New to this message board

Hi, My name is Misty and I am 10 months post-op. I have never worked out untill recently and I have lots of questions.. First of all I joined a local gym on Jan 11th. The gym had it's grand opening that day so there was a fittness trainer there giving body comps for free. She weighed me in at 159 lbs. I am also 5'6 inches tall. When looking at myself in the mirror it seems to me that I see lots of fat still and not loose skin. However, when she took my body comp it was at 19%. She kind of paniced because I have no muscle tone. She also said that my body will begin to react like someone who is anorexic (sp?). Her suggestion to me was to bodybuild with as heavy of weights as I can handle. I really don't know much about properly excersizing or what kinds of protien or calcium or any of that stuff that I am noticing needs to be used to help in weight training. Any suggestions.. Misty

Hi, Misty. I am also new to this board. I had lap RNY April 9, 2003 and am also 10 months post op. I have lost only 62 pounds since WLS. I have gone from a size 22 to a size 14. I am unhappy with my progress at this point as I have been on a plateau for 4 months! My goal is to reach a 75 pound loss by my one year anniversary date. I was what they consider a lightweight for WLS with an even 100 pounds to lose. Kind of odd being called a lightweight at 100 pounds overweight, but hey... I have been doing a Body Pump class at my gym for 6 months. I have, however, decided that it is no longer working for me and I am moving in to some serious weight training. I have also added a one hour spin class twice per week. My weight training orientation is Thursday at the gym and then my fitness assessment will be on Friday. So far I have been told to stick with the supplements that my doc has already got me on - Prenatal vitamins. (The trick is to remember to take them!) As a post op we should already be minding our protein and taking our supplements. I would be wary of adding anything without asking the doc first! Michelle

Hi Misty, Be sure your trainer is certified, then follow a good weight training program to lose fat and build muscle strength adn tone. I recently posted a reply to another message on this board that outlines what works for me at 2 years post-op. The $$ is worth it when you realize the effect and results of a really good program. Remember, you can be a 'normal' weight and still be carrying too much fat. That's why body fat measurements are helpful. Be sure you eat enough high quality lean protein every day and drink your water Diane N http://www.weightlosssurgery.ws

Hi Misty,Glad to have you with us.I lift regularly ,most of us need plenty of protein,lots of calcium,Creatine can help build muscle faster,extra E,Folic Acid,and a knowledgable instructor.(which you dont have). No one should EVER start out lifting heavy....You are asking for a hernia,or all kinds of injuries by doing that.Start slowly and build(as with most things in life)and you will be just fine Later,Kerry P.S. I have a pict.I wanted to send with my comments but am not sure how to do it.....