I am going over and over this in my head. My surgeon has told me to expect to lose about 60-70% of my excess weight. I started at 238 lbs and I'm 5'1". The bmi tables put my "normal" weight at a max of 127 lbs. but if I use the surgeon's numbers I can only expect to get down to about 160 lbs.

Is that percentage really accurate? Is it an average, taking into account those who just don't lose? I believe my goal weight should be no more than 140, as I'm 59 years old. Is it unrealistic?

I realize everyone is different, but I'm interested in thoughts and feedback.

My doc says 65-75% excess weight which leaves me still overweight. This averages everyone...those who lose 100% along with those who make bad choices and lose little. I'm hoping to lose more but guess I should be happy if I hit 70%.

They consider that % the successful surgery

Do you know what bmi your surgeon used to calculate your excess weight? Sometimes they use a bmi at the low end of normal. In my case my surgeon used 21 I think which puts me 100 pounds overweight. Losing 70% of my excess weight would then put me into the high end of normal which is fine by me. I get your fear - and was much relieved when I looked into the numbers. Also, many people do get to 100% excess weight loss, my program mentioned about 20 percent. And even if you were to end up at a bmi that is a little overweight - I would guess that would still be awesome in the long run? Best of luck to you! - Shellie

According to my surgeon I am "already successful." I'm right at 70% for the goal listed on my ticker. I still have a long way to go. On the other hand, I am delighted to be here.

It's hard. The crazy thing is that the closer I get to my goal the harder it is for me to see that I have been doing well. Plus that goal is an arbitrary number. One of the trainers I work out with weighs 10 pounds more than my goal, and is a size 6. I think that would be great too.

Look at it this way, if you lose more than the 60 to 70% that your surgeon said to expect and you end up losing more, just look at it as a bonus.

I already lost what the surgeon expected me to lose in a year. I am 6 months out. I am nowhere near where I want to be for my weight so I will try hard to continue to lose weight.