What was your goal weight?

Here's my question.... I was looking at the Weight Loss Planner on here, and noticed the "average" weight loss is 70 percent of excess weight. I want to lose 100 percent of my excess weight....is that reasonable? What percent of your excess weight did you lose....and do you think you're the exception or the rule? When you guys say @goal, how did you determine the goal? Was it your doctor's goal, a normal BMI or something else? About half the people in my support group have gotten to goal, but the rest have not -- although they have lost over 100 pounds which their surgeon considers a successful surgery. Did you lose most of your excess weight in the first year, or did you continue to lose steady for 18 months (or longer?) Thanks in advance for your input!!! I really respect your opinions! Joni

I was 100 pounds overweight and I lost 115 pounds. I lost it in the first year and have maintained for 4 more. My doctor says to add 15-20 pounds to the docs and insurance charts to get somewhere near what our goal should be. I don't know why I wouldn't lose 100% of my excess - that's what I had surgery for.

Hi Joni, I didn't start out with a goal weight, but simply wanted to be anything smaller than what I was when I started (268). My doctor considered 150 pounds to be goal weight in his eyes (which I assumed meant around the 70 percent the "studies" talked about). As I started to lose the weight I felt that around 125 to 128 was my personal goal. At around 16-18 months out I had gone down to 128 and on good days 125, which I have maintained for almost 9 months. I felt that 125 would be ideal for me (my personal goal once I started really losing). So, in answer to your questions, in my opinion you can lose 100 percent of the weight you want to lose, which in my case was 140 pounds from 268 to 128, if you put your mind to it and follow all the rules, and even tweak those that aren't working for you. If I start to swing a little above 128, I immediately resort back to two shakes a day, lots of water, fruits and protein. If I get to 124, I have a little free play occasionally; and so my life goes. I love it, I am really enjoying it. Hope this helps. Missy.

Joni, I started out at 305. At 18 months out I now at 175 .... total loss is 130 lbs. My surgeon considered me a success at 180 lbs so I'm 5 lbs below his goal for me. Since I'm only 5'1" I'm still overweight for my height, but so much healthier than ever before. I would like to lose more weight, but am not beating myself up over it. My weight has been pretty stable for about 6 months. Mary

Hi Mary, I noticed that we have have a few things in common.. I started out at 302lbs. We had surgery about the same time. I now weight in at 182lbs,on some days I weight in at 178lbs. I have been at this wt for a few months now,I know I need to work alittle harder at getting the wt off,but I also know that I'm losing inches still. I'm 5'2" Anyway,it is nice to see someone on the board with about the same stats as me. I read some profiles and see how much some have lost in their first year,and compared to me they've done great! I know I'am a success with my wt loss also,I really am so happy with the way I feel and look. My Surgeon never gave me a goal,but I would like to reach 140lbs. Are you interested in looking into plastic's? Jeanne

Jeanne, Not sure if I will ever do PS. Right now since I am not at normal BMI for my height, I would say no. My arms and legs look pretty good but I do have an apron tummy. Not sure my insurance would pay for it either. Haven't researched it at all at this point. I'm not going to say Never, but not focusing on it now. How about you? I have been heavy my whole life. At 175 I weigh what I did in junior high. I feel great and know I have accomplished so much the last 2 years. Mary

I think we have to consider carefully what our weight goals are. There's far more to it than the BMI charts or the insurance tables on what we should weigh. Our bone density, where we carry our stores of fat and whether those pockets of fat can, realistically, be used up. Our age and gender are also considerations. We also have to realize that we start this journey not just overweight, but morbidly obese. We've abused our bodies for years, and as a result, our metabolisms are generally messed up. Most of us will end up with a fair amount to a lot of excess skin that will not shrink up on its own. That excess skin not only weighs something, but contributes to the overall appearance that we are not as "thin" as we'd like to see ourselves. Then there's the muscle factor. Are you building up muscle? Although a pound of fat weighs the same as a pound of muscle (much to the disconcernation of some!), muscle is denser and therefore takes up less space. Generally, the more muscle you have smaller you "look". And finally, there's the overall health aspect. What is motivating you to get WLS? Appearance, a number on a scale, or generally good health? Good health can be achieved without shrinking to some specific number on the scale. About 6 months after WLS I started getting underwater (hydrostatic) weighed. It's considered by many to be the best assessment of your lean body mass to fat body mass. In determining, ultimately, if you are at a good MAINTAINABLE weight for YOU, it also considers your age, gender and body frame. I was shocked to find that because I did have a lot of muscle and fairly dense bones, 183# was considered a healthy weight for me. That was nearly 30# heavier than my original goal. However, the physiologist pointed out that getting closer to 155# would in the long run make it harder for me to keep the weight off. Eventually, my body settled at 167# (I'm 5'9") and has stayed there for nearly 22 months. That's 12# above my original goal. However, I'm in extremely good health and look and feel years younger than my 55 years. I continue to get underwater weighed every 6 months partly to make sure I'm maintaining good muscle mass. I now consider 167# my goal. I wear size 10's and some 12's, can walk 12 miles and bike 40 miles. I can lift 150# (almost my weight!). And most important, I can maintain this weight, and I'm confident I can do it for a lifetime. Yes, it requires effort and commitment, but it's not overwhelming--it's simply the way I choose to live now. This is what has worked for me. I'm not saying it's the right approach or attitude for everyone--just one perspective. Ann -141

major goals, normal blood pressure - now around 115/70 normal cholesterol - at last check was 135 able to be more active - exercise 5-6 times a week at least an hour a day now. lose the aches and pains, mostly met this one, My achilles tendons are great, but my arthritis still hurts and I still hae sciatica. I lost over a period of 15 months. & been faily stead since then 3 year anniverary next month

I don't think it's unreasonable for you to lose 100% of your excess body weight. According to the charts, I've lost 98% of my excess body weight. I started out at 286 and am down to 141. I'd like to get to 135. That's my goal. My doctor never gave me a goal weight to get to. BTW, I'm 15 mos out. Gisela

I originally set a personal goal of 145lbs for myself,,, but after thinking about it,, there is no way I will ever get to that... When I was at my last dr visit with my surgeon,, we discussed goals,, I didnt have an official one from him,, he said it depends on how you feel, and asked me what I think I should weigh,,, so now my goal is 165,,, I am wondering if I will ever get there,, I have been gaining and losing the same 2-3 lbs for a month now,, its getting frustrating,, but I have fallen off the wagon,, I am assuming its because I am stressed about my weight,, so I vowed all this week to not cheat and do well,, I am getting weighed next week,,, if this works and I hit a new weight number I will know its cuz of my "fallen off the wagon" episode,,, I started out at 316lbs and now I am 180lbs,, or sometimes 178lbs,, Almost 15months out,, I hear you have up to 2 years to lose,, I hope I still have a few lbs left that will come off ,,,,,, Christy