Question:
What is a realistic goal if starting at 466lbs 5'3

I am starting at 5'3" and 466lbs. Just wondering what a realistic ginal goal would be. I was thinking about 200 lbs but I don't want to set an unrealistic goal. PLease help    — shellyjoel (posted on March 13, 2004)


March 13, 2004
Shelly, It depends on which WLS procedure you choose, who your surgeon is, and what their surgical protocols and the convictions about the procedure they do are. I started at 365 lbs with a BMI of 64 (same height as you) and my surgeon told me I should weigh 130 lbs when I'm done losing. I'm 20 months post-op and I've lost 202 pounds so far - I weigh 163 lbs now, and honestly, while I'd be thrilled if I never lost another pound, I don't doubt that I'll at least get pretty close to that 130 lb goal. My surgeon (he only does BPD/DS) believes in letting the surgery do the work for you - and takes into consideration lots of factors - like, your age, your co-morbidities, family history, structural issues, and lifestyle. He knew that with my structural issues (degenerative joint disease in my back, bilateral grade 4 degeneration of my knees) that vigorous exercise would never be a part of my future. So, I have a shorter common channel (65 cm) and my surgery gives me a kind of freedom and license with food that I never dreamed possible. My co-morbidities (with the exception of the structural damage) are gone, and I'm outrageously healthy. It's a pretty cool place to be. Let me know if I can answer any questions, okay? Blessings, dina
   — Dina McBride

March 13, 2004
Hi Shelly Congratulations on your surgery date. Have you used the weight planner to help you on this site. My Dr said we would discuss a goal weight later when the weight loss slows down but for right now concentrate on getting in your fluids, protein and exercise. Good Luck to you......Nancy
   — nefish

March 13, 2004
i have changed my goal weight a few times, what you should do is just see how you feel at a certain weight and set it by that..dont try to over do yourself let your body tell you where you need to be..good luck to you
   — Deanna Wise

March 13, 2004
Hi Shelly. Your goal seems reasonable but you may change it as you get further out. I find the charts at thinnerself.com to be especially useful. Good luck to you.
   — Ann B.

March 13, 2004
My pre-op wt was 400 lbs and so far I have loss 194 lbs. My wt of 206 lbs isn't good enough for me. So on I'll push. DETERMINATION is the key word. My goal wt is 160 or 150 lbs. I have come this far and there is no stopping me now.LOL take care. ****400/206/-194 lbs****Open rny*****15th month****goal wt 160-150lbs
   — B4real

March 13, 2004
Shelly, the realistic goal you should set for yourself is to BECOME ACTIVE. I am sorry if I sound harsh, but, so many people go into this surgery wearing rose colored glasses. MOST DO NOT MAKE GOAL! Pls prepare yourself for that, do the best you can and be happy you are allowing youself the opportunity to get active.
   — heathercross

March 13, 2004
My doc doesnt' talk "goal" weight until six months out. he says that he likes to see a loss of 80% of excess weight. he says that sometimes people set unrealistic goals for themselves, and then get down on themselves becuase they don't see success in how far they've actually come.
   — Rachel T.

March 14, 2004
Hi, I started at 462 and am 5'3. My surgeon said his goal for me is 50-70% of my excess weight lose. That would put me from 220-290...I'm aiming at the 220. I want to get there before I have my hernia repaired and start the massive skin removal process. I dream of the day I see a weight that starts with a 1.
   — Sarahlicious

March 14, 2004
My PCP and surgeon both made me a little nuts trying to talk about this. They were both great doctors, but I think they didn't want me to feel the pressure of expectation. I, however, wanted to have a reasonable number in mind to focus on, to get me through. I finally settled on getting my BMI below 40, out of the morbidly obese range. Since I was starting at about 80something(468 and 5 feet tall) That just had to suffice as a big enough step for me. I'm nearing 50 now, and soon I'll be having to reassess and settle in for some finer tuning. The other posts here have good advice also, but as you're starting out from almost where I was, I'd say to make it easier on yourself right now, and just focus on doing as good as you can. The health benefits are more important than the numbers. Easier said than done, I know! :) Good luck!
   — christied

March 15, 2004
It is my inderstanding that the heavier you are the more weight and the faster you will loose. I was 382 lbs one year ago and since I have lost 160 LBs. Good Luck!
   — Jodie S.

March 15, 2004
Sorry, but don't get caught up in the heavier people loss faster expectation. Everyone is different. I especially think that even though our starting weight is high, it's more bulk since we are short. I lost 30lbs the first month then things slowed down...I have averaged 10lbs a month which is good and steady but is behind on most weight loss planners.
   — Sarahlicious

March 15, 2004
I started off at 390lbs and now, nine months out, I'm down to 225lbs. I NEVER dreamed I'd have lost 165lbs in nine months and while I set my original goal at 175lbs, I have a sneaking suspicion I just may get lower than that. Having said that however, I am so tickled with the success I've had so far, that if I NEVER lost another pound, I'd be a happy camper. I wish you the best!! God bless!!
   — Amy G.




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