My DEXA Scan results

so, I'll preface by saying that I'm very happy I did this- $$ well spent for peace of mind IMO. The test took 10 minutes and we chatted about my history, nutrition etc during, so he gave me some tips for changes based on the scan results. The stats:

his scale's weight 193.6; height today 66.7"; DEXA breakdown (in pounds): 

lean muscle mass: 127.44

bone mass: 7.05

fat mass: 58.85; fat%: 31.6%

total mass 193.3 (so his scale was very accurate)

i carry most of my weight in the gyniod region-37.8% (hips, thighs, butt) and 27.7% in the android region (abdomen/upper body). My test gave no bone density info. They also gave me my 'relative skeletal muscle index', 9.67. They explained that is a measure of risk of disability (for ability to perform activities of daily living) and women should be above 5.75- so I'm good! It also broke down how much fat/lean muscle etc I have in my arms, legs etc.  It just confirmed I've got some junk in my trunk ;-)

I'll say I was initially deflated over the fat #'s. I was like, I need to lose 58 more #'s.. WTF?!?! Then he reminded me that the body needs fat-- oh yeah!!! So he said he thinks if I get my fat # down to 40, maintain or build my muscle mass; then he thinks my body fat % would likely get to a healthy range of 24-26%. I told him my goal weight (175) and he thinks that's ideal- which would leave me needing to lose 18ish #'s. I apparently guess well-- now if only I could do that with the lottery. 

He asked, so I explained that my diet is low carb, hi protein and gave him my daily goals. He wants my protein at 125g daily, and suggested I supplement with shakes post workouts. I will- since this is the second time I've been advised to up protein, especially post work out. He suggested I start monitoring my fats- which I've been thinking I need to do. Concern is that fatty foods are usually calorie dense, he named nuts and cheese for example-- two of my favorites go to's. It'll be a process but I know I can find replacements, or at least rely on them less (both are daily for me currently). 

So I have clear direction of what I need to do. 175 will be my final # and I'll seek to maintain there +\- 3lbs. I will work in upping my protein to 100g minimum, and look at my fats more closely. I'd love to have the 18# gone by August. I'm not going to change my exercise routine- I'm good with where it is and need to focus on this Protein/fat thing. 

$$ permitting I will go back in the summer or fall to do the VO2 test; and another DEXA- but only if I'm at goal. 

Thanks for sharing all of that. When you were talking about it before I wasn't sure what it was all about but it definitely gives you a lot in interesting information, far more valuable than just the number on the scale. It's great that the feedback gave you a little more direction as you reach goal and even better for that added piece of mind!!

Awesome job!!!

This is good info.  Mr surgeons office has one of these machines and it's a required part of my after care program.  I had the first scan pre op.  My first post op scan is next week.  They also use Med Gem to determine BMR.

That's cool that your surgeon's office can do this!

So glad you went, and so glad you thought it was worth the $$....

Did they mention your visceral fat? The fat around your organs. They want that to be under 2lbs.... I thought that was an interesting statistic...mine was. Woop!

When You go for a second scan, it is not so cut and dry simple as lose 18lbs... you will lose some muscle in there no matter how hard you try... that is why he is telling you to keep your protein up to try and minimize muscle loss...

If they do metabolism testing RMR (resting Metabolic Rate)- that might be worth doing when you reach goal.... I had it done each time as well, but during the losing stage it didn't mean much to me... I found this last one more helpful now that I am at goal.

No mention of visceral fat. I'll have to ask about RMR testing- there is nothing published online that says they do it- but I'd be surprised if they don't.

I thought of you- there're VO2 test is done on an excercize bike, not a treadmill:-)

ive upped my protein target in mfp to 90 to start- hoping that'll actually yield me 100g. Today will be interesting- I'm putting away the peanut butter, cashews and cheddar cheese I use for snacking. Hubby is out of town for the day- good for him cause I'll likely be very grouchy today. 

Oh, and I see my nutritionist today- gonna share this with her to see her thoughts. 

I would like to have it done again at some point after I am back on a regular exercise routine for awhile.... I think I told you I had it done #2 in June and #3 beginning of December. From June to December I lost 8lbs on the scale.... but actually lost 10lbs of muscle and gained 2lbs of fat. The woman was dumbfounded and highly concerned...I don't think she thought that was possible...I didn't either. The only thing I could really contribute it to was my trauma and bonus ER visit after my surgery this summer, where I was totally laid up for 6-8 weeks..... Couch duty I guess reduces muscle mass.... and healing takes even more calories and protein and even though I thought I was having plenty...I guess I wasn't.

I'd like a redo to see if I can regain any of my muscle :)

Would consider the VO2 on a bike...

I know I've looked before and there were none anywhere close to me. But I want to check to see the closest one near friends of mine so that I can see if I can find one there for the next time I visit. Did you use a certain site to find the place?

I just googled 'DEXA Scan Philadelphia'