I was banded last week and I was curious how to pick a goal weight? Is it a size you would just feel comfortable at; is it a government table for healthy BMI's; what? I am just happy to lose almost anything, but secretly wish for a whole lot more. Just to where I can get off some meds and buy clothes in a "normal" clothes store again. And, of course, but hot undies.

I picked the higher end of a normal BMI. I ended up with a BMI on the lower end of normal.

I don't think the BMI charts are necessarily realistic or even healthy for a lot of people. According to the BMI chart, I should weigh between 90 and 110 pounds. That will NEVER happen unless I have a leg amputated. I've been thin many times in my adult life (like a size 4 kind of thin) and that was around 120 pounds, which is what I'm aiming for now. The BMI fails to take in to consideration too many other factors, like muscle mass, bone structure, and breast size/density. My breasts account for a good 10 pounds of my weight, and I'm large boned as well. I think you should base your goal weight on where you feel comfortable and where you are healthy regardless of your BMI.

By the way, my body-builder friend was recently denied insurance coverage because his BMI was through the roof. Of course, he doesn't have an ounce of fat on him, but the BMI chart doesn't know that.

Breasts have a tendency to turn into windsocks when we lose weight, and as well as losing fat, we do lose muscle too... So someone (like me) who had maybe 20lbs boobs, and a stack of muscle, who always said she was big boned, and would never, ever be tiny, can end up within their recommended BMI without looking like a Starvin' Marvin'.

No, BMI charts are not always 100%, but they are for the most part pretty accurate. A "normal" BMI is realistic, and is usually healthy (unless you are starving to get there)

Just because a healthy, normal BMI looks hard to get to, does not make it unachievable.

Apparently I've shrunk over the years I've gained weight. Almost 2 inches. My doctor asked me what my goal weight was, and I lowballed him, telling him 145. He didn't flinch and said that's a good weight. Frankly, I've haven't weighed that little since third grade and I was 4 inches shorter then!!! Also, I weighed 167 forever, was an athlete and looked REALLY good. So I don't know about my goal, but goals change when you get closer to them, and I'm sure yours will.

My god Chickie, you look amazing!!! Good for you and good luck on your marathons.:clap2:

I told my doctor when he asked me what goal I would like...140-150. He looked at me kindof sideways and said he would be happy with 160. I think that's way too much (I am 5'3" and small boned), but hey, it might be a lot quicker to get to....then I can do another goal and fight for a little more.....

I'm 5'9.5'', and my doc thinks 145 is a good weight for me.

I'm 5'11 and little change (closer to 6') and i set my goal at 165. That may be too low. My doctor said 185-190 would be better. I'm tall and have a bigger frame and long legs. My jeans inseam is 38 inches long. I just think 185-190 is too close to 200 pounds. I have a long way to go but I never want to see the 200's again.

I haven't picked a goal weight. Depending on where you're starting, you might not want to make a long-term goal because, if you're like me, you'll beat yourself up when it takes a long time to get there. I only do short-term goals so I'm never disappointed.

Lap band patients lose about 70% of the amount they're overweight, but that's if you're really good and the band was put in just the right place and a lot of things you can't control.

I've found it easier to do mini goals...I'm shooting to get under 200lbs (6 lbs to go as of this a.m.). After I reach that goal I'll pick another mini goal. Ultimately I'm happy loosing weight! (My ticker reflects the higher end of the Healthy BMI). I'm going to go with what feels comfortable in the end, if I'm able to keep loosing to the ideal BMI great! But I'm just Really excited about being below the 200 mark for the first time in years!!!

I didn't know how to pick a goal weight either. I started at 248 with a BMI of 42. I am 5"4' and what they call a medium frame. I have quite a bit of loose skin too, which no one takes into consideration either. Today it shows my MBI at 26.5. I am shooting to loose 100 pounds which would but me on the top end of the scale for my body height and build. I still have about 12 pounds to go. But today I made it to the 150's which is kind of a big deal to me.

Terri Branham

10/31/06 Dr. Tull

248.5 pre op

159.5 today

down 89