Question:
Can I really get to goal weight?

I was told I have a small/medium body frame, so that makes my ideal weight around 130lbs. I have overweight my entire life..so the thought of being even close to that weight seems impossible!!! I would love to hear from people that have always been overweight and now are "normal" size. I have talked to many, many great people..all of them seem to have a memory of being "normal" size. Just seems like a pipe dream, one I REALLY want, but a dream none the less. Thanks to everyone!!    — Cindy S. (posted on April 30, 2001)

April 30, 2001
I also have been heavy all my life. When my mother married and I was 13 years old, I remember going to the doctor and weighing in at 235#!!! I went on a diet, lost about 40 and maintained it until around 23 years old. Once I got married (and comfy), I gained back the 40 plus. I topped out at a preop weight of 254. I NEVER shopped in the Gap, Old Navy, Learners or any "light weight" stores. I had my surgery in August of this past year, making me 8 months post op. I now weigh about 158 pounds (I say about because I havent weighed myself in 3 weeks!!) I NEVER thought that this would be possible. Now when I go into the Gap, Old Navy and Learners, I feel so out of place. I am this chubby chick in a normal girl's store. (I know I need therapy). So, yes I think it is possible to accomplish! Also, I estimated that you are about 280# based upon the info that you provided. I read somewhere that mildly morbidly obese people (those under 300#) can assume that they will lose 80-90% of their excess weight. Therefore, with this surgery, some new habits and exercise, I think it can happen for you! If you have any questions, feel free to email me!
   — Jeannet

April 30, 2001
I think a goal weight is possible. When I met with the nutritionist and told her my goal was 175 she said some people would be happy just weighing 199. She really made me think (I was 278 pre op) , You know I would be just fine at 199. So I reached 199 and thought what the heck go for it so I amied for 175. I made it then my doctor told me she believed I could go to 155 , so I gave it my best shot. Here I am at 155 and thinking I'd really like to weigh 145 I think that would be my ideal weight. I'll see what happens . The differance with setting the goals this time as opposed to past dieting goals was each goal was obtainable, yet I didn't make it difficult on myself and say I have to go to 145 to be happy. I know that at any of those weights I'd have been fine because I'd have been normal. And I think that's the best one can hope for. Also don't lose sight of the real goals to improve your health both physical and mental(self esteem). My happiest day was not when I hit 155 but when I didn't have to take blood pressure meds any more! The improvements in my health were dramatic and the improvements to my apperance are a by product of that good health. Good luck in achieving your goals. Just don't be hard on yourself and take it slow. God bless you and watch over you.
   — Rose A.

April 30, 2001
Cindy, I am just over a year post op. I have lost half my pre-surgery weight of 350#. I'm now about 10 pounds from goal & still losing, although more slowly now. It really CAN happen! The last time I weighed this small an amount, I was in high school; I've never before been this thin as an adult & I have a 22 year old son!! :) It's still hard sometimes to see me as I am now. I still catch glimpses of myself in mirrors of windows & am confused for a moment; these times ARE becoming more unusual, tho, as I gradually get used to the new me. I can do so many things I could only dreram of before, it's truly a dream come true. One I never really thought could actually happen for ME. Even tho I read & saw others' experiences, I just knew I would somehow be the ONE it didn't work for as I, too, had been fat all my life. I had no real memory of life as a "normal" person. I just love my new body & it feels like my ally now instead of like the enemy. Altho I enjoy my new look a LOT, at least as good, if not better, is the wonderful way I now feel. I feel healthy, strong, confident. I don't have those old back, knee, hip & feet pains. I even have fewer headaches. I sometimes jog to my car or up/down stairs just because I CAN! I know it seems like it can't really happen, but it really can! I and the others like me are real, living proof. Hey, if I can do it, just about anyone can. I really thought I was hopeless...
   — Kathy W.

April 30, 2001
Cindy, I started at 280 at 5'1" and had surgery January 2000. I am 14 pounds away from goal weight. I am still losing- only 3-4 pounds a month, but still losing so I am encouraged that I WILL make goal weight. For me, exercise is the key to get these last pounds off. I try and do something every day, even if it is only walking with the dog. I try strenuous exercise at least 3 times a week (that is my minimum) which includes weightlifting or jogging. For me, variety is the key. I jump on the trampoline for 30-45 minutes, run hills, rollerblade, bike, play tennis, soccer, softball, anything that gets me moving. You can get to goal! I am planning on it! (I am 42 years old going on 16 again:)
   — M B.

August 14, 2003
I am 23 months post op, open RNY. I started at 289, 5' 7" tall (45 yrs old) , BMI of 42ish. I set my own "Ideal weight" based on a BMI of under 25. I hit that at around 16 months. 5 months ago I dropped down to 137 -- felt too thin, worked to regain a little, now hover around 148 - 151. Have gotten up to 156, didn't like how it felt, then worked back down to 148 again. How weird to strive to lose a couple of pounds like a "normal weight" person! Very cool! Work the tool, you'll get there!
   — blank first name B.

October 14, 2004
I have a medium body frame and had rny last July. I weighed 255 pounds and now weigh 125. My goal was 135. I will be 51 years old next month and people tell me I look like I'm in my 30's!!! I feel like I have more control on being able to keep my weight off and not being afraid of gaining it back!
   — Christy U.