Question:
What is a realistic weight goal I could acheive with this surgery as my tool

, I am now 5'10 and weight 414lbs??    — tylerswife (posted on October 15, 2001)

October 15, 2001
Just to throw in my two cents on this issue, I think you should target a 'fat content' goal. That has nothing to do with size or weight, but gives you a reading of percent of body fat. A normal healthy woman between 25-45 should be between about 26%-33% body fat, depending on genetics. As you get closer to "goal weight", there is a special kind of underwater weighing that is done to show what is the percentage of body fat. Given your height and bone density, your "goal weight" may be anywhere from 150-220 pounds. I am 5'7" and started out at 494. I am now down to 309 and expect to lose about another 80 pounds, then have about 40 pounds of skin removed. My the last 30 pounds to 'goal weight' will be determined by the amount of body fat I want. Obviously, the closer I am to 26%, the healthier I will be, but given I want to avoid hormone replacement therapy during menopause, I may opt to carry a few extra pounds and stay closer to 33-36% body fat. What brings me the most joy is that for the first time in my life, I can actually have some say so over what happens with my weight. Before, no matter what I did, I always ended up gaining! Good Luck to you!
   — merri B.

October 16, 2001
I agree with Donna, I had consults with three surgeons before I had my rny and they all advised to expect a weight loss of 70% (..one actually said 60%) of my excess weight. So, if you are at 414 and for a woman your ideal weight is 160, you should expect to lose approximately 180. My own weight loss was a bit less, I started out at 330 with a goal weight of 150...I expected to lose 126 and I lost 110 and I'm still trying to lose another 20....which might not ever happen.
   — [Anonymous]