Advice please!

Hi everyone! I had gastric sleeve done in Feb. 06 & slowly but surely have put on 15 lbs.  I desperately want to lose this extra weight but I've been told NOT to do any weight training at all for now, just stick with cardio...cardio...cardio...Can anyone relate?  Should I just do cardio & stick to the basics regarding the eating plan?  Thanks for your time & info! maggie

What reason were you given to not do any weight training at all for now?  While cardio does burn more calories, strength training adds muscle mass which bumps up our metabolisms.  Also, strength training has other health benefits that should not be ignored.  I'd suggest asking for more information about why you should not do strength training and be willing to push back if you feel like you are getting standard, cookie-cutter advice, instead of advice that's personal to your specific situation.   Good luck on your continuing journey -  Kellie

Hi Kellie, Thank you for your prompt reply.  I was told that if I do weight training I would build muscle which is good, but that I would only see a very slight difference in the scale, maybe a couple of lbs. lost.  This information came from a couple of OH members, as well as 2 trainers... 

Hello again, Maggie.  I have to respectfully disagree with the advice you've been given because, in my opinion, it's pretty short-sighted.  Sure, if you do strictly cardio you will burn more calories during the time you spend exercising.  But cardio generally does nothing to help build muscle mass.  And adding muscle mass will increase your base metabolic rate, which is how many calories your body needs each day to function.  The more muscle mass you have, the more calories you burn each day.   Also, I'm always skeptical of advice that tends to focus on one thing to the exclusion of all others.  I've done a lot of research on exercise and health, and spent a lot of time talking to the exercise specialists and trainers at my gym.  Everything I've read and heard indicates that a well-rounded exercise plan should include (1) regular cardio, (2) strength training, and (3) flexibility work.   I'm not suggesting you should start doing strength training every day, but if you have time to do 2 strength training sessions and 4 cardio sessions each week, I think you'll see good results.  It may take longer to drop those 15 pounds this way, but if you can stick with the routine long-term, you'll be able to lose it and keep it off!   Good luck on your continuing journey -  Kellie

Maggie, You want to build muscle. Muscle is what helps you burn fat and lose weight. If they said not to for health reasons I could understand.

Maggie, Cardio is great but you might want to get some more advice on the weight training.  When you have more muscle you are burning more calories all day long.  Weight training is great, especially for women. As far as your eating is concerned, sticking to the basics sounds like it should be a good plan.  Good luck with getting the 15 lbs off! Mary