Hi August family, I wanted to see what your experiences have been with exercise and how it impacts your weight loss. I work out 6-7 times per week. I go to Curves 3x/wk (usually for 40 minutes) and I walk 30-50 minutes the other days. My heart rate is where it needs to be, and although I have never gotten that runner's high or the equivalent, I really am enjoying the feeling of knowing that I've exercised for the day. At nine months out, I obviously am not losing lots, nor am I losing quickly. But I continue to slowly lose pounds and inches. And I know I am gaining muscle, but I don't know if it's enough to offset or slow down the weight loss a whole lot. However, I am wondering if you have found that working out MORE makes you lose less weight, and/or lose more slowly? It seems that the weeks I exercise 4-5 times, for about 30 minutes per time, I lose better. (This is assuming no changes with water, food, etc.) However, I hate to intentionally cut my exercise time short, when I know that I should be doing 40-50 minutes per day, 5-6 times per week. I've heard that the healthy heart likes five hours of exercise a week. Wow - I'm not close to that, but better than I once was. For example: Last week I worked out six times and lost one pound; this week I worked out seven times and stayed the same. I'm not getting panicky about being done with my losing, but just trying to demonstrate what's going on. What are your thoughts on this? Does anyone have experience with this strange-seeming phenomenon? You'd think that more exercise would lead to more loss, but not necessarily - at least with my body! Thanks for your input, Kathryn -101

I had a follow-up appointment with my regular physician today (since my 1/31/05 automobile accident), and he seemed to think that I may have a problem with the electrical system that runs my heart. My symptoms were not being able to get my heart rate up during regular exercise....and then at night, when I was resting, my heart would race as if I were running! Whew! Another concern is that my blood pressure is creeping up again. Even though the weight is coming off, and I am exercising regularly.....it continues to go up in tiny bits. I'm not on BP meds any more, since WLS in August. Doctor C. will do some more tests, and I'll wear a monitor for a little while and also do a stress test soon, but I was wondering if anyone else has a problem like this....or has anyone heard of of someone with Supraventricular Tachycardia? I thought it was panic attacks....or anxiety attacks.....but the doctor seems to think it is something a little more serious than just the anxiety. Good new though, he doesn't think it's a valve problem or a heart muscle problem. Just electrical. Humm? Wish me luck! ~Laura (Still on a 4-week stall......sigh) (286/204/160) - 82 pounds, but feeling really good!

Hello everyone I wanted to give a little update on me and let you know that I have an updated pic that was taken in April in Hawaii on a dinner cruise.... I had my revision done 8/04...had my first surgery in 8/98 and had all kinds of problems.. its on my profile.. But since the revision I have gone from 205 to 135 as of today... gone from a size 18/20 down to a size 6/8 depending on the clothes... I plan on having plastics in Dec. going to have a tummy tuck and a boob job... I want to look good in my 40's.... flat stomach which I have never had... I want to thank everyone for the support that I have received from you... I love reading where you all are with your wls.... Let's continue to all do great since we are all coming up on our 1 year... continue to be there for each other... We all need to have someone to be accountable to... even if its just to post here... we all read on here and it makes us think about what we need to do and keep us on track.... Thank you all Debra 227/205/135/120 goal (almost there)

Hi Teri (waving my bat wings at you)! You can do arm exercises that will tighten the muscles in your arms and reduce the fat but the hanging skin from the lost fat is really not something you can exercise away, I'm sorry to say. It's a side effect of having the surgery that sooooooooooooooooooooooo many of us have to deal with if you had big arms pre-op. I personally hate mine but have decided that it is something I will have to live with since insurance doesn't cover that type of surgery and also because I hate the scars from that surgery even more. But everyone is different and one day you may opt to have that skin removed. Good luck to you. I've decided to get over it BIG TIME because after losing 141 pounds and counting, I'll be damned if I keep hiding. I will be in sleeveless tops and dresses this summer even with the batwings. Last summer, I had grandma arms, midriff rolls, two stomachs, and enough thighs to ignite a fire when rubbed together. Some loose skin is not going to deter me after finally being able to get in some nice summer clothes.

Hi there Tammy, After I go to the gym, I notice that I do lose more overall. I may not lose that same week, but the next few weeks I see some results on the scale. Also remember that you may be losing inches and sizes rather than pounds, per say. Down tha****er as much as you can When I get in my car, I take a water bottle with me (16oz) and my goal is to fini**** by the time I get to my destination. Little things like can't hurt, ya know when I've hit a plateau, I get the loss going again by sneaking in a protein drink here and there (I do mine with Lactaid milk to get a few extra grams of protein). But like I mentioned, for me, I notice my weight loss more when I do get to the gym a little more or walk 20mins a day...anything to get the blood pumping and metabolism rollin' When we hit a plateau, we should all find a way to spark up our metabolism and get away from habits that are not allowing our body to lose the excess weight. Minimize a little on the food if you feel you're eating too much, or get some good/healthy snacks in throughout the day to spark up your metabolism if it's a little slow (a fruit, almonds, etc). We all have to be good, especially that our 1yr anniversary will be in a few months norma 255/145/138