Re: Chart Weight

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 02/01/2004 11:38:45 AM Eastern Standard Time,

BethVBG@... writes:

> That said -- who is at " chart weight? "

>

I've been at this weight since about September and I find it very easy to

maintain. I'm at the high end of the chart for my height and I'd like to lose

about 5 more lbs just to have some wiggle room. I haven't had any plastics

done yet so I dont know where I'll be after that.

Funny you should ask though. I just saw my new PCP and as part of all the

new patient testing, they entered my numbers in the computer and according to

them, I should lose another 25 lbs. I just said no thanks, I'm happy right

where I am. I look good, I feel good and wearing a size 6 is ok fine by me. I

never thought I'd get smaller than a 10.

Judy

Silver Spring, MD

Lap Proximal RNY 7/23/02

Drs. & Rabkin/SF

55/5'3 " - 257/140

size 22/XXL - 6/S

bmi 46/24

[Guest guest]

> That said -- who is at " chart weight? "

>

I am, and no one was more surprised than me when I lost that much. My " thin "

size was always about a 12 or a 14. I went from 260 to 124, and I'm 5'8 " . BMI

is something like 18.8 I think. I'm almost 5 years out.

I lost straight down to 125 the first year and stayed there. Then right about

my third anniversary I gained 10 or 15 pounds and jumped around from 135-140.

(BMI 20-21) This past fall my family went on the South Beach way of eating

and that did the trick for me. Bang, in about 3 weeks, I was back to 124 and

have stayed there so far. In fact I have been as low as 121 when I've been ill

or

too busy to take care of myself properly.

I do alot of exercise and protein, always have, but other than that I have no

idea why I ended up this way. I do have very small bones - my wrist measures

just under 5 " around - so maybe I was always " supposed " to be skinny. Who

knows.

hugs,

Ann

[Guest guest]

I am, but I am such a newbie grad (about 15 months out) that I doubt

it " counts " yet, lol

~Kricket

Surgery 11-13-02 BMI 46

Current BMI 20.5

> That said -- who is at " chart weight? "

[Guest guest]

Not I....however at 4 years out I am keeping off about 80% of my excess weight.

My doc predicted I would lose 114lbs - I am holding off 135 - 140lbs...

Marjie

That said -- who is at " chart weight? "

[Guest guest]

Interesting question, Beth.

I reached a BMI of 25 and stayed there for about a year. These past

holidays caused a 10 pound weight gain (my fault, not

bounceback...just eating crap). I'm working on getting back there.

in NJ

open RNY 8/99

**********************

>

>

> What I want to know, is how many of us have reached " chart weight "

as a result of their WLS -- and maintained it for a period of time.

By " chart weight " I mean, a BMI of 25 or less.

>

>

> Beth

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 02/01/2004 8:38:39 AM Pacific Standard Time,

BethVBG@... writes:

I wanted to ask a question ... but I'm concerned that it may upset some of

you -- so please know that I ask this out of curiosity, not malice.

What I want to know, is how many of us have reached " chart weight " as a

result of their WLS -- and maintained it for a period of time. By " chart

weight " I

mean, a BMI of 25 or less. I understand that " goal weight " may be a

different idea for each of us; that for some, it is the point where our

health is

dramatically improved, or that we are physically comfortable. I also know,

that

for some of us, excess skin and bone density may play a role in making the

numbers on the scale, or the BMI calculation " meaningless. "

That said -- who is at " chart weight? "

Beth

Beth, I'm almost there, but I don't think I am far out enough from my surgery

to satisfy your question. Thought I'd answer anyway...

Smiles,

Katt Morales

Surgery Date: 01/07/2003

Dr. Terry Sanderfer - Open RNY Distal

Beginning Weight: 300 Current Weight: 148

Weight Lost: 152 Goal Weight: 135-144

We contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a

man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.

--Winston Churchill

[Guest guest]

let me see if i am understanding this right...

proximal is 100 cm bypass

distal is ???

thanks,

laura

[Guest guest]

My " chart weight " is 126 to 162. My current weight goes between 138 and

142. I am at a BMI of 22. I have maintained this weight within 10 lbs for

8 years, except for about 18 months when I had a staple line disruption and

had a revision in March 1999.

B.

Distal RNY 12/27/95

275/138 5'8 "

" Chart Weight "

I wanted to ask a question ... but I'm concerned that it may upset some of

you -- so please know that I ask this out of curiosity, not malice.

