adjusted goal weight

I'm adjusting my goal weight. My original goal weight when I started this process was 166-168 because that was the weight I got down to in my mid twenties and I enjoyed being that weight. As I thought about it once I started my journey I figured 170 was close enough and a nice round number so I chose that weight to be my goal. I got there and bounced around it for several months, but really settled in closer to 173-175. With the major weight lifting I did during the next year I put on muscle and got up to about 188 and still looked good (that's the white jean pic). 

To honor what I think is realistic I have adjusted my goal weight to be anything below 180. I think given my frame, muscle mass, my emotional awareness, etc... this will be a "doable" weight for me. I do not feel as if I'm settling or compromising, but instead looking realistically at what I think will be a truly maintainable weight for me. 

At my last session with the therapist she commented that if I didn't lose anymore weight I'd be content, right? I said flat out no and I think that my reply shocked her a bit. I know weight is a personal thing, but given her reaction, I momentarily thought maybe I was being once again unreasonable in my expectations.

I guess I'm looking for a little reassurance from my peeps that this sounds like a reasonable quest. Basically it's about another 20 pounds to lose. Honesty is appreciated. Bluntness is fine. I don't need a soft approach. 

I think a person's goal weight is a personal decision - pick your "happy" weight where you feel healthy and feel you can maintain. I know personally, I chose my goal weight at 135 which is still 10 lbs. below at normal BMI and my surgeon wants me at 128-130. I'm struggling getting those last few lbs. off to satisfy him...honestly I'm pretty happy with where I am at now. Might need to listen to my own advice!

Paula

My thoughts - the good the bad and the ugly. Yes you get to decide. And whatever you decide, my only caveat is that you make a firm and calculated decision about when you are stopping the weight loss process and moving into establishing maintenance practices. I strongly believe the decision should be a conscious one. 

Now with that said and still standing, will 180 take you into normal BMI range?  If it doesn't, I'd suggest you consider planning to go down further. I know full well that BMI ranges don't tell the whole story but they are the truth for most of us. 

Either way, I'd say commit to 180 and then evaluate where you're at mentally and physically. I still think it's more important to consciously make a decision to maintain than it is to go lower. After you get your maintenance habits firmly established, you may reach a point where you want to try losing weight again.

EDIT - just remembering that although I had always seen my ideal weight as 125, there were points when I felt tired of dieting and consciously decided I was only going for 135 (normal BMI) When I got there I felt I could commit to another 5 pounds, then I committed to the last 5 pounds. So yes it was a bit of a head game for me.  

And yes I ended up weighing less than 125 and I fight to hold it!  But that's a post for another day!

Hey Linda, here's the deal on the BMI: I would have to lose an additional 46 pounds from where I am today to get to a normal BMI. in this pic I am still 12 pounds "overweight" according to BMI. 
in this photo I am 3 pounds from being obese according to BMI. Yes, I've got a little bit of love handles, but obese? No. 

So, for me, in my opinion, BMI really doesn't work. I'm really an outlier when it comes to BMI. Also, I will be honest that not ever getting to a normal BMI really messed with my head. There is such a push for the "normal BMI" on the OH board even though it's not a system that works for everyone. I get it, but it was a sticking point for me - especially since my surgeon's MD wouldn't validate my goal weight.

Oh boy!  In suggesting that, please know my intentions were good and I certainly don't mean to trigger a mental battle you've already fought and won!  If 180 is where you want to be, commit to that.  And firmly establish your maintenance practices. Maintaining is the goal of the long game right?  

I know you meant well. Hope I didn't come across as combative! Just wanted to show illustrate with visuals why I can't let BMI enter into my person equation. It works so well for some, but not for me. Dr. Cirangle thought my goal weight should be 190 and you know he is a total BMI stickler. My PCP is all for the

I certainly didn't take your response as negative! I felt badly reminding you of an earlier conflict that you've already resolved. Again I want to say that maintaining is what's most important!  

And if you want more data when you reach your goal, it might be worth considering the test Paula is suggesting. I think I had a Dexa Scan as a part of a health work up about a year or so ago.  While I wasn't seeking data about my body fat level, it was helpful to confirm my thoughts  because there were a few folks in my life who were insisting I was too thin!  I wasn't. 

As a health professional and clinical exercise physiologist - I can attest to the imperfect nature of BMI. It simply doesn't take into account lean body mass vs. body fat. The best measure for body composition "fitness" is to have hydrostatic weighing done (under water). Many universities and some health facilities can do this for you. Here is a link to normal % body fat based on gender and age range http://www.instructables.com/file/FQJDBBMGQB4XEJH/

Paula

Paula, Thanks! I like the chart very much. I went back to look at my hydrostatic body fat test results from 2012. At 177 pounds I had a body fat percentage of 19 % which put me in the above average category for my age group.  That is certainly okay by me. I have always had an ideal of striving for 15-17% body fat which I think looks very healthy on a man - not cut, but trim. The body fat percentage is now adding a new dimension to my personal conversation! Awesome! 

We're all writing at the same time :-). So you already have the data you need. Clearly you can rest easy at the weight you're proposing. Good stuff