Question about goal weight. Also posted on RNY forum

Hey there OFF friends,

I had my six-week surgical follow up today.  I asked about goal weight, he said that with RNY, you lose about 60% of your excess weight.  He said I'll probably get down to 180 pounds.  Will the weight loss stop at 180?

My personal goal weight is 135.  I'm 5 feet 2 inches.  Is this a realistic goal? 

Debbie

Hi Debbie,

I'm 5'3" and weigh 126, 135 being my personal goal weight. Personally, I think that you can do better than 180 if you follow the rules and are dilligent about your program. Doctors go by statistics, it's what they know, so there's no reason you can't prove him wrong!

All you can do it keep at it. I'm sure you'll do great!

I was at 289 at my highest and 263 on surgery day.  I am now at 150 and have held that for most of 2 years. I was at 138 following a serious illness but feel better at 150.  I dont think that 135 is out of reach, but boy is that last 15 a doozie! Just keep on doing what you are supposed to (be prepared for plateaus) and you will do well. Everyone is different and I think our bodies know when to stop. Good Luck and God Bless!!!

Hi Debbie,

Your surgeon is giving you the lower end of the spectrum for someone with your age and whatever the amount he anticipates you can lose successfully.  However, what I can tell you based on what I've learned in the last two years via boards and support groups is that your tool will work for as long as you work it.  You are on my "home" board, so you know Nan and she is someone who weighed about 408 lbs. when she started and she has continued to lose weight, now to the point that I think she is pretty stable, she has lymphadema (sp?), so the weight she has in her legs is probably not going anywhere, but she is someone who has proved that there is no end to what you can achieve if you stay on track, or if you lose your way, and get back on track. . .

I am the same height as you, I started at my consult at 247.5 and this morning I was 159.5.  My original goal was the same as yours, however, after re-evaulating, for reasons of age and also excess skin weight, I would be very happy at 145 to 150 and seeing as I am within 15 lbs. of those two numbers, I am thrilled, at this weight I am a size 10, 12, 14, depending on manufacturer, but what is best of all is I feel wonderful and you will too! 

One last note, last year at my one year post-op, I was at about 171 or so, my surgeon told me at that point that I had been successful and that I needed to live within reasonable lifestyles that I could maintain over the course of my life, no excesses, diet or exercise, but what could be kept up reasonably.  She also told me that those Insurance chart weights are not realistic for someone of my age.  So there is my experience and you will get other's as well.

You're doing great!

Laureen

My Dr. did the same thing when I asked him about a goal weight. He told me around 200lbs. I was shocked and told him that was not acceptable to me! I asked if my goal of 150lbs was unrealistic and he said no, it was very doable if I stuck with a good exercise plan. I asked him why the wide range and he said that the percentage average is if you do nothing over and above following your meals plans.

In other words, get off our butts and get moving if we want to see our goals!!!

You CAN lose 100% of your EBW, but it will be up to you and how you use your surgery to help you achieve it. 

I decided that I would get into the "normal" BMI range and stay there.  And, I did.  Took me 16 months.  Part of that was due to my age and because I didn't exercise as much as I should have. 

You'll see how you feel at 180.  If you want to go lower, you can.  Your body just might surprise you and take you down to a weight that amazes you.  I never expected to see the 150's, but that is where my body wants to be!  (I'm 5'9")

Just keep following the rules and enjoy the ride!

I hope everyone who answers sees this.  I'm not sure if I had to post under each person *****sponded or what.  Everyone here is so helpful.  From all the responses, I feel confident I will get to 135.  I love my RNY and I plan to make the most out of my pouch!

Debbie

I'm sure you'll get there Debbie.  You've got the determination!
Jan

Hi There,
I started out the day of surgery at 261 and I am at 148 right now. I did get down to 130 but due to thyroid conditions I have had a weight gain.
my highest weight ev er was 285.
It can be done.
Carla who is almost 8 years out and holding my own.

When I had my consult pre-op, my surgeon gave me the statistics that I would lose anywhere between 60% at the low end and 80% at the high end but focused on the 60-65%.  A goal weight was not even brought up because at 386 pounds pre-op and 407 pounds at my heaviest, saying my goal weight is 160 would have been like asking me to walk on the moon.  His approach was follow the rules and see where it takes you, incorporate exercise, drink water--in other words, follow the rules. 

I have lost 70% of my excess weight and I am determined to get to my goal. You will lose the bulk of your weight the first year to 18 months.  My pattern was the biggest drop occurred in the first 6 months, I lost about 1/2 of what I lost in the first month additional.  I have 52 pounds to lose to get to my goal and I figure I should be close if I exercise and continue what I am doing with food. 

I have not been this weight for 20 years and I only have about 13 pounds to lose to get under 200 and be about my husband's weight, which hasn't happened in the same period.  You learn to celebrate some of those NSV's (Non scale victories).

You will get there--you have the determination and drive and will learn to use this tool to its fullest potential.

Sylvia