how much weight?

Question
I was wondering if there is a way to determine how much weight I will need without getting in water.  I am going on a boat dive and will not have an option of adjusting once in.  The pool I have access to is not deep enough.  
   I was diving fresh water with a 7ml wet suit and was told to use 22lbs.  I always felt it was too much but instructor said it wasn't.  I recently dove in the Dominican and the DM there said 18lbs. was enough but I was not wearing a suit.  This time I will be wearing a 3ml wet,80cu.
I am 6' 205lbs.
Is there anyway of figuring out my best bet for my first dive?  I will be able to adjust for my second dive.
Thank you!!

Answer
Hi Joe

I hate estimating weight without having seen the diver.  However, based on your description, I think you'll need about 16 pounds.  For insurance, you might add an extra 2 pounds for this first dive.  That extra weight won't hurt anything.  Overweighting is a major mistake made by divers.  Overweighted divers need too much air in their BC and because of it, they have problems maintaining good body position in the water.  At the end of your next dive, if you can be neutrally buoyant at about 15 feet your BC completely empty of air and with about 900 psi in your tank, you're properly weighted.

Happy Diving,
Mike Giles
Mike's Dive Center
mikescuba.com