Is anyone's goal weight higher than the BMI chart weight?

[BarrySue 602]

I set my weight loss goal at the top .1% of the accepted BMI range, if only because I want the satisfaction of being able to have a "healthy" BMI. However, my end goal is not my only goal, and I have a ton of mini-goals and milestones along the way. I was excited to finally hit under 300 lbs, excited for 250, excited for my BMI to hit 39.9 (because I was no longer "morbidly" obese), excited for 219, now I'm shooting for 203 (150 lbs lost) and 199 (Onederland! Haven't visited since I was 17).

A part of me is always terrified of failure, worried I won't be able to wrap my head around a healthy weight since I've always lived in this pudgy body, but screw it. I'm not gonna set mediocre goals because I'm "afraid" of not succeeding.

**Edit: Oh yeah! And I decided I wasn't going to settle for less than a healthy BMI when my surgeon warned me against sleeve and strongly pushed for the duodenal switch surgery or at minimum, gastric bypass. He said people with 200+ lbs to lose typically can't succeed on the sleeve. I respect his opinions; he's a doctor, he operates in statistics and calls it like he sees it. But I took it as a personal challenge to prove him wrong.

Edited April 12, 2016 by BarrySue

[catwoman7 10,870]

statistics are what they are - statistics. There are always people who lose lose more than expected and those who lose less. I'm a statistical success at this point, but I'm still losing - albeit slowly - and my mind is set on getting lower, so we'll see...

[LipstickLady 25,682]

My doctor set my goal weight at 230 pounds. Any more than that is gravy. Frankly, I'm ok with that as a goal weight, but I've noticed that many people's goals are those on the BMI chart for their height. Would you be ok if you don't get to that weight?

Just curious.

That's a pretty high goal weight for your height, IMO. You do what's comfortable for you.

[spdmonkeymama 36]

I wish DEXA scans were more widely available and used more by baratric programs in the US like they are used in Europe. They provide the only accurate picture of what is really going with a person and their body composition.

What is Dexa? I have heard that before but haven't the clue what it is.

Sent from my SGH-M919 using the BariatricPal App

[spdmonkeymama 36]

Also, what do you mean "heavier with less fat"? Thanks!

If they meet their Protein goals and maintain their muscle mass, they are going to be heavier with less fat, not even counting in the bone density.

I think what outside means is muscle weighs more than fat so they will lose their fat % but the scale might not get as low as they want.

Sent from my SGH-M919 using the BariatricPal App

[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

Yeah I mistyped. I meant to say that someone can be the same size as me and I will always be heavier mainly because my bones are so dense. My bones are 2x as dense as an average person.

This is what a DEXA scan is. Most universities have them in the US. Some health clubs and private places have them also. They accurately measure your bone density, body fat and muscle. If you are really heavy and have hanging skin etc, this is the only accurate way to measure your body fat percentage.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/too-much-fat-try-a-whole-body-scan-1439828879

[MichiganChic 3,262]

I've also read articles, but not scientific, peer reviewed research (though it may exist) that morbid obesity also increases organ size and weight as those organs need to support extra large everything. I did know that bones tend to be denser to carry the extra weight. So dense bones and bigger organs have been my theory for why I can weigh so much but look normal. Sometimes I wonder if societal views of obesity have shifted so much in the past 30 years (ie, it's more prevalent and we are accustomed to it being "normal"), and that contributes to my perception that maybe I look better than I do, lol.

Anyway, I still think our bodies will dictate some of what's possible. There are so many variables.

Yeah I mistyped. I meant to say that someone can be the same size as me and I will always be heavier mainly because my bones are so dense. My bones are 2x as dense as an average person.

This is what a DEXA scan is. Most universities have them in the US. Some health clubs and private places have them also. They accurately measure your bone density, body fat and muscle. If you are really heavy and have hanging skin etc, this is the only accurate way to measure your body fat percentage.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/too-much-fat-try-a-whole-body-scan-1439828879

[Wayward Traveler 135]

My doctor set my goal weight at 230 pounds. Any more than that is gravy. Frankly, I'm ok with that as a goal weight, but I've noticed that many people's goals are those on the BMI chart for their height. Would you be ok if you don't get to that weight?

Just curious.

My goal weight is higher than recommended on the BMI charts. I've been at that weight before - it's a healthy, comfortable, attractive weight for me. I can't imagine being at my recommended BMI weight - I think I would look unhealthy. But I have had my body mass tested - I am taller and have more muscle and bone mass than the typical female. Every body is different. Do what's best for you.