Total Loss Goals - how did you decide?

[TexasBecky 1]

I started out by picking the highest number that would put me at a normal BMI. I've since learned that the formula for calculating BMI is just not reliable for many, many people who have been obese. No "formula" is going to take into account true muscle mass, empty saggy skin, etc, actual bone weight. To get that you need your BMI to be calculated in an underwater tank, or by doing a DEXA scan. It is so much more reasonable and practical to assess how you feel, how your weight related health issues are doing, are you happy with how your clothes fit, etc. I second all who say to pick a clothing size. I never thought I'd be wearing 10's & 12's at my current weight, but I am. That is the most meaningful number to me.

[Jachut 487]

How did you pick your weight loss goal?

It wasnt too hard as I hadnt been obese all my adult life. I knew what I felt and looked like at about 75kg - although when I was that weight, I always wanted to get down to 67kg. Or in American terms, lol, I know what I felt and looked like at 170lb and Always wanted to be about 145 lb. I'm 5ft 10. I set 75kg as my official goal because everyone told me it was unrealistic to aim for less than that. Phooey. I knew I'd never stop there.

For me also, having never been morbidly obese, reaching a maximum of BMI 35, there was no way I was being told that I'd be satisfied with a BMI that was merely overweight or even "just" normal. I really wanted to do much better than that.

I guess I really did pick a size too - becuase I knew at 75kg I couldnt wear an Aussie size 12, that I'd have to go 5kg or so lower. I definitely had size in mind.

- Do you have the same goal you did when you started? No, I've had a long breather at about 70kg but I'm going to get to 67kgs.

- Did you go with the weight suggested by your clinic, or pick something higher or lower, and if so, why?

Picked something MUCH lower. I thought the nutritionist saying that I'd never get to 70kg was complete bullsh*t. What on earth would SHE know about what I can and cant do, she'd never met me. Bugger the statistics. I'd just had weight loss surgery! I wouldnt have done that if I wasnt determined to get spectacular results.

My doc never set a goal for me at all, he gave me the average stats and said "but that's completely up to you".

[TexasBecky 1]

Great thread Pizzi. Lots of great replies.

Also, if you haven't read Judi's blog lately, check her last entry, "My Ship is Coming In", Stories from the road........ I felt like it was my story too. I think many of you will relate. It was beautifully written Judi.

[She Smiles 2]

- How did you pick your weight loss goal? I weighed around my goal weight for a millisecond in my early 20's and I liked how it felt, so I want to get back there again.

- Do you have the same goal you did when you started? No, I've adjusted it down twice by 5 kilos (about 10 pounds) each time. I never thought I could get down there but the more I lost, I realised that I actually might! I may adjust it down further when I get there if I think I want to lose more.

- Did you go with the weight suggested by your clinic, or pick something higher or lower, and if so, why? I picked something lower. My surgeon picked 187 for me, which I KNEW from day dot that I would exceed, because I didn't want to still be medically overweight for my height.

[pizzicato66 1]

Great responses! I love reading how sassy people get about this, getting to a lower weight than suggested by the clinic just because the clinic said they'd never get there. Talk about determination!

:-)

[JudiM 1]

Wow....thanks all for visiting my blog! You have me red faced here!!!

This REALLLLY is a beautiful, caring, supportive and talented group!! My welcome mat is always out!!!

[pizzicato66 1]

It's amazing how bonded you can get with people you have never and may never meet, isn't it?

Glad you're feelin' the looooooooooove! :-)

[aluckygem 0]

I was banded 8/1/07 and have only lost like 25 lbs so far that seem so slowwwwwww?

[salsa1877 10]

I was banded 8/1/07 and have only lost like 25 lbs so far that seem so slowwwwwww?

But it is still a loss! At least it wasn't a 25 pound gain! Let us know what you are doing (how many calories, how much exercise, when you eat) and maybe we can find something that you aren't seeing. We have all been through the ups and downs here and the people on this board can really help things get started.

Welcome...keep coming back...it makes a big difference!