Confused...

I have been exercising (gym & walking) since I was 2 weeks post-op (RNY on 11/26/07). I really really really thought that this would speed up my weight loss, however, I’ve  noticed that there are a lot of post-ops with way more significant weight loss and the majority indicate that they now need to START with an exercise program. Does anyone know what I may be doing wrong?

Also, I go to the gym on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday (I let my body rest on Tuesdays and Fridays). I do cardio 1st and then the weight machines.

This is why I got confused: A couple of weeks ago I only went to the gym ONE time, but I lost 6 lbs that week. That is the most that I have lost in one week at this far out. The weeks when I exercise I fluctuate between 1,2, and sometimes 0 pound weight loss. Does anyone have any insight as to why this happens? Why would weight loss speed up when I did not exercise?

This may sound wierd but I would lose more weight working around the house than in exercising!!  Doing garden work or cleaning a closet or doing chores would cause me to lose a ton of weight.  When I would exercise my body would hold on to the weight like there was no tomorrow.  Then in a few days the weight would drop.  Just me.  Brian

I have been working out in the pool.  I do water aerobics and laps that add up to an hour of exercise, and it has helped me.  Maybe you are gaining muscle and you will lose later? Good luck, Annabelle

First off....try NOT to compare yourself with others...I know, easier said then done, but it will drive you NUTS.  Everyone has a different way of losing their weight. With that said, I can agree with the other poster that maybe you are gaining muscle weight and that is why you don't see the scale moving. Keep doing what you are doing and it WILL come off!  You are on the right track to getting yourself healthy with exercising and your "tool" DOES WORK. Best of luck to you!

Your are doing awsome!!!  One thing i've noticed on here is everyone is different.  I notice if I exersize, i loose my appetite even more, and do not eat enough.  When I don't eat, I don't lose as much weight because my body seems to go into a starvation mode.  I can tell you this though, I got really sick and quit exersizing and have been having a hard time getting back to the gym, and i've hit a plateau.  Hopefully when I get back in there it will jumpstart it again...i'm very proud of you, keep up the great work!!! 

Don't compare yourself to others.  Just keep exercising and be sure the regulate what you are eating.  Monitor your water comsumption. Kim

Good morning,

I'm one of the ones that doesn't lose weight through basic exercise. (I trained for a 1/2 marathon and gained 15lbs and no it wasn't all muscle).

BUT, exercise has so many more benefits than just weight loss. The way I see it, exercise should be viewed like breathing, you need to do it to live! So I still do it regularly.

Just in case you are not like me, here are some things to consider while working out.

1) Measure your body fat and inches and ignore the scale. If you've rarely worked out in the past, you can start to tone quickly. Muscle is dense. 1lbs of muscle take up alot less space than 1lbs of fat. 2) Are you getting to your fat burning zone for over 15 minutes while you are doing cardio? Your heart rate is dependant on your age. Too low and you are not getting fat burning benefits, too high and your are out of fat burning and into conditioning.  3) As you are weight lifting, you are toning your muscles and a toned muscles burns calories at rest, so even though the scale isn't moving, you are benefiting your body for the long term. Also, muscles need a 24 hour break between uses. So mix up your muscle groups (lower body one day, upper next ) or do it all every other day. Hope that helps. Rachel

 

I noticed that when I switch it up, I lose more. 1 week I'll do treadmill/bike and weight machines, next week I'll do Water Aerobics/Hiking and free weights. It seems to kick start my weight loss when I do that...go figure!

Thanks for the insight and encouraging words my wonderful OH family!