What I want to know, is how many of us have reached " chart weight " as a

result of their WLS -- and maintained it for a period of time. By " chart

weight " I

mean, a BMI of 25 or less. I understand that " goal weight " may be a

different idea for each of us; that for some, it is the point where our

health is

dramatically improved, or that we are physically comfortable. I also know,

that

for some of us, excess skin and bone density may play a role in making the

numbers on the scale, or the BMI calculation " meaningless. "

That said -- who is at " chart weight? "

Beth

Houston, TX

VBG - Dr. Srungaram

05/31/00 - 314 lbs.

11/01/02 - Abdominoplasty

11/29/02 - 160 lbs.

5'10 "

[Guest guest]

Most do not reach " chart weight " . This is a subject that comes up a lot at

local support group meetings, because people feel like a failure if they don't

reach that magical chart weight. In actuality, though, you are considered a

medical success if you keep off 50% of your excess weight over time. Doctors

don't usually tell us that.

Besides that, most of us would look anorexic if we did actually meet that chart

weight. My " chart weight " is 136. No, I never made it. I did lose 210 lbs

though, down to 163. I can't imagine being 136, and neither can anyone who

knows me. Do I obsess over this " number " ? Yes. I wish the charts didn't exist

so I could be happy with myself where I am. But I still see fat, just as I have

all my life. Chart weights shouldn't exist.....in my opinion they only make us

feel bad about ourselves, even when we've already lost huge amounts of weight

and lost numerous comorbidities.

OK, I'm off the soapbox. Next? It's just a subject that gets me riled up.

It's very emotional for me...that " you're are still a failure " feeling.

Chrissie

Re: " Chart Weight "

Not I....however at 4 years out I am keeping off about 80% of my excess

weight. My doc predicted I would lose 114lbs - I am holding off 135 - 140lbs...

Marjie

That said -- who is at " chart weight? "

[Guest guest]

Never made it to chart weight and doubt I ever will, just not in my

genetic gene pool. : ) However, doctor told me that he thought at most

I would lose would be between 100-125 lbs and I've lost about 180. So

about 25-30 lbs from personal goal and the heck with the charts I say.

LOL

Regina

[Guest guest]

I have a theory; its only an intuitive theory at that. I believe that if one

has more than 150 lbs to lose, and has a proximal RNY, that one will not get to

" chart weight " with the surgery alone. That is, one will not lose all of the

excess weight during the " honeymoon " period, and it will be up to the individual

to lose the remaining excess weight to get down to chart weight. I lost 160 lbs

during the " honeymoon " period and have gained about 20 back which could be

" bounceback " , but it could also be that I have not been as vigilant with both my

eating habits or my exercise. I started out at 352+ and got down to 190 for

about 1 day. I then seemed to hold at 195 or so for about a year, and then, I

stopped working out with the intensity and frequency that I had been, and gained

to 210. I believe that I can take that off, and get back to 195, but without

serious vigilance as to what I eat and lots of exercise, I doubt I will lose

anymore than that. Thats okay, cuz I feel just fine. Anyway, it seems to be

the rare exception of those who have had proximal RNYs and had BMI's of over 50,

that lose more than 150 lbs or so during the " honeymoon " period. I think that

the mean weight loss is probably around 150 for that type of surgery, and if one

has less than that to lose, then one will get to " chart weight " . Others, with

more than that to lose, will not get to that chart weight without extra work.

Just a feeling I get, from reading lots of posts and seeing people around me who

have had this surgery (lots of people at my work have had it). Its definitely

not necessarily true. Just my feeling.

>

>

> > That said -- who is at " chart weight? "

> >

>

> I am, and no one was more surprised than me when I lost that much. My " thin "

> size was always about a 12 or a 14. I went from 260 to 124, and I'm 5'8 " . BMI

> is something like 18.8 I think. I'm almost 5 years out.

>

> I lost straight down to 125 the first year and stayed there. Then right about

> my third anniversary I gained 10 or 15 pounds and jumped around from 135-140.

> (BMI 20-21) This past fall my family went on the South Beach way of eating

> and that did the trick for me. Bang, in about 3 weeks, I was back to 124 and

> have stayed there so far. In fact I have been as low as 121 when I've been ill

> or

> too busy to take care of myself properly.

>

> I do alot of exercise and protein, always have, but other than that I have no

> idea why I ended up this way. I do have very small bones - my wrist measures

> just under 5 " around - so maybe I was always " supposed " to be skinny. Who

> knows.

>

> hugs,

> Ann

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I'm at " Chart Weight " at 158 lb. and 5'7 " . I would still like to lose about

5-10 lb. but I'm not stressing over it. I'm not doing anything at this point

to lose the weight. I'm still considered in the honeymoon phase at 15 months

out. I lose about 1-2 pounds a month so I guess my body's telling me that

it's just about done and that's OK with me. I never set a goal weight when I

started at 322 lb. I didn't want to set myself up to feel like a failure. I

just feel blessed to be where I am now.

