so that is what I'm trying to get back to. By most charts I'll still be OVERWEIGHT but all my labs are GREAT so that's what I'm going for.  Good Luck, Robin

I am 5'2 as well.. I weigh 120 and wear the same size as you... go figure.  We are all so different its hard to lump you into a number! Try not to look at the number but at how you look instead. You look GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!! You are doing a good job!  

Hi Tami, I can't really offer any more than what you've gotten from the other posters, I agree but I also understand you......the # game is mentally draining. I'm almost 5'2" so you and I are close in height and wear the same size, but I don't have near the muscle you have; let how your clothes feel and your health dictate your success, not the BMI factor that isn't worth much IMO. Hugs,

Thank you all, thank you truly. I will go and check those sites out for additional calculations. I belong to a weight loss support group,and I have to have a goal weight. I had to change that goal weight several times as my body adjusted to its new self. That in itself was hard, because I felt like I was moving backwards. I wish they would have just given me the time to let my body settle into itself and then set a goal weight. (each time you set a goal weight you have to get a script with the goal written on by the doctor),. I am trying so hard to not be the person I was for 40+ years, and love where I am, never wanting to deceive myself into fatness again. Your words have encouraged me greatly, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart! blessings, Tami

BMI does not account for muscle mass.