Thoughts about goal after 6 month post-op checkup

I had my 6 month post-op checkup with my surgeon this morning and I brought up the subject of goal weight - he has never mentioned goal weight before now. I've always had the number 130 in my head, mainly because that is right in the middle of my healthy BMI range (to be honest, I would LOVE to make it the 120s even).  When I said that number to my surgeon, his eyes got a little wide and said that, while possible, he though it would be very difficult to achieve. He said that he would be happy if I made it to 150 (which is still overweight for my height) and that I shouldn't consider it a failure if I "only" make it to 150 and gave me a mini-lecture about how unreliable BMI charts were for determining a "healthy" weight.  

I'm not sure what to think now. I realize, ultimately, that it is up to me and my body, but I wonder if I'm being unrealistic?  I think I've proven that I'm committed to the process, having lost nearly 100 pounds by 6 months post-op, but my confidence at getting to 130 was shaken a little by his reaction. (I kinda wish I hadn't even brought it up...)

I think the doctor's reactions were based solely on statistics. From what I have seen many have achieved/over achieved their goals.

I think you're right - and I'm sure my starting BMI of 57 played into that reaction as well. He mentioned 70% EWL as being average also (which would put me at 188; NO WAY I would be satisfied with that), so he was already thinking I would do better than average.  I told him I would see how things are closer to goal - who knows, I may be perfectly content at 150. I haven't been that weight since probably elementary school, so I really have no context to go by for these lower weights.

That is exactly how I feel.... I'm not sure what I want my goal weight to be.... I've been overweight my whole life.  I have a goal weight of 135, but I may bet to 150 and be happy at that weight.  I have already lost 100 lbs with the band and I have maintained that weight for 5 years.  I have still never been able to buy clothes in a normal size.  That is going to be such an emotional time for me... I can't wait!!! :)

I think you can reach whatever goal you set for yourself as long as you stay committed.  Having said that, I would initially shoot for the top end of "normal" on the BMI chart and then take stock of how you feel, how you look and how much longer you are willing to stay in WL mode to get to 130.  

Another question:  how tall are you?  

I'm 5'3" (well 5'2.75" to be exact, haha). I've seen you and others make into that range, but you started this process not far from where I am now.  I know diet fatigue is my biggest hurdle, but I wonder if I'll somehow run out of "honeymoon" time before I make it to goal... That said, I am fully committed to sticking with the plan until goal is in sight.  I told my doc that I had no intention of being average. :)

You are exactly my height (I fudge on the 5'3" thing too - ha!).  130 would be a very do-able and reasonable weight.   You can do it!!  

And don't worry about the "honeymoon" period.  I'm 17 months out this week and the scale will move downward when I commit to it.  I don't feel like I'm out of the honeymoon period yet.  

Thanks for the encouragement, Tracy! My plan is just to keep on keepin' on and see where I end up. I figure at some point my body will know when it's done losing weight.

I'm pre-op, 5' 1.5" and in my 50's.  I met with the surgeon for the first time a few weeks ago to be cleared for surgery.  I asked her what she thought a good weight goal for me would be.  She asked ME what MY goal was.  I told her I'd like to get to about 135, which I thought was realistic for someone my size, and age, even though it's still listed as "overweight"   Of course 110-120 would be better, according to the charts.  I just think I would look too thin at that weight.  I was surprised to hear her come back with "I think 150 is more realistic"  She told me if I lost more that that, it would be an larger than average weight loss.   She didn't tell me it was impossible or unachievable, and I think she was referring to what the WL surgery itself could help me achieve.  While I'd certainly take it in a heartbeat over where I am now, I still have set a goal of LESS than 150.  It only lit a fire in me to surpass the expectation she has.  I got down in the 140-145 range about 12 years ago and while I wasn't completely happy (are we ever?) I look back at those pictures now and think I looked pretty good! I still had some shape and curves.  I will decide (or maybe my body will) when I get there, but I still think 135 (ok, maybe 140 or so) would be a good goal.  For now, I just want to get the approval and date already!!!

Your success to date is fantastic!  Let the Dr's statement light a fire and beat his expectations, even if it isn't 130.  I don't think you're going to know what feels great until you get in that range. 

Thanks! I do not remember being smaller than I am now (obviously I have been, but I didn't weigh myself then), so I am totally in uncharted territory and have no concept of what 130 or even 150 looks like on me. What he said will not alter my course, but it definitely made me think.  Good luck to you - it seems like the process takes forever but it goes by so fast!