[Guest guest]

Beth, the question did not bother me however the answer does. I went

from 430+ to 238. Unfortunately my doc, who is a skilled surgeon, has

absolutely NO COMMON SENSE. He felt like a 100 cm bypass was good enough

for everyone. NOT. I had the 20%

bounce back then my blood sugar went out of wack and I had to go on

medication and I gained a few more pounds. I seem to see lots of posts

re revisions for those of us larger folks who had proximals. I am

grateful, but not particularly happy with the situation. I am currently

looking into a panniculectomy because I am having balance problems and

discomfort from the pani hanging between my legs and abducting my hips.

I hope that PS (assuming I am brave enough to have it) will jump start

the process for me.

Amber/FLRN

" Chart Weight "

I wanted to ask a question ... but I'm concerned that it may upset some

of

you -- so please know that I ask this out of curiosity, not malice.

What I want to know, is how many of us have reached " chart weight " as a

result of their WLS -- and maintained it for a period of time. By

" chart weight " I

mean, a BMI of 25 or less. I understand that " goal weight " may be a

different idea for each of us; that for some, it is the point where our

health is

dramatically improved, or that we are physically comfortable. I also

know, that

for some of us, excess skin and bone density may play a role in making

the

numbers on the scale, or the BMI calculation " meaningless. "

That said -- who is at " chart weight? "

Beth

Houston, TX

VBG - Dr. Srungaram

05/31/00 - 314 lbs.

11/01/02 - Abdominoplasty

11/29/02 - 160 lbs.

5'10 "

[Guest guest]

Well, that's kinda up for grabs, but I think the general concensus is

over 200 cm. I'm 150 cm bypassed, and my surgeon considered a it a

long proxy. But, it depends on who you ask. It's my understanding

that " we " created the term " medial, " and docs had only used proximal

or distal. So, medial, I think, has come to mean somewhere between

about 150-200 cm.

Anyone else?

in NJ

******************

>

>

> let me see if i am understanding this right...

>

> proximal is 100 cm bypass

>

> distal is ???

>

> thanks,

>

> laura

[Guest guest]

I was just thinking about this last night. We went into Philly for the auto

show and had a long, dark ride home. For all of those who are running out to

Washington State for revisions - how many of these are being covered by

insurance (out of network, not medically necessary and all of that in

consideration). If not - what is the cash outlay for a revision...

Marjie

I seem to see lots of posts

re revisions for those of us larger folks who had proximals.

[Guest guest]

The part that worries me is that if you chose to do a procedure that has

not been covered by the insurance company - many will not pay for any

complications should they occur. In fact, this is being written in to a

lot of policies now. Also, I am hearing that policies are excluding

plastic surgery even if medically necessary!!! Hope there is a special

place in h*ll for those decision makers.

Amber/FLRN

Re: " Chart Weight "

I was just thinking about this last night. We went into Philly for the

auto show and had a long, dark ride home. For all of those who are

running out to Washington State for revisions - how many of these are

being covered by insurance (out of network, not medically necessary and

all of that in consideration). If not - what is the cash outlay for a

revision...

Marjie

I seem to see lots of posts

re revisions for those of us larger folks who had proximals.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/2/04 3:00:13 AM Eastern Standard Time,

vitalady@... writes:

>

> BMI 19.8-21, pretty much. Lotsa years. 10 lbs swing currently, but

> been sickly in the last 6 months--go figure how foot surgery can make

> me nauseated.

>

> Been as low as 101, as high as 118 (124 when I was SLD)

>

>

>

> Thanks,

>

>

> Vitalady, Inc. T

>

what does SLD mean?

thanks,

laura

[Guest guest]

I guess now that you put it that way, I shouldn't be whining! My BMI is

under 25....and it was 20 for quite some time. I'm holding my own now.

Trying desperately to lose a few...but so far, no good. Guess this is where

my bod wants to be for the time being..it's totally out of my control!

Regards~

Jacque

I wanted to ask a question ... but I'm concerned that it may upset some of

you -- so please know that I ask this out of curiosity, not malice.

What I want to know, is how many of us have reached " chart weight " as a

result of their WLS -- and maintained it for a period of time. By " chart

weight " I

mean, a BMI of 25 or less. I understand that " goal weight " may be a

different idea for each of us; that for some, it is the point where our

health is

dramatically improved, or that we are physically comfortable. I also know,

that

for some of us, excess skin and bone density may play a role in making the

numbers on the scale, or the BMI calculation " meaningless. "

That said -- who is at " chart weight? "

Beth

Houston, TX

VBG - Dr. Srungaram

05/31/00 - 314 lbs.

