ideal weight and height ratio

When I had my consults this week the dietician helped me decide what I should weigh for my height. I am only 5 foot 2 inches and she said anywhere from 140 to 170! She said she wouldn't want to see me less than 140 which I was surprised because according to the BMI charts that still would put me at overweight to obese! I checked a chart and my normal weight should be 126. Now I realize that I am older so they give you more pounds for that but 170??? That seems hardly worth the surgery. (I am 255) --- Man I never thought I would put that number in print.....
So my question is why would they make it so high? My personal goal in my head is about 125-130. Not that I have any idea how I would look at that weight. I wish I could visualize it. I keep looking at the before and after pics, comparing their body weights to mine and the after shots too.
Any thoughts? I do realize that 170 is still much better than what I am but if I am going to do this and put my body through all this I better turn out hot!! LOL
Is 140 skinny??? I don't even know

I don't know if this is helpful or not, but I am 5'3" and I currently weigh 168.  On my surgery date I weighed 254.  I am 44 years old.  I agree that at 168 I don't feel done or even very close.  I wear a size 12 pants and large top.  I would like to get to 130 and hopefully a size 6.  Everyone is different but I don't think this goal is unrealistic for me.  It's definitely going slower now, but I think it's attainable.  (I'm 7 months out.)

Thanks for the reply. I looked at your profile and you look really good. It gives me a idea of what that number of lbs looks like. I really don't have a clue! Funny our body image is so distorted. When I see thinner people I have no idea what they weigh. I am still going to try really hard to get down more than they suggest, but of course I would be happy just losing the 100 lbs!!

Success, as far a weight loss surgery is to lose 50% of excess weight and keep it off for 5 years.  If you have 100 pounds to lose, the 'success number' is 50 pounds gone.  That is part of what they use to determine goal weight.  They also want us to have realistic expectations.  Not everyone is going to be or should be model thin.  Think "healthy looking" for a goal, able to do the things you want to do, play with kids/grandkids, climb stairs without getting winded, reduction in high blood pressure, improved sleeping, loss of the aches and pains that the excess weight is causing.  Setting unrealistic expectations sets us up for the feelings of 'failure' and none of us wants to be a failure.  So aim for the higher goal for an initial goal, you can always adjust your final goal as you get closer to it.

Positive attitude goes a long way toward getting to the goals you want.  Best wishes for your success.  Take things one step at a time, one day at a time, one pound at a time.  Hugs, Kathy

i am five foot six and weigh 133.4.  i am too skinny. when this all started they wanted me at 160 - 170.  i think i would like to weight about 142, not really for sure, just know my face is too skinny.  i was also suprised when they wanted me to weigh too much. your body has a lot to say with what you will weigh. good luck to you. vick

Hi! I am 5'0" and weigh (right now) 260 lbs...Definately not my most proud moment but when I was a teen i was still 5'0" and i did weigh 130lbs and looked healthy not fat or obese...My "ideal" weight according to all the charts is between 97-110 and to me that is really too thin!! I think you will look just fine at 140 lbs....