*** Comments/concerns regarding Goal Weight**

Thank You Sleevegirl- your an inspiration here on OH- best wishes for continued success!

Finally there is somebody that started out around my size and got to a good weight. Someone brought out to my attention that I had a high bmi and that this surgery wouldn't work AS well as the d/switch. Normally people I see start out much smaller like in the 200's. I spoke with my surgeon and she recommended this surgery for me and I trust her. But to comment on the original post, when you've been obese ALL of your life, losing 100-150 lbs is a MAJOR accomplishment. So in the beginning setting a realistic goal is best b/c if you set a goal too unrealistic, you feel like a failure which may lead you to a downward spiral. In any weightloss program, they tell you to take baby steps, accomplish 1 goal then move on to the next

Eh, frankly, that's bull**** Some of the DSers are a bit overly zealous. It's definitely not easy. You gotta work hard for it and be willing to settle in for the long haul. There's a lot of us bigger folks that have been successful. Yes, I consider myself a success even though I'm "still" doing this 21 months later **** that.

Visit the Over 50 BMI forum for some inspiration. Amazing folks there!

I didn't want malabsorption and I didn't want the side effects or vitamins that the DS offered. Having said that, it left the door open if I couldn't do it with the sleeve for something else. Will I be successful in 5 or 10 years? I dunno. I think so. It's about lifestyle changes and, for me, counseling. Honestly, therapy has been a big part of this for me, even more so than the surgery.

Don't listen to the naysayers. Make your own decision, no matter what that is. Own it.

That's right! This is only a tool. I'm sure there will be times when you get off track, but I imagine to be successful, you gotta work hard. There is no get slim method out there! Thanks for the encouragement, I know I'm nagging the right decision, I just need to get my mind right to do right and be successful in the very beginning cause failure is not an option...

Well Shaquille O'Neil is considered obese.  People in the weight loss community who were former athletes or genetically blessed with a lot of muscle mass will carry more weight and be leaner even though they weigh more.  I had a body scan done (same machine as they use for bone density) and at the age of 50 based on calculations done by medical professionals I should carry about 30% fat....which puts me in the overweight category, but a firm size 8....so no I'm not unhappy about a BMI of 28.

 

 

I agree 100% with the OP, though I admit this is a highly personal choice. I don't find fault with anyone who is living this, I fault the programs. I know my own program bases goals on averages. I don't want to be average after going through such a significant and invasive procedure. I want to be 100% successful in achieving a healthy goal weight. Again, not being critical of individuals here, but I have to say I have been disappointed by the lack of consistency in the medical community and the fact many in that community live by the averages rather than encouraging each of us to achieve the most with our tool.

Thank you Chris couldt agree more. I believe that with the VSg 100%+ excess weightloss is very doable and better yet should be touted more in the medical community.  Surgeons will eventually realize that the VSG is the "Gold standard" and is IMO quickly on par to surpass the current standard RnY. 60-65% EWL from VSG is substandard.  With this tool we should not be underestimating the power of its effects if you follow the rules.

I totally understand what you're saying and I also do not agree with my surgeon's goal weight for me, but I just wanted to point out that you can't really say that someone's weight is too high for their height just by looking at those numbers.



A person could be considered overweight by looking only at their height, weight and BMI on those charts yet be only 6% body fat due to a very high lean body mass. In other words, one person could be very healthy at the same weight and height at which another person is considered obese.



That being said, only you can figure out for yourself what weight you will be healthy and happy at, but as another poster said do not rely solely on your BMI.



Good luck on your journey!,

Thank you Vicky for your insight- best wishes to you as well.

I'm 5'10". A BMI of 25 is 174 lbs. With excess skin... And the fact that I absolutely require plastic surgery on one particular area already... I set my goal at 190 as my bottom of the line.

I'm so sorry it doesn't meet another persons ideals about what it should be... To me that is all BMI is. Something someone else defined as their ideal and bottom line and they sure as heck were not factoring in some of the physical attributes I have. My body is mine. My muscle mass, bone structure, measurements, etc. and they do not ever match another person spot on.

I think it is wonderful that you have set your goal within a specific range and that your goal will work for you.

I find it truly saddening that you would judge others (or appear to based upon what you said in your post) because they set their own goals differently.

Best of luck in you success... I hope you find happiness in meeting all of your life goals.

Shell