Have my surgery in 8 days, and was thinking about what I want my end result to be. Started wondering, "How does one decide what their goal weight should be?" I'm 5'10", my HW was 380 and I currently weigh 352lbs., so my BMI is just a shade over 50. A "normal" BMI for me would put me at between 129 and 174 pounds. I can't envision myself at 200 lbs. much less BELOW 175 lbs. Is BMI a realistic measuring stick?

At this point, I would rather measure my success by how I feel, and my general health. But if I had to pick a number, I would say my goal is between 200 and 220. I'll be ecstatic when I get under 300 lbs, and elated when I've lost 100 lbs. But my real wins aren't going to be measured by a scale, rather they will be doing things that weren't possible at 350+ lbs. Like teaching my daughter to ride a bike, riding a roller-coaster, water-skiing and dare I say, RUNNING a 5k or longer.

What are your thoughts?

I agree with your thoughts and I am wishing you a blessed surgery,good luck & much success!

I am also 5-10, female, and 48 years old. BMI range is same as yours. I started at 315 and am now 197. Everyone tells me I look skinny. Ha ha. I guess it's all relative. The official guideline is that you are a success if you lose 50% of your excess weight after surgery. So (352-174) = 178 * 0.5 is about 90 lbs. So at least shoot for 260. I think your estimate of 220 is a good goal for you. Better loss than average but not unrealistic. I think the higher starting weight, the higher a realistic goal has to be. You can always readjust the goal lower if you want. That's better than adjusting up! My doctor never gave a goal. He just wanted me to lose the 50% EW. I lost 84% of my excessive weight.

I think you hit all the right nails on theIR heads! The beautiful thing about goals is that they are meant to be achieved, and then a new goal set. I am watching my reps, weights and endurance go up at the gym and getting a HUGE kick out of my strength increasing. Sounds like a 5k is in you future, which is an awesome goal. You are wise to recognize that the scale only tells part of the story. Best wishes on your new, radical commitment to your health!

Im 5'10" too. I'm going down to 145. Hello hipbones.

My dr opted for BMI of 21, smack in the middle of the healthy range. That puts me at 127 on his scale. I'm totally on board for that.

YOUR BODY WILL STOP LOSING WHEN ITS TIME>

I set my goal to what the recommended weight is for my height and age.

If it helps, I am 5'11", started at 360 # and maintain between 175-180#. I have spent the last year since hitting goal working on athleticism and muscles. So yes, I do believe you can be comfortable at 180# or so. You will definitely be able to run or anything fitness you want to do. I have done a lot over the last year from running 10 k distances to doing cross fit 5-6 days a week to p90x. Just focus on what you want and you will find a way, one step at a time.

Edited March 24, 201412 yr by Fiddleman

Wanted to follow-up on this topic. Had my surgery on 3/31. Talked to the nutritionist that day. She recommended a goal of 205 lbs, ~24.5 BMI, or less than 18% body fat. She said that focusing on the body fat number was more appropriate for me, since I have a pretty solid build anyway.

Wanted to follow-up on this topic. Had my surgery on 3/31. Talked to the nutritionist that day. She recommended a goal of 205 lbs, ~24.5 BMI, or less than 18% body fat. She said that focusing on the body fat number was more appropriate for me, since I have a pretty solid build anyway.

That sounds great. How are you feeling?

This is a great question and I've wondered it myself. My Doctor never really gave me a goal weight. I'm 5'10" and he basically asked me about a time when I looked good and felt good which I said was 190. Well now I'm at 180 and still losing. So I've readjusted my goal to 165 which puts me at a healthy BMI. That would be awesome! I think the reason my doctor was hesitant to give me a goal is they focus more on percentage of excess body weight lost. The BMI charts aren't always realistic especially with higher starting weights. And they don't take everything into account.