A little math

Jul 21, 2010

After my post yesterday, I had a conversation with a friend that I greatly respect. I was initially upset when we talked but have decided to "do the numbers" and see the point at which she and many others are coming from.

First, I calculated my EWL%

Starting weight - Goal Weight (291 - 135 = 156 pounds to lose)

Goal weight -  Current Weight (291 - 150 = 141 pounds lost)

Current Weight / Goal Weight x 100 (150 / 135 x 100 = 90%)

I've lost 90% of my excess weight.

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Then I decided to calculate my BMI instead of looking at a chart:

(Weight in pounds x 703 ) / (Heigh in inches x height in inches) = BMI

(150 X 703) / (65 x 65) = 105.450 / 4,225 = 24.9 BMI

BMI Categories:

• Underweight = <18.5
• Normal weight = 18.5–24.9
• Overweight = 25–29.9
• Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater

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Clothing, I started out wearing a size 22 in pants and a 2XL in most shirts. I've always carried my weight well and fit into clothes that others of similar weight could not.

Currently, I wear a solid 6 in most stores though in some I wear a size 4. I wear small and extra small tops.

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I am extraordinarly proud of myself for what I've accomplished. I know that there are many who would love to be where I am today and wonder why I am not happy here. I am happy. But I am not content. I am not willing to settle for this weight as the last stop on the weight loss train. I intend to get to my (and my surgeons) goal. I am also fully prepared to regain if that weight doesn't suit me.

I do not understand why wanting to accomplish this goal is ill-viewed by so many. When I accomplish this goal, my BMI will be at 22% which is square in the middle of the "Normal" weight category for BMI. I'm sure we can all argue the true validity of the BMI calculations but .. it's certainly better than the Metropolitan Height/Weight charts of old. Basic BMI calculations are just that, basic, but you can calculate using waist circumference and get a more true gauge of YOUR BMI.

I'm really interested to know why getting to goal is such a touchy subject for post-op persons - particulary when it's not your goal?

This is something I've been experiencing from a lot of different people and is not directed specifically at my discussion that I had yesterday with a friend. I get this everywhere.

Please share your thoughts .. I'd love to hear them.

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