This is about choosing a goal weight. Since I've never been "normal" weight for any length of time, I chose my goal weight mathmatically. I'm 5'8" and the healthy BMI range of 18.5-24.9 would have me between 122 lbs and 164 lbs. I put my goal at 143, because it's right smack in the center of that range. (Okay, actually my goal is 140, a nice even number.)

I've noticed that quite a few people here set their goal weight at a point that puts them above the healthy BMI threshhold of 25. Why is that? I'm wondering if this is a weight where they felt comfortable before? Is it because they have a specific size in mind? Is it because they think once you are above a certain age, you'll never be "slim" again? Big bones? I always thought the BMI ranges were so wide in order to accommodate large, medium and small frames, so that wouldn't be the reason...

Or is it because we as fat people believe that no matter what measures we take, we are genetically destined to always be just a little chubbier than everyone else?

Or are we afraid of disappointing ourselves if we set the goal too low?

I want to be well within normal BMI. I'm committed to getting there too. I don't know what it will feel like, I've never been that small before, but I'm willing to find out.

Lots of food for thought - thanks everyone

This was a very difficult question to answer pre op.. It wasn't about striving to reach a certain weight/bmi but about not being able to imagine myself at that size, if you see what I mean. Now 7 months down the line,, and with over 80lbs lost, I can start thinking about where I want this to go, and reaching a healthy bmi seems the most logical

Tanya x

Hi all,

I spoke to my surgeon about this subject as well.... She said that it really does depend on ones body type and frame. I dont ever remember being at a normal weight. I have always been overweight. However, I was surprised to learn that I am actually a small frame. So I am going to shoot for 140lbs. I am 5'5 and just over 300lbs right now. I dont think this is unrealistic. It is my goal, and if i dont get there, I wont be sad. I am happy with the now 38lbs I have lost in 3.5 weeks! I am a winner either way!

This was a very difficult question to answer pre op.. It wasn't about striving to reach a certain weight/bmi but about not being able to imagine myself at that size, if you see what I mean. Now 7 months down the line,, and with over 80lbs lost, I can start thinking about where I want this to go, and reaching a healthy bmi seems the most logical

Tanya x

I think this is an important point. I think a lot of people either just plain cant imagine themselves looking normal or cannot allow themselves to ever hope they would be normal. Its a matter of baby steps.

I'm past my surgeon's goal. He predicted that I would only lose 30kgs (60%) of my excess weight given the stats (which show that a 50% excess loss is typical). He gave me an extra 10% because I "seemed determined" - I told him I would lose more than 60% of my excess weight. I weighed 65kgs breifly in my early twenties and I was very happy with my size then. I think this time though, I might end up a little more toned at that weight than I was then cos I am doing a lot more exercise. I really want to fit into an Australian size 12-14 (US 8-10) comfortably.