Question about weights?

 Hi!

I am 12 weeks post op. I recently went to my doctor to discuss my progress/ how I'm doing. When I mentioned that I was doing weights in the gym she told me that I should not do weights while I am trying to loose weights- that it messes up the weight loss process.

This seems counter intuitive. Did anyone's doctor say the same thing?

If she just means that the scale will not acuratly reflect weight loss because I'll be building muscle (but I am n fact loosing weight) rather than lifting weights actually hindering you from loosing weight, I don't see the problem.

Thanks!

AC

Not only did my doctor not say that, my program recommends that you work out 4-5x a week for 45 min as a minimum and my surgeon recommends that 2x be cardio and 2x be weights.

Lifting weights can't "mess" with the weight loss process because (1) it burns calories and (2) it's very hard to build muscle mass while losing weight, especially on a VLCD.

I have done a bunch of research into this and my opinion is that it's very important to do strength training during weight loss. It helps to keep you from losing as much muscle mass and keeps you strong. Muscle mass is important for burning calories while at rest as well.

That said, I was working out so much doing biking, running and swimming, that I just didn't have time for the strength training at first. I added it in about half way through losing and it improved my speed in my other workouts immediately so I was sorry I hadn't done it sooner.

Hi,

Though I've been over weight all my life and even more so during the past 6 years, I have worked out and trained for those past 6 years. After one month post-op Dr. Steinberg told me I can work out like a crazy woman. Of course, I didn't over do (because I couldn't), but I went for it. I do know i'm gaining muscle but the scales are still decreasing......and I couldn't be happier. Best wishes on your journey.

The truth is that you will slow the weightloss (# on the scale) but you will continue to lose fat. The scale will move slower but you will be healthier in the end and have a higher metabolism when you reach your goal. I found that b4 I started strength training I was turning into a smaller version of the same fat person I had been. Don't get me wrong , cardio and endurance training is good but I think you will be a lot better off in the end if you add plenty of strength training to your routine. I injured my foot a couple of weeks ago and had to stop my running(6-8 miles a day) and shifted my focus more to the weights and have noticed I am not as hungry and while the scale has not moved I have moved in 2 notches on my belt and am moving in to a size smaller jeans.

My doctor said the same exact thing, and apparently they were telling patients to just do heavy walking.  I flat out ignored that adviceand waited until 6 weeks post op to very slowly add back in strength training twice a week.  When I asked the doctor about the recommendation for no strength training they told me it's because it can slow down weightloss and cause some patients to get fraustrated, but that was not the case for me.  For me, I would much rather weigh more and look smaller then look unhealthy and too skinny with lots of extra sagging skin.  I agree with everyone else on here, that strength training, done the right way can only help you.

 Thank you all so much! Weight training it is!

Yea, weight training is very important for weight loss. Many times people lose weight doing just cardio. However, although the numbers may drop on the scale they may still continue to have a lot of loose skin rather than a nice toned look. Additionally traditional cardio like the treadmill, aerobics class, etc. allows your body to continue burning up to 3 hours afterwards. However, when you strength train the tearing down and rebuilding of your muscles which primarily occurs when you are asleep is a 24 hour calorie burining process. So it's best to incorporate a fitness program which has both strength training and cardio such as chair-a-cise.