Exercise and fitness trainers

The time has come for me to consider working out at gym- do I need a trainer? Someone to go over my meal plans, show me how to do cardio and resistance training? Is it something I can do on my own? On nice days, I've been walking a mile- but nice days are getting to be fewer and farther between. How many of you post ops are at this point? Any recommendations? Jeri H.

Hi Jeri, I had my surgery a month before you and feeling GREAT!! I have lost 95 pounds with 5 more pounds to go meet my goal weight (Size 10 pants) I was size 26/24. I have been walking on myt treadmill 5 days a week (2 miles) I started doing nautalis(weight training )at the YMCA the end of November. So it has been 2 months. I do nautalis 3x a week. I really do see the difference. The only thing I am having trouble with is my stomach(which I had 2 c-sections plus my appendics out) But everything else is toning well. If you have never did weight training have one of the employees show you the correct way, so you don't hurt yourself. Once you get started you will love it. Just measure yourself before you start. You will be amazed at the inches you go down. Also don't get discouraged when the scale don't go down very fast, just remember that you are building up muscle and muscle weighs more than fat(wat*****hes!!!!) Just stay motivated!!! And remember we are always here if you need us !!!! I hope this info will help you. Take care. RoseAnn Knight

Jeri, I have been working out at a gym since 6 weeks post-op. I started at 5'8" and 273#. Now 8 months later I am down over 100#s and I am considered a lightweight. For me the difference has been exercise. I love going to the various classes that my gym has to offer. Initially you think everyone is watching you, but people aren't they are focused on themselves and their own workout. Okay now back to your question. Do you need a trainer? It depends. If you have never used the weight lifting machines, ask on of the staff members to show you how it alll works. I know my gym gives each new person 3 sessions with a staff member to show them how the machines work. I taking a weight lifting class, kickboxing, step aerbics and pilates through out the week. Since these classes are instructor led, I don't worry about having trainer. Now that I am almost 9 months out, I decided to give myself personal training sessions, just to drop the last 30 pounds or so. This way it will help me come up with a future routine at the gym. My gym's trainers also look at your meal plan, but I feel I have that under control and I doubt they would understand why my intake was so low because of the surgery. Plus the Bariatric Treatment Center has a very good post-op meal program, so I am set in that area. I think it is great that you are taking the step to up your exercise, I think you will be glad you did! Keep up the good work! Janine

Check with your surgeon's office. My surgeon has an arrangement with the fitness center at the hospital where I had my surgery. They offer special pricing to the WLS patients. I understand even working with a trainer is reasonable. I plan to call them this week. Dixie

After the holidays and New Years, I knew it was time to do more than just walking also. I joined a Curves in a nearby town and am loving it so far. I enjoy the 30 minute work out and they recommend attending 3x per week, but you can go more if you wish. I don't have access to a YWCA anywhere locally so I thought Curves was a great place to start to tone up!!! Good Luck! Wendy

Hey Jeri, I know there is a great new place in Altoona...it has a cool name...I forget. But most gyms will offer training on the equipment. I started at our local Y in December and I was afraid I was doing too much ( I have very fit friends and sister that were pushing me), so I recently hired a trainer. He comes to my house 1x a week and does pilates and other excercises using that huge ball. This helps because I stay home with my twins...I need to know I can do something even if i can't get out of the house. I still go to the Y to do weights and classes that I like. you don't know if you'll like them until you try, and if it seems too hard you can always leave that class. My trainer said no jumping around or running for now. But everyone is different, and needs different workouts. My husband had his surgery 6 weeks before me and I have passed him in our weight loss because I'm working out and he's not. Excersize is good

Thanks for all the input! I knew I did the right thing by going to those of you who have gone before! I let you know my decision, and how it all works out! You are ALL the best! Jeri