Who decides your GOAL weight?

At my inital consultation Dr. stated that I was 101lbs overweight.My weight was 226 @ 5'5" Does that mean that my goal should be 125? I think that is doable but just wonder were everyone comes up with your goal weights?

Oddly enough, I don't recall my doc ever really discussing a goal weight with me. He did ask me what I would like to weigh, but can't remember what I responded. I think it was 130 or something -- if so I got a ways to go still -- but I don't think we ever referred to it as a goal. I think I was more concerned about mobility and health at that point than a number. I kinda wish he had given me a number to aim at. I guess it is something I will have to bring up at our next appointment.

My doctor set my goal weight at 160-175.  He said that I could go lower if I worked at it.  I would like to be below 150, but that's just a pipe dream I imagine.  We'll see what the comes.  I don't know what the future holds, but I know Who holds the future! Take care. Ellen

The way goal weights are determined by bariatric surgeons is a bit confusing. First you must determine the amount of excess weight you have. This is done by subtracting your ideal weight from your weight at the time of surgery (not your all-time high). Your ideal weight is based on the antiquated Metropolitan Life Insurance Table. You can do a google search on it and then compare your height and frame type to it to find out your "ideal" weight. Now to determine your goal weight you multiply the amount of excess weight by the average percentage of excess weight lost for your type of surgery. The average percentage varies by BMI range but I think in general for lapband it is somewhere around 65 percent

I had about 100lbs to lose by the time surgery came... so my surgeon set my goal weight where I would be at or near a normal BMI... I am 5'7" and he said 150-160 was my goal weight but if I got within 10lbs that would be acceptable since more than likely PS would be needed to get lower... to have a normal BMI at my height the most I could weigh is 157. He did say thou that they consider 80% of excess weight lost a success but I very much could do 100% (gotta love the disclaimers). When I had my PS consult he said he wanted me between 145-157 to operate... over 157 my risks of complications increased... less than 145 I would be super small after surgery and he felt I wouldnt be happy with that.

Thanks for the feedback everyone!