Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

How did you decide on your goal weight?



Recommended Posts

Reading the different posts, I notice almost all have a goal weight. I am curious as to how you choose the number you did. I haven't been under 200 lbs. since I was 17 so that is what I most care about but BMI charts say I should be about 165 to be at a healthy weight (I'm 5'9"). However, when I was down to 235 a few years ago I was literally wearing a 12/14. I can't imagine what size I would be at 160- I don't want to be a scare crow.

In a side note, my sister is 5'10", 135 and a size 2 (yes, I'd hate her if I didn't love her so much) but her bone structure has always seemed much smaller than mine . Not sure if that because she's so much thinner or if we're really built differently. And, at 135, she is "bony-looking" which isn't what I want

I'm wondering if not having a set goal weight will negatively affect my weight loss and, if so, how in the heck do I go about picking the magic number? Would love some thoughts on the subject!

Thanks!

Amanda

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

BMI charts tell me I should weigh 160-190 pounds. I'd be rail thin at 160 and I remember that I was average size, perhaps a little on the thin side when I was 180, which just so happens to be pretty much in the middle of what the BMI chart says. So 180 it is.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I came to my number with my surgeon. Back in my sexy 20s I was about 130 pounds. I'm only 5'1" so I'm really supposed be around 109-120. But, I don't have the bone structure to be that small. I'm what they consider "big boned". So, 130-140 was a comfortable number that both my surgeon and I thought was good for me. I decided to split the middle and aim for 135. It gives me enough meat on my bones that I don't look sick and I'm still healthy.

Talk to your doctor, they should be able to help!

Good luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I did not have a weight goal in the beginning I just wanted to be a size 10, now that I'm wearing a size 10 at 175lbs I've scheduled an appt. with my doctor so we can discuss a goal weight I'm thinking 165 would work for me I'm 5'4" I can not imagine being any smaller. I don't focus on the BMI chart, personally I don't think that chart takes into account the different body types that are out there any ways.

Take Care

Reading the different posts, I notice almost all have a goal weight. I am curious as to how you choose the number you did. I haven't been under 200 lbs. since I was 17 so that is what I most care about but BMI charts say I should be about 165 to be at a healthy weight (I'm 5'9"). However, when I was down to 235 a few years ago I was literally wearing a 12/14. I can't imagine what size I would be at 160- I don't want to be a scare crow.

In a side note, my sister is 5'10", 135 and a size 2 (yes, I'd hate her if I didn't love her so much) but her bone structure has always seemed much smaller than mine . Not sure if that because she's so much thinner or if we're really built differently. And, at 135, she is "bony-looking" which isn't what I want

I'm wondering if not having a set goal weight will negatively affect my weight loss and, if so, how in the heck do I go about picking the magic number? Would love some thoughts on the subject!

Thanks!

Amanda

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was between 150 and 155 for many years and felt and looked good, so I picked that. If I don't like it, I can go up or down. It's just a ballpark target.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am going by my BMI to be in the "normal" range. To get there the most can weigh is 145, so I set my goal weight for 140, which still seems almost surreal to me (coming from 245)!! A dream would be to weigh in the 120's :D

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

At first my goal was to be a healthy BMI, about 141 lbs (I'm 5 4) I changed it to around 150 which is still in the overweight range BMI wise, so I have 9 lbs to go and will re evaluate when I get there. Our bodies change so much with the years that it's imposible to what will be right until we get there.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I decided that I'd be aspirational with my goal, my lightest weight since I was 11 years old was 163lb, which I had to fight to get to, and only managed to stay at for about a week before it statd to creep back up! I remember feeling really good at that weight, but still feeling there was a little room for improvement, so I figure 154lb, which is right in the middle of my healthy weight range was enough under that to hopefully fel great.

I am however a realist, and if I get to a point between now and then which seems healthy an comfortable, I'll re-conside my goal, i'd rather aim high and mis than aim low and miss ;)

Good luck.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm in a similar boat as you. I haven't been under 200lbs since I was 13 (my step-mother put me on a diet and I lost 25lbs just to get to THAT).

I have never been a normal weight, so I dont' even know what normal is. For my height (5'10"), I'm choosing 180lbs. It's a little bit into the "overweight" catagory, but I figure I'll have at LEAST 10lbs of loose skin that I can't possibly lose anyway but surgically so 180 is probably a good place.

In all honesty I'd be thrilled just to get below 200 again. Everything else after that is gravy (so to speak).

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you all for the replies! At this point, I'm thinking I am going to focus on getting under 200. At 195, I'll have a date with the mirror and decide what the next goal will be. I will have a better idea of what normal is for me at that point. My doctor and I did talk about weight and he felt a loss of 100 pounds would indicate the surgery was a success. That would have put me at 198. I want to be a little further from the 200 mark for my own peace of mind. :)

Thanks again!

Amanda

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hey Amanda -- I'm 5'9" too -- I put 165 as my goal just because it was in the normal BMI -- I just want to be normal. But when I was 18 and 19 years old, I weighed around 135 - 145. I'm fairly small-boned (although you wouldn't know it now :lol:) -- so I'm hoping that I can get to 155, but I'm not sure -- I haven't weighed below 190 in 10 years, and haven't weighed below 175 in almost 20. So, we'll see . . . plus there's the age factor (I'm 47 -- closer to 50 than I'd like to be :lol:) --

So I guess what I'm saying is my goal has always been to be normal -- anything below 165 is icing on the cake! :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

This is kinda OT but kinda ON too. I was goofing on the internet and happened on an article about Fred Rogers (AKA Mr. Rogers). It said that he weighed exactly 143 pounds for the last 20 years of his life because he liked the number. It was the same number as there are letters in the words "I Love You" 1, 4 and 3. Kinda corny, I know, but still remarkable that he was so disciplined to maintain that exact weight for so long.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

According to the BMI charts, I should weigh 140 or less to not be overweight. Ideally I would like to weigh about 135, but that seems to be unrealistic for me. 150 seemed to be a good round number for someone my age (55) and build. I still find it hard to believe that I will ever be that small--but only time will tell. I'd love to be someone who has to work to maintain a healthy weight.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×