Question:
Question in regard to "Goal Weight"

Hello all, I read an awful lot of the post on this wonderful site, and I read alot about poeple and their "Goal Weight". Either reaching it, or needing to loose a few more pounds to get to goal weight, whatever. My question to you all is, where did you come up with goal weights? My surgeon never gave me a "Goal weight". I asked him in the begining what my goal weight would be and he said that there wasn't a goal weight, just asked what what I'd like to weigh. When I gave him an answer he said that was totally doable. So, I was just wondering where everyone esle got their "Goal Weight" from. Thanks a bunch.    — Jean N. (posted on June 23, 2007)

June 23, 2007
I think most of us would like to have a normal BMI. I based my "goal" weight on having a BMI of 24.7, the high end of normal. Some want lower than that, maybe 18 or 19 and you would have to figure accordingly. I have heard that your body tells you when it's time to stop losing. Some people lose even after they set a goal without even trying. I know of many who have not lost all their weight but are perfectly content wearing a size 14. It depends on you.
   — Sheri A.

June 23, 2007
My sister had this surgery 7 years before I had it...I have based my goal weight on her weight now. Also I at one time had actually been at my goal weight so I have based my goal weight on how I looked and felt at a particular weight
   — spiritedsoul

June 23, 2007
Remembering the weight when I felt the best and looked good . Carla
   — MsGriff07

June 23, 2007
The previous are all good answers and so is your docotor's. Medically we tend to look at actuaral charts comparing height/weight and a BMI. When I started this journey a little over a year ago I asked my surgeon the same question- at 5'6 I weighed 286#. His answer was he felt I would have no problem getting down to 165#. Well 14 mos later I am 135#. Not all the previous health issues went away- and even tho' I secretly hoped they would intellectually I knew as a nurse certain ones wouldn't. However, no high cholesterol, hypertension, and very few problems with arthritis any more. I still have problems seeing myself as a size 6 rather than a 24. I guess what I am trying to say is stick to the meal plan so that you don't damage or stretch your pouch and be patient and your body will do the rest. Good luck!. Donna
   — dabby

June 24, 2007
Go to a BMI chart, I have one on my profile page at the bottom, and put in you height, and weight right now, it will bring up a chart telling you what is normal weight, that is how I figured my goal weight. The doctor told me that 150 would be my ideal weight, but the BMI chart with my height tells me 163, and I feel best at 177 and that is a size 10, anyway, use a BMI chart.
   — cindy

June 24, 2007
there are many different ways of coming to a "goal wt". the surgeon i am going to says goal for the surgery is to loose 2/3 of your excess wt. and your goal should be a number in the healthy BMI range. hope this helps, holly
   — RNlvnCARSON