almost 2 years out .. is it time for this CONTRAVE???

Yes, we've all tried cutting calories to lose weight. And when we actually did cut calories, we always lost weight. Always. Most of us lost 50 or 100 pounds, many times. But then we ate more calories, and gained. It's all about the calories, and sustainability.

The theory has always been more muscle burns more calories. But adding muscle is constant hard work. Really hard. And muscle actually burns very few extra calories. Science has demonstrated that those who workout like fiends end up NOT burning more calories than a person with average daily activity. It's not something I made up.

I know one person who has lifted weights consistently for more than about a year. It's not sustainable. People just aren't going to do it. On the other hand, I know dozens who are at a healthy weight who stay there by watching their calories. It's much more realistic.

I know many more people who felt they needed to eat more to "fuel their workouts." They all ended up gaining, because they ate more. And yhey kicked themselves for it.

You are brand new to this. You can follow any plan you like. I think lifting heavy is a great idea, and it will pay dividends, for sure. But ignore calories, and you'll end up sorry.

You are 9 days out. Obviously you needed help to cut your calories so you had weight loss surgery like the rest of us. But surgery is not magic. We do not get to eat as much as we want to post-op or we WILL stop losing and can possibly gain it all back. Weight training is great for our health, but will not help us lose weight. Numerous studies back that up.

Cutting calories does work. I think you're mixing up different concepts such as eating small meals to avoid a stall & lifting heavy weights to burn more calories due to all the extra muscle built. Neither of these concepts work on the average person who had wls during the rapid weight loss period.

Eating small meals is ok just as long as your overall calories is low enough so you can lose weight. It won't prevent a stall. Small meals can be easily interpreted as grazing, which for most people won't boost metabolism, or lose weight., not to mention its like eating around your surgery.

You can easily over estimate how much muscle you're building while at the same time that your losing fat & yes muscle too. Weight training is fine, but you should add in cardio too, not to accelerate weight loss, but just to add balance to your exercise routine. Besides why eat back your calories.

The op is not experiencing a stall, she stumbled into maintenance.

if it is all about lifting weights and not about counting calories,why did you have to have surgery then,to lose? Why didn't you just lose all you wanted to lose by heavy lifting?

Lol exercise got so painful as I got heavy but this is not the first time I've had major weight loss. I lost 115lbs ten years ago thru low carb, vitamins, and working out and walking then running. I kept it off for around 7 years or so until I went back to eating crap.. At 40, my knees have out etc. Since I was cash past I didn't have to qualify so it was easier and I decided to do it. 

But, it worked.

On February 7, 2016 at 4:51 AM Pacific Time, TD1808 wrote:

Lol exercise got so painful as I got heavy but this is not the first time I've had major weight loss. I lost 115lbs ten years ago thru low carb, vitamins, and working out and walking then running. I kept it off for around 7 years or so until I went back to eating crap.. At 40, my knees have out etc. Since I was cash past I didn't have to qualify so it was easier and I decided to do it. 

But, it worked.

you have just proven our point by this post. Exercise alone can't make you maintain the loss. As soon.. as you added too many calories, you gained, in spite of all the exercise.

myth busted.

i have lost 120# and maintained the loss for 6 years with no organized exercise.

I used to be a very fit fat person.  Exercise makes me feel good. But diet keeps me losing or gaining. 

Plus heavy lifting is really not recommended for women. That can cause serious injuries even if done correctly.  

New science is out there.  Moderate weight lifting can do much more good, specially as we age... 

From what I've read here on this site over the past three years, I'd say a very small percentage of the successful people here do not go to the gym.  Many do increase their daily activity as they lose weight - by walking, using a recumbent bike, swimming, cycling, etc.  As they are losing weight they are energized and enjoy being able to move without pain.

As to the number of meals, plans vary.  Some people do three meals and two snacks, others do three meals and nothing else, and others do four meals.  As long as you keep your calories under 800, carbs under 40, protein at least 65, and at least 64 oz. of fluids, you will lose. 

Jenny, you admit your slacking.  Therein lies (lays?) the problem.  Take out the food scale and measuring cups/spoons, preplan your meals/snacks, track on myfitnesspal, and you'll see the scale move down again.  I, too, slacked for several months and stopped losing - because I started eating carbs and didn't follow the program.  I'm back on track again, and it took a few weeks, but the scale is finally moving down again.  

Best of luck to you.

Contrave only works for as long as you take it.  What you eat, and how much of it will make far more of a difference.

lol so last post.

1. i stopped exercising and eating whatever i wanted = weight gain.
2. i'm going to trust what's worked in the past and my pals at bodybuilding.com for fitness advice. no offense, but fit people are more qualified to give advise on what works.

thanks!