Realistic Goal?

[bluegirly 343]

I am two weeks post-op and down about 20 pounds. I have about 35 pounds to go before I break into "ONE-derland". There are about 18 weeks left in this year. Is it realistic to set a goal to lose 35 pounds in that amount of time? I know the band should help you lose 1-2 pounds a week, providing you do your part and follow the rules, but if I set this goal for myself am I possibly setting myself up for disappointment? I am a big believer in setting attainable goals, and not over-reaching. But I don't know if this is attainable or if I should set a more realistic goal!!! Any thoughts??

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

If you were really big, say over 300 pounds, I'd say it was realistic because weight comes off faster the more you have to lose. But because you're not, I really don't think aiming to lose more than 2 pounds per week is realistic. If I were you, I'd aim for maybe 25 at most.

Just my opinion.

[lisacaron 5,075]

Aim for the stars! Just don't hurt yourself on the way there!!

The reality is what you actually lose, but hey go for gold, and see what happens! Silver is also a pretty precious metal and copper looks good on everyone!

[PrettyThick1 1,860]

Yes, it's possible. That's about the rate of my progress, too.

[2muchfun 8,927]

Much of the weight we lose right after surgery is Water we're retaining. The process could slow down once you squeeze out much of this excess Fluid. I agree with Missy and setting a realistic goal of maybe 20 lbs by year end is more achievable. The Holidays can be a hard gauntlet to travel.

But there's no harm in shooting for the moon so hit it hard and who knows?

tmf

[Sojourner 2,446]

I am two weeks post-op and down about 20 pounds. I have about 35 pounds to go before I break into "ONE-derland". There are about 18 weeks left in this year. Is it realistic to set a goal to lose 35 pounds in that amount of time? I know the band should help you lose 1-2 pounds a week, providing you do your part and follow the rules, but if I set this goal for myself am I possibly setting myself up for disappointment? I am a big believer in setting attainable goals, and not over-reaching. But I don't know if this is attainable or if I should set a more realistic goal!!! Any thoughts??

Initial weight loss rates will slow over time.

When setting goals it is important to keep them realistic so that psychologically you do not set yourself up for disappointment. Excess pressures to reach a goal which may be out of reach may create excess stress.

If you know that you are someone who works well under pressure, it may be the right choice. Through my journey, I have not set anything but short term goals...and prefer to just take a day at a time. That works for me.

Do whatever works for you. Good luck!

[sunnysidega 177]

Enjoy the journey, follow the guidelines you have been given, EXERCISE and see where it takes you. Most importantly be honest with yourself and be patient. I wish you every success!

[lellow 1,713]

I aimed big. I wanted to lose 10lbs a months. I didn't to start with but as I got more fills I started to. To do that, I exercised, I ate well, I focussed and I worked at it. Once I got to my green zone, I was actually already almost to goal weight. Losing weight was never a problem for me, it was keeping it off, so I went in with the mindset to lose, band or no band, but with the band helping me maintain once I got there. It helped me to focus when it took quite a lot longer than normal to get to the green zone (8.5cc in a 10cc band)

So it's possible. What you put in is what you get out, I believe. I lost 70lbs in just over 7 months. And I continued to lose even after hitting goal because I'd adopted this whole new lifestyle plus I was now in the green zone.

I believe in being realistic but I also believe in setting goals. I've lived my whole life that way so I treated weight loss the same way.

[ChicagoRose 650]

Based on your 18 weeks you can expect an average of 18-36 lbs in that time so hoping to see Onederland isn't entirely unrealistic, but with the Holidays coming up there might be some unforeseen treats in your future. Maybe give yourself until Valentine's Day. And then you will be in Onederland and can treat yourself so something sexy...hehe

[☠carolinagirl☠ 18,721]

i feel strongly that you will lose according to your body

i cant say how much per week or month a person loses or what they should...its based on alot.....a larger BMI person can lose quicker while a lower BMI may go slower....to me, as long as you are losing, who cares how much it is per week, month...and i feel that people who say i must lose or want to lose or will lose x amount by whatever date they have and then dont fall prey to the what did i do wrong drama......dont need it......that is my opinion......you are doing great...and if you lose that 35 by xmas as you wrote or you dont or maybe surpass it, you will still be doing GREAT.....its a process...not a race.

hang tough GF

[bluegirly 343]

Thank you everyone! You are right....I think maybe I should just aim to consistently lose weight instead of focusing on numbers. I'm just going to do the best I can do and see what happens. I'm glad I asked!

[Bandista 7,466]

How about a goal that isn't associated with the number on the scale -- like fitting into snazzy Jammies for Christmas morning or a new outfit, something like that? You are going to drop this weight -- you are on your way. But don't let that almighty scale drive you nuts. That's advice from some one not there yet -- you'll be telling me the same thing a few months from now when I'm wondering how thin I can be by such-and-such.

[☠carolinagirl☠ 18,721]

Thank you everyone! You are right....I think maybe I should just aim to consistently lose weight instead of focusing on numbers. I'm just going to do the best I can do and see what happens. I'm glad I asked!

if you are losing inches, you are losing no matter the number and a loss is a loss...focus on health....your better health.....that is the ultimate goal...of course me losing enough to make sammy hagar come marry me...wonder if van halen would do a comeback concert for the wedding?? hm...must ponder