Changing goal weight

I was wondering if you changed your original goal weight?    I originally set mine at 150#, seemed like a good  round number, but initially I was not even sure that I could get there.  
Well, now I am 147# and find I still want to lose more.   Maybe it is the cushion I am wanting, not sure.   But I am thinking while I am still losing (although slowly), now is the time to see where I actually end up.

I am 5' 8", so 140# will give me a BMI of 21.3, well within the "normal" range.  I am hoping that with the additonal weight loss I will lose more of my tummy!  

 I think most of us have tinkered with our final goal range.  Generally less then the original number.  Find your happy place then work on maintaining. 

 My surgeon set my original goal weight at a BMI of 22.  As I dropped weight, he wanted to lower it to BMI 21.  I did get to my original goal weight, but then had a little bounce back of 3 lbs which I'm trying to get rid of now.

I can see that I have another 5 lbs of fat to loose which would put me closer to the BMI of 21.  I'm now working with a trainer to create a better exercise program and I'm cracking down on my snacking to lose that last few pounds.  Hopefully this will slim down my tummy too.  

Thanks for the input.   My surgeon did not set a goal for me, so that is good to hear yours put yours at 21.   And, you are right about getting on to maintenance!   
This has been a journey and I guess I'll see where the path leads me!  
I feel so blessed to have had this surgery!   

I think you also need to look at how much lean muscle mass you have versus fat. If your lean muscle mass is relatively high in relation to your percentage of body fat, then your goal weight might be a bit higher. BMI doesn't take into account bone structure, muscle mass, and assorted other things. A Dunk test, Dexa Scan, Bod Pod would be reliable ways to check this out.

Getting rid of the tummy is one of the last things to go, but I am in the middle of my BMI range and I still have a tummy that is mostly excess skin. You can't really spot reduce, but aerobic exercise and weight training can help to reduce your body fat, which will help to decrease your tummy.

Gail

Where did you get your Dunk test, Dexa Scan, or Bod Pod?

The dunk test is hydostatic water weighing and is done through universities, as well as a mobile company with branches throughout the U.S. The name of this company is: www.bodyfattest.com. You can check and see, if they have testing in your state.  Some gyms contract with this company for regular testing dates.

Bod Pod testing is done at some gyms, so check with local gyms and colleges.

Dexa Scan is more limited, very expensive, and not being used for wide-spread purposes at the present time, but supposedly has very accurate results.

Also, google the above tests for your area, to see if and where they might be available.

Gail

I had a hydrostatic weighing through the bodyfasttest.com. A local store was having an event and this company was there with a truck. Very interesting. Prior to the Dexa Scan and Bod Pod, hydrostatic was considered the Gold Standard for measuring body fat. The Dexa Scan may eventually win out, if the costs decrease.

I changed my goal many times.

First I wanted it at 140 lbs.  The low end of my BMI and my dream weight...

Then I decided to try to be more realistic and not set myself up for failure.  I changed it to 150 lbs... then up to 155 lbs.  My surgeon wanted me at a BMI of 22 which was 162.5 lbs...

I got to my goal of 155 lbs and decided I wanted to go lower.  Lost all the way down to 142 lbs for about a minute then bounced up about 5 lbs and maintained for about 1.5 years around that weight.

Then I slowly worked my way back up to 155.6 lbs, before I made the decision to do this for life.  I got serious again and lost down to 140 lbs, and was just thrilled to reach my dream weight...

Then due to some stresses in my life I lost down to 135 lbs.  I never in a million years thought I could be this low.  I am at the lowest end of my BMI.  I love how I look and feel.  I am now maintaning between 135 and 139 lbs...

My next goal is to tighten up and do some weight training.  There are a couple of 'spots' that still hold some fat, my outer thighs and my tummy...  And my overall body could use a nice layer of muscle now... 

I have changed my goal as I have observed my body...  do what works best for you and your goals.  You are in charge

Congrats!

Cindy

i think its totally fine to change your goal weight. I did. my surgeon set a range. but he said fine when i wanted to go a little lower. then i went a little lower still and he said fine. i think setting goals is sort of an "art" and sometimes you have to adjust as you get there based on how you feel and how your health is doing. and now is the best time to keep losing if you choose to. and having a couple of pounds to allow for fluctuations is not a bad thing when you are a few years out.

Its really a very subjective thing in spite of those bmi tables. but it still feels good to be considered "normal" after a lifetime of being overweight or obese or worse. so go for it!   Diane

Thanks!
And, Diane, "normal" is great, isn't it!!??!!