11/01/02 - Abdominoplasty

11/29/02 - 160 lbs.

5'10 "

" My cat knows the song in my heart and purrs it to me when my memory fails me. "

[Guest guest]

BMI 19.8-21, pretty much. Lotsa years. 10 lbs swing currently, but

been sickly in the last 6 months--go figure how foot surgery can make

me nauseated.

Been as low as 101, as high as 118 (124 when I was SLD)

Thanks,

Vitalady, Inc. T

www.vitalady.com

If you are interested in PayPal, please click here:

https://www.paypal.com/affil/pal=orders%40vitalady.com

" Chart Weight "

> I wanted to ask a question ... but I'm concerned that it may upset

some of

> you -- so please know that I ask this out of curiosity, not

malice.

>

> What I want to know, is how many of us have reached " chart weight "

as a

> result of their WLS -- and maintained it for a period of time. By

" chart weight " I

> mean, a BMI of 25 or less. I understand that " goal weight " may be

a

> different idea for each of us; that for some, it is the point

where our health is

> dramatically improved, or that we are physically comfortable. I

also know, that

> for some of us, excess skin and bone density may play a role in

making the

> numbers on the scale, or the BMI calculation " meaningless. "

>

> That said -- who is at " chart weight? "

>

> Beth

> Houston, TX

> VBG - Dr. Srungaram

> 05/31/00 - 314 lbs.

> 11/01/02 - Abdominoplasty

> 11/29/02 - 160 lbs.

> 5'10 "

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Oops, sorry. Staple line disruption

Thanks,

Vitalady, Inc. T

www.vitalady.com

If you are interested in PayPal, please click here:

https://www.paypal.com/affil/pal=orders%40vitalady.com

Re: " Chart Weight "

In a message dated 2/2/04 3:00:13 AM Eastern Standard Time,

vitalady@... writes:

BMI 19.8-21, pretty much. Lotsa years. 10 lbs swing currently, but

been sickly in the last 6 months--go figure how foot surgery can make

me nauseated.

Been as low as 101, as high as 118 (124 when I was SLD)

Thanks,

Vitalady, Inc. T

what does SLD mean?

thanks,

laura

[Guest guest]

Reached chart weight (old charts not new ones) and have maintained

for 13 months or so. It's easy with the " tool " , thank god for it.

Funny about the charts and clothing sizes and everyhing as America

got bigger I got smaller. I had some 10-12 sizes from my 20's still

around and they fit fine now. Found a suit at Goodwill size 12, fits

perfect. Go to the department stores and I'm a 2 or 4. This is some

cruel joke? I know the sizes were too small before but 2=formerly

10; and 4=formerly 12; feels like it went too far the other way.

Sorry the the off topic rant.

Dr. W /Alvarado 2/2002

232/104 (5'2 " )

CAT

> I guess now that you put it that way, I shouldn't be whining! My

BMI is

> under 25....and it was 20 for quite some time. I'm holding my own

now.

> Trying desperately to lose a few...but so far, no good. Guess this

is where

> my bod wants to be for the time being..it's totally out of my

control!

>

> Regards~

>

> Jacque

>

>

> I wanted to ask a question ... but I'm concerned that it may upset

some of

> you -- so please know that I ask this out of curiosity, not malice.

>

> What I want to know, is how many of us have reached " chart weight "

as a

> result of their WLS -- and maintained it for a period of time.

By " chart

> weight " I

> mean, a BMI of 25 or less. I understand that " goal weight " may be a

> different idea for each of us; that for some, it is the point where

our

> health is

> dramatically improved, or that we are physically comfortable. I

also know,

> that

> for some of us, excess skin and bone density may play a role in

making the

> numbers on the scale, or the BMI calculation " meaningless. "

>

> That said -- who is at " chart weight? "

>

> Beth

> Houston, TX

> VBG - Dr. Srungaram

> 05/31/00 - 314 lbs.

> 11/01/02 - Abdominoplasty

> 11/29/02 - 160 lbs.

> 5'10 "

>

>

>

> " My cat knows the song in my heart and purrs it to me when my

memory fails me. "

>

>

[Guest guest]

I went from 310 (BMI 55) to BMI 21.6 in about 18 months (including the 7

pounds that plastic surgery took off me). I started having problems with

ulcers after six months of maintaining, and in the six months since

then, have regained to BMI 29.2 (holy shit, I hadn't realized it's

gotten that bad). :-( I've got to go see Dr. Oh again about the ulcers,

to see what can be done, because even with Nexium the only thing that

shuts the ulcers up is carbs (and this is NOT in my head, the pain wakes

me up maybe three nights out of seven and is fairly consistent

throughout the day). I have really been struggling with " failure "

thoughts and sometimes " punish " myself for the regain by not taking the

stomach meds and feeling the pain. I know that's stupid but it is very

hard to be a support group leader and to face down this sort of regain

without feeling like a hypocrite or a failure.

