Excess weight

[3momchaos]

I had a question directed to me about calculating excess weight/ideal weight calculation, and figured that it’s something worth threading about. My surgeons office did not talk to me about their ideal weight for me before surgery. It was only at my 6 month and 1 year appointment that % were discussed. I had my own weight range goal, and they were happy with that. Here is a good link for calculating what your excess weight is, and how to make those calculations. Dear Doctor, I’ve had bariatric surgery. Will I ever get to normal weight? - Obesity Action Coalition.

 

[suzannethemom]

How about body measurements? Is that something you do on your own? On average, how often does everyone weigh themselves and take measurements. I just watched a YouTube video of someone who had WLS and she tracks so many things: her weight, her body measurements, her food intake, exercise log, journaling mood and feelings about food and her monthly videos. I am prepared to do ALL of that if it keeps me on track and focused. Well, except for the videos. That’s NOT my thing.

 

[3momchaos]

I’ve never done measurements, and my doctors office didn’t either. I started virtual appointments after my 3rd visit, so that might have been something they do in office, but they never asked me to do it at home. So my only measurement is clothing size changes. I weigh in twice a week. I feel like it’s a good system for me. Doing what’s best and most comfortable with you is what matters in the long run because after your first year, your doctor will only see you annually.

 

[KarenWV]

I had a question directed to me about calculating excess weight/ideal weight calculation, and figured that it’s something worth threading about. My surgeons office did not talk to me about their ideal weight for me before surgery. It was only at my 6 month and 1 year appointment that % were discussed. I had my own weight range goal, and they were happy with that. Here is a good link for calculating what your excess weight is, and how to make those calculations. Dear Doctor, I’ve had bariatric surgery. Will I ever get to normal weight? - Obesity Action Coalition.

I just had my 6 month visit, and they seemed excited that I had lost 46% of my excess weight. It wasn't until after my visit that I started thinking about what that number really was.

I have lost almost 60 lbs, which, evidently is almost 50% (or 1/2) of my excess weight loss. That would make 100% of my excess weight 2X 60 lbs, or 120 lbs. Since I started at 234 lbs, my "ideal" weight evidently is supposed to be 114 lbs. Even for my height of 5'2", that seems such a low weight. Maybe if I were in my teens, I would be comfortable weighing that little, but now, at 60 years old? IDK. But that article above seems to agree that I should be 115 ideally. Hmmm...

 

[3momchaos]

I just had my 6 month visit, and they seemed excited that I had lost 46% of my excess weight. It wasn't until after my visit that I started thinking about what that number really was.

I have lost almost 60 lbs, which, evidently is almost 50% (or 1/2) of my excess weight loss. That would make 100% of my excess weight 2X 60 lbs, or 120 lbs. Since I started at 234 lbs, my "ideal" weight evidently is supposed to be 114 lbs. Even for my height of 5'2", that seems such a low weight. Maybe if I were in my teens, I would be comfortable weighing that little, but now, at 60 years old? IDK. But that article above seems to agree that I should be 115 ideally. Hmmm...

My “ideal weight” is crazy thin. I would look like a skeleton. I have my ideal weight, the doctors have their recommendations, BMI charts say what they want to say, but at the end of the day, it’s your body and what you’re comfortable with.

 

[suzannethemom]

Since I started at 234 lbs, my "ideal" weight evidently is supposed to be 114 lbs. Even for my height of 5'2", that seems such a low weight. Maybe if I were in my teens, I would be comfortable weighing that little, but now, at 60 years old? IDK. But that article above seems to agree that I should be 115 ideally. Hmmm...

Karen, we have a similar physique. I am 54 years old, 5’4” and 220 lbs. When I clicked around on the BMI chart, my ideal weight is 120 lbs. I haven’t been that weight since our wedding day! But I say “Hell ya, bring it on.” It would be miraculous to get to that weight again, but I am reaching for the stars! Of course, I still have a way to go before I get approved for surgery, but a girl can dream.

 

[Roni]

I am conflicted on what weight goal I should have. My lightest weight was after navy boot camp 119 when I was 19. I am not sure I want to be that weight. At soon to be 64 years old I think realistically 134-150 would be good. I am still over 200 and 60 pounds would bring me to 150. I will work my way there but feel blessed if I get to 150. One of the calculators said I would only lose to 191 pounds. No matter I am better than a year ago. I will continue to count my blessings.

 

[KarenWV]

Thank y'all for your perspectives. I definitely don't want to look skeletal. I did mention to the nurse that my goal is 150 lbs and she told me that is her comfortable weight. And I'm only 25 lbs away from 150. But eventually I'm aiming for 135, which is doable I think at 40 more lbs. But 115 lbs? I just don't think that's a good fit for me, unless I decide to go to Hollywood & walk the red carpet. Yeah, right!

 

[missyinacage]

That is exactly how I decided on my goal weight. I read what percentage of my excess weight I could reasonably expect to lose and did the math. I will say that most ideal weights are listed as a range and I just went with the mid-point. Body type is an actual thing and many of us would not be comfortable at the lower end.