Not a "normal" BMI? - ThinnerTimes

JustJennifer · 08-27-2007, 10:36 AM

So...Over a year out from surgery, I am happy with myself...Well, I will be if I can ever afford the plastics, but I feel and look fantastic...

That said, I am .7 over a "normal" BMI. My nutritionist said that BMI calculators are not always right because they do not take into account the body frames, age, muscle, things like that...

How many people here aren't in the "normal" range? He told me that I'm a good weight for my size and not to get below 140 (because I think I could EASILY get 10 pounds taken off during plastics).

But really. I just feel so...sad. I'm stuck at 145. For life. But it's a helluva lot better than 230!!

LisaM · 08-27-2007, 11:49 AM

Yep, I never quite hit "normal," I am still technically overweight. I needed to lose one more pound to get to 136 to be normal... and now I'm ranging between 145 and 150. To the largest extent, I'm OK, with that, and at this point not planning on plastics, short of winning the lottery. It's frustrating--but I'm really OK with it at a lot of different levels. Just glad I don't still weigh twice this much!

Gina · 08-27-2007, 11:54 AM

My bmi is 27 and that is a scooch above normal. However at my last appt my gastric surgeon told me not to lose anymore! I am thin in fact it seems that there are parts of me that are too thin in my opinion. I had a bmi of 60 when I had the surgery.

The BMI is used for a BALLPARK figure as to weight... and you are right they don't take everything into consideration.

I say that when you are happy with you or when your body stops losing then you are where you should be.

deadboy · 08-27-2007, 01:13 PM

Honestly, I think BMI is largely bunk. About a year after my surgery I hit "normal" bmi. I was ecstatic. Unforunately I was skin(more than I like) and bone. My family was actually getting concerned. Since then I've put on about 15 pounds with a LOT of work at the gym I've filled out in the chest, shoulders, and back.

At "normal" bmi I looked like a saggy skeleton. I'd not worry about it in the grand scheme of things. I think you are doing great.

ConstructionChick · 08-27-2007, 04:52 PM

I agree with Ron. What is "normal" anyway? It's all somebody else's interpretation of you.. who cares about someone else's interpretation? If you're healthy and happy that's all that matters. I think that's what we're all struggling for at the start isn't it.. just to be healthy and happy?

KarenInKali · 08-27-2007, 05:08 PM

I believe that it all needs to be revised.... LOL, my bodybuilding husband is obese if you go by BMI's.. we both get a chuckle out of it.

I, on the other hand, definitely fit the category.

Debz · 08-27-2007, 07:37 PM

BMI only considers height and weight. There is no accounting for body fat percentage or muscle mass. To me, it's a completely useless number. Other than it was the number my insurance company wanted....

Gina in NY · 08-27-2007, 07:37 PM

NO ONE at my gym who looks really good is at a normal BMI. Anyone who is carrying a good amount of muscle is going to be technically overweight. But the man who owns my gym, not at all Mr. Universe big, but cut, you know? He would have to lose like, 20 pounds to be normal. Believe me, you don't want him to. It would spoil all the fun.

Maybe some of the women are just normal, but many are not and they look amazing. And these are women who never were heavy. For those of us who carried the extra weight for so long, our legs are more built up than other women and we, as you mentioned, carry some extra skin as well. I had 10 pounds of that removed, and I still will MAYBE, BARELY get to a normal BMI, but more likely, I'll be above. If I can get my body fat percentage close to 20%, no one will think I'm not trim and slim - I promise the same for you. If you're toned, you look thinner. People always guess I'm about two sizes smaller and 20-30 pounds lighter than I am. I just carry a lot of muscle. But honestly - when I get down to 145 and people guess I'm 125 - do I really need to get to 140 - which I would need to do to be "normal"? Don't think so.

Relax!! You look mahvelous!

Cinerbelle · 08-27-2007, 08:16 PM

I'm not normal...but I am okay with that! I am fine with where I am...now I just need to make sure I stay where I am.

Mavisavis · 08-28-2007, 04:07 AM

I am 4 lbs above "normal" this morning. I would prefer to be about 5 lbs lower, but am certainly not what anyone would deem "overweight". I just fear that slippery slope is all, but I think I look just fine. Actually, a few people said my face was too gaunt at my lower weights.