Know of WLS exercise/strength training facility in W.S. area??

I am looking for direction and guidance especially in strenth training at this point in my weight loss. I have been going to the fitness center where I work--but have not been able to get the guidance I need from the staff. I am looking for someone who will focus on the fact that I am trying to ease into being non-bariatric! But that bariatric is where I once was for the most part of my life!! Does anyone have any ideas of exercise facilities or trainers that won't cost me more than reasonable? Thanks! Tamara 310/211/150

Hi Tamara. I have had a lot of success with the type of circuit training that you find at a Curves type place. I am going to one called Ladies Workout Express. In the first month there I lost 10 inches from my middle alone. It is weight training with hydraulic equipment, coupled with some aerobic activity. They are much more reasonable than a classic gym. I don't know if it's what you have in mind, but it might be at least worth a look. ~Ellen

Thanks, Ellen--I will check that out!

First congrats on losing 99 pounds so far. How long has it been since you had WLS? I think by far the best way to ease into being non bariatric as you say is cardiovascular exercise. Walking on a treadmill with small 1 pound weights in each hand will do more for your than most anything else right now. Your body is very strong already. Think about it. It is used to carrying around 310 pounds everywhere and is now carrying around 100 pounds less weight. Soon it will only have to carry half what it is used to. From talking to a lot of women who have had this surgery most of them end up with sagging skin and I suspect (forgive me if I am wrong) that you want to strength train to tighten up your skin some. Skin is elastic by nature and will tighten up considerably just by light jogging or aerobics. Try ankle weights and walk with weights in your hands. Just my opinion.

It has been a little over 7 months (3/21/06) since I had my surgery. Yes, I definately want to see how much skin tone I can help out with, but I also want to do more strength training for bone health--I've been reading alot about that lately. I'm already walking with 2 lb weights on the treadmill. I know I'm doing some things--but I want to intensify my training, and I want to be going in the right direction. I haven't tried the ankle weights--but I will. Thanks for your advice. I appreciate it! Tamara

Calcium in women is not an area I know much about but I do agree almost all women need more calcium for their bones. I do know that bones replace themselves every 7 years on average and since you are much smaller than before I would suspect that in 7 years your bone structure while probably healthier than it is now will also be much smaller. Exercise with weights may be good for the bones but not as much as you think. A good calcium suppliment will do you more good than anything else right now. I think the more important issue for you is skin tone and cardiovascular health. Get one of those small trampolines and practice jump in jacks on it. Wave those arms around!!!! Go jogging!!!