Figuring out My Goal Weight After Bariatric Surgery

Note from a fellow bariatric patient…

After having weight loss surgery, one of the biggest questions I kept asking myself was: How do I figure out how much I should weigh? It’s not a simple answer. I wish someone had given me a clear number and said, “This is it—this is your goal.” But the truth is, there’s a lot more to it. It’s taken time and reflection for me to figure it out.

Setting My First Bariatric Weight Loss Goal

In the beginning, I listened to my bariatric surgeon, who would be happy as long as I was no longer obese (basically just being “overweight” with a BMI under 30). For my height, that meant 179 pounds. So that became my first goal. As I got closer to that number, I realized that I could go further. I used a BMI calculator to figure out what it would take to be in the “normal” weight range. For someone 5'5", that meant just under 150 pounds.

Reaching a Healthy Post-Bariatric Target Weight

That became my new target, and I eventually settled around 145 pounds. I stayed at that weight for about five years. Most importantly, my health improved. My blood pressure dropped, my A1C came down, and the pain in my joints eased. I had more energy than I’d had in years. Those were real wins—ones that couldn’t be summed up by a number on a scale.

Why the Scale Isn’t the Only Measure of Success After Surgery

Of course, my body was changing in other ways too. I had loose skin, especially around my stomach and arms. I was exercising regularly, building muscle, and learning to eat in a completely new way. My metabolism was adjusting, and my hunger cues were different from what they used to be. The number on the scale no longer told the full story.

Asking Better Questions

Over time, I stopped obsessing over one exact weight and started asking better questions: What weight feels healthy and sustainable for me—physically and mentally? I paid closer attention to how I felt during everyday activities. Could I go up stairs without getting winded? Could I handle more intense workouts? Did my clothes fit comfortably? Could I do the things I wanted to do, and did I feel strong? Most importantly—can I maintain this?

How to Choose a Healthy and Sustainable Weight Range

Eventually, I realized that having a desired range made more sense than chasing a specific number. I now aim to stay between 130 and 135 pounds. I check in on the scale about once a week—not to micromanage it, but to stay in tune with where I’m at. I’ve accepted that some fluctuation is normal and that weight maintenance after surgery is about the long game.

Because after surgery, the goal isn’t just to lose weight—it’s to build a life that feels good to live. And for me, that means focusing less on the number and more on how I feel in my body every day.

Sincerely,

—Your bariatric friend