I’m about 8 weeks post op with slow steady weight loss. Now that I’m relatively healed and I’m almost eating normal foods again it’s time to thinking ahead to goal weight. I’d like to get to a healthy goal weight. I’ve been overweight most of my adult life so I don’t really know what that is having never really experienced it. Should I be thinking of BMI? Healthy BMI for my age looks like a very low weight for my height and body frame. For those of you who have lost the weight already, how did you know that you had reached your goal? Was it how you felt? How you looked? Looking for some guidance as I navigate my weight loss journey! Thanks.

Edited May 27, 20215 yr by ThanaK

36 minutes ago, Soon2bFit21 said:

Starting weight 339, my surgeon seems to think my goal weight should be 150. At 5’11...

Yikes!

150 for 5'11" is a good 15-20 pounds lower than what even the online calculators come up with, and those typically shoot way lower than reality as it is. Where the heck did he get that number from?

Statistical outliers notwithstanding, IMO that is setting someone up for failure.

21 minutes ago, PolkSDA said:

Yikes!

150 for 5'11" is a good 15-20 pounds lower than what even the online calculators come up with, and those typically shoot way lower than reality as it is. Where the heck did he get that number from?

Statistical outliers notwithstanding, IMO that is setting someone up for failure.

According to his “calculations” for BMI it was right where I should be. I know better though: I’ve been very lean and with a 6 pack at 165 when I did bodybuilding. I don’t expect to hit that weight again nor do I want to. I’d be emaciated if it was for any length of time.

On 5/27/2021 at 9:14 AM, ThanaK said:

I’m about 8 weeks post op with slow steady weight loss. Now that I’m relatively healed and I’m almost eating normal foods again it’s time to thinking ahead to goal weight. I’d like to get to a healthy goal weight. I’ve been overweight most of my adult life so I don’t really know what that is having never really experienced it. Should I be thinking of BMI? Healthy BMI for my age looks like a very low weight for my height and body frame. For those of you who have lost the weight already, how did you know that you had reached your goal? Was it how you felt? How you looked? Looking for some guidance as I navigate my weight loss journey! Thanks.

I know I am a little late on this but here goes lol. First off, congratulations on getting your surgery! When I first got mine I thought that the "normal" BMI range was way too low. I think I just thought that because I had never weighed anywhere near the normal range. I currently weigh about 158 which is right at the highest end of normal on the BMI scale. I think the weight I am right now is great. I was ~130 at one point in time which is still in the normal range but that was way too low. I looked gaunt and sickly and my face was sunken in.

Basically I guess it probably varies from person to person and whether you are male or female probably plays a role (i.e. if I was female, 130 pounds might not have looked so unhealthy). The normal BMI weight may seem like it is too low now but that may change as you lose weight. I would recommend focusing on your body being healthy rather than what BMI or weight you are. Your doctor can help you determine if your body is in a healthy state at the weight you are.

Anyway, congratulations on being two months post-op! The pre-op is a grueling process but it is absolutely worth it. I wish you the best of luck.

-Joshua