Is swimming harder after WLS?

I've read the posts about not being a boyant after losing weight, but YESH!!!! I decided that I would throw swimming into my training routine.   I just wanted some more variety in my exercise plan because I was feeling kind of stagnant.  So today, I threw on a bathing suit (and a shirt..lol too much excess skin to flop around)..and went swimming.  I barely did one lap, and I was huffing and puffing...and I had to change to different strokes just to fini****   I couldn't believe it!!!!!   I've been working out 3-4 times a week for over 6 months, plus I work out almost 6 days a week at home...and I could barely swim a lap.   Now I grew up in the water, and even at my heaviest weight I was able to swim more then that.....I'm guessing that I'm just adjusting to the new weight???   I'm about 150 lbs less now then I was the last time I went swimming during the summer.  Any thoughts?  Scott

Hi Scott,

In an ideal world, no one depends on body fat to stay afloat, but if you start swimming when you are obese, you'll naturally use the body fat to stay afloat. Then, when you lose, it will feel like you are sinking (for a while).

I think the only thing to do is focus on your stroke timing (hands, feet and body rotation) and using all of that to keep the stream of water moving under your body. Ideally, this stream, not bouancy, is what should be keeping you up. It's probably practice more than anything that will help you achieve this.

Good Luck,

Dave

Hi Scott, how much exercise were you able to do the first time you tried working out?  Probably not as much as you are now.  I do the breast stroke mainly because of bad shoulders.  I started with about 8 laps about a month after surgery.  Now I go 45-50 minutes without stopping.  You just build that up.  I haven't noticed the bouancy thing on my end,  More just getting to endurance and a rhythm. Greg

Scott,  I've definitely noticed a difference. I used to be more than a bit ****y about my buoyancy, but since WLS I have to work harder while swimming. Does your routine include a good bit of upper-body strengthening? The loss of lean muscle mass (as well as the buoyant fat) certainly would contribute to your dilemma. As with any workout routine, keep at it and you'll increase your endurance over time.  Joe