If I get back to BMI 35, which seems inevitable at this rate, I will be

seeking a revision, either to Dr. Oh's distal RNY or to Dr. Srikanth's

DS (haven't decided, and no, I do NOT want a deluge of " the DS is

better " -- I can do my OWN research, thanks, and the DS evangelists

really put me off). But we have to fix these ulcers first. It's a

miserable way to live.

Does anyone who's had a revision know or remember at what BMI their

sleep apnea came back? That's my biggest fear. The asthma, the joint

pain, that stuff I can live with to some extent, but the sleep apnea was

threatening to kill me in a car crash.

And all this said, yes, I think once my ulcers are fixed and/or I have a

revision, I am confident that I will be able to reach " chart weight " and

will stay healthy there. I am pretty good about doing protein, vitamins,

and minerals, and the active lifestyle is a lot more fun for me.

Z

Open RNY 09/17/01

http://www.ziobro.us

" Chart Weight "

I wanted to ask a question ... but I'm concerned that it may upset some

of you -- so please know that I ask this out of curiosity, not malice.

What I want to know, is how many of us have reached " chart weight " as a

result of their WLS -- and maintained it for a period of time. By

" chart weight " I mean, a BMI of 25 or less. I understand that " goal

weight " may be a different idea for each of us; that for some, it is the

point where our health is dramatically improved, or that we are

physically comfortable. I also know, that for some of us, excess skin

and bone density may play a role in making the numbers on the scale, or

the BMI calculation " meaningless. "

That said -- who is at " chart weight? "

Beth

Houston, TX

VBG - Dr. Srungaram

05/31/00 - 314 lbs.

11/01/02 - Abdominoplasty

11/29/02 - 160 lbs.

5'10 "

[Guest guest]

I am about 10 lbs over chart weight. After I have my PS, I should be

right at it. I have maintained this same weight for about 6 months

now. I think my body is happy where it is at and I am happy to be

eating carbs...;o)

BTW, I am 18 months out.

[Guest guest]

I am not in Iowa City, But am in Ames. Not too far! What I have

found that works for me is eating my protein, drinking my water,

taking the vitamins, walking and cutting out almost all the carbs.

Carbs are evil to me, my body doesn't really like them and I pay if

I eat too many.

Michele M

Ames, IA

Open RNY 10/17/02 Dr Hardy

310/160

Belt Lictomy 4/15/04

-- In Graduate-OSSG , " , Liz " <liz-allen@u...>

wrote:

> Is anyone in this group from Iowa City? I am one year out and I am

still

> considered obese. I am just 5'3 " and weighed 283 at surgery and

now weigh

> 199. I feel like this is taking forever.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Did anyone notice that when the EASY part was over...and you may have

started a new exercise program (lifting, aerobics) that the weight came off

slowly? I am wondering if I am just needing to give my body time to even

out. It just seems depressing that people are well under 200lbs at their

first year. I only eat about 800-900 calories a day and roughly 55-72 grams

of protein. I do know I have had a tough time with water. I have been using

a 3oz cup and keeping it full and drinking it right down helps me drink

while I am at work. I can have 3/4 of my water drank in 8 hours. I just

found out that I wasn't taking 2 multivitamins a day. I wonder if that is a

problem as well as my water intake. I try to exercise daily...but, I do

cardio at LEAST three times a week. I use to walk to work 2miles a day..but

not in this cold weather.

Any words of wisdom?

Liz A

Iowa City, IA

Lap RNY Feb 03 Dr Maher

286/199

Will never be able to afford the belt! But, would love it!

Re: " Chart Weight "

I am not in Iowa City, But am in Ames. Not too far! What I have

found that works for me is eating my protein, drinking my water,

taking the vitamins, walking and cutting out almost all the carbs.

Carbs are evil to me, my body doesn't really like them and I pay if

I eat too many.

Michele M

Ames, IA

Open RNY 10/17/02 Dr Hardy

310/160

Belt Lictomy 4/15/04

-- In Graduate-OSSG , " , Liz " <liz-allen@u...>

wrote:

> Is anyone in this group from Iowa City? I am one year out and I am

still

> considered obese. I am just 5'3 " and weighed 283 at surgery and

now weigh

> 199. I feel like this is taking forever.

>

>

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