VSG Maintenance Group
Body fat and bone density testing
I went in last week for body comp testing and had a bone density scan done too. it was really interesting. I know that hydrostatic weighing has been considered the gold standard for body fat composition, but it's not easily accessible in my community, so I went for the DXA scan instead. (Cost = $100.00, and I didn't have to get nekkid or get my hair wet)
The results: While my body fat content, at 36%, is not exactly stellar, it is within the healthy range for a female of my age. This is something I can work on though - and it may be a lot more rewarding than watching the scale at this point, since the last few pounds come off so slowly. So I can improve aesthetics, fitness, and performance, but at least my health is no longer at risk due to excess fat. Yeah VSG!
The bone density results were fantastic - one advantage of being very heavy for almost 30 years is increased bone mass due to daily weight bearing exercise.
the tests did point up a significant imbalance in muscle mass between my left and right arms and legs - something that increases chances of injury but also something that I can work on -and that is not subject to the whims and mysteries of the stupid scale.
In other news from Margoworld, I passed the defense of my dissertation proposal with no revisions required - it was a nerve wracking experience and I felt like I needed to hurl when it was all over - but it went very well. I did COMPLETELY blank during the examination on the name of the philosopher upon whose writings I am basing my entire theoretical position - but just took a deep breath and discussed the theory without using his name and didn't come off looking like a complete moron.
We also signed the binding contract for the purchase of a townhouse yesterday afternoon - so I have been all aflutter with the ups, downs and intricacies of the bargaining process, as well as getting my ducks in a row for the replacement of flooring and a kitchen renovation as soon as we take possession at the end of July.
It has been very hard to get any actual work done but I have mostly been able to stay on track in terms of eating - it really helps that this has become a habitual way of life, rather than a diet!
The results: While my body fat content, at 36%, is not exactly stellar, it is within the healthy range for a female of my age. This is something I can work on though - and it may be a lot more rewarding than watching the scale at this point, since the last few pounds come off so slowly. So I can improve aesthetics, fitness, and performance, but at least my health is no longer at risk due to excess fat. Yeah VSG!
The bone density results were fantastic - one advantage of being very heavy for almost 30 years is increased bone mass due to daily weight bearing exercise.
the tests did point up a significant imbalance in muscle mass between my left and right arms and legs - something that increases chances of injury but also something that I can work on -and that is not subject to the whims and mysteries of the stupid scale.
In other news from Margoworld, I passed the defense of my dissertation proposal with no revisions required - it was a nerve wracking experience and I felt like I needed to hurl when it was all over - but it went very well. I did COMPLETELY blank during the examination on the name of the philosopher upon whose writings I am basing my entire theoretical position - but just took a deep breath and discussed the theory without using his name and didn't come off looking like a complete moron.
We also signed the binding contract for the purchase of a townhouse yesterday afternoon - so I have been all aflutter with the ups, downs and intricacies of the bargaining process, as well as getting my ducks in a row for the replacement of flooring and a kitchen renovation as soon as we take possession at the end of July.
It has been very hard to get any actual work done but I have mostly been able to stay on track in terms of eating - it really helps that this has become a habitual way of life, rather than a diet!
Margo - Burnaby, British Columbia HW 283 / SW 269 / GW 160 (I'm 5'8")
Check out my blog at http://www.vsggoodlife.com/
Check out my blog at http://www.vsggoodlife.com/
Congrats on the dissertation and house. Two important steps. and on the good medical test results. Getting a new home will really give you a work out packing and preparing things so you will get some muscles from that!
You are so right about making healthy eating an automatic habit. Thats one thing that is not stressed enough with the new people on the main vsg forum. Too often people a few weeks out want to eat a bite of this or that that is off program. No, that one bite isn't going to destroy the weight loss but it will interfere with the habits that must be developed. I was pretty strict about following my doctors rules (cuz i was scared he would yell at me) and am glad I did as its now totally ingrained in me that I just don't eat certain kinds of things and its ok.
Anyway, thanks for reporting good news. Diane
p.s. i got weighed in a dunk tank and was 30% body fat which i thought sounded terrible but my surgeon thinks is fine.
You are so right about making healthy eating an automatic habit. Thats one thing that is not stressed enough with the new people on the main vsg forum. Too often people a few weeks out want to eat a bite of this or that that is off program. No, that one bite isn't going to destroy the weight loss but it will interfere with the habits that must be developed. I was pretty strict about following my doctors rules (cuz i was scared he would yell at me) and am glad I did as its now totally ingrained in me that I just don't eat certain kinds of things and its ok.
Anyway, thanks for reporting good news. Diane
p.s. i got weighed in a dunk tank and was 30% body fat which i thought sounded terrible but my surgeon thinks is fine.
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Wow that is very cool!
Actually, just short of an autopsy, the DEXA scan is the most accurate and the only one I would get. Hydrostatic is not as accurate.
Here is a cool link regarding body fat, the different methods used to measure body fat levels, and photos at varying body fat levels for whoever is interested:
http://www.leighpeele.com/body-fat-pictures-and-percentages
Congrats on the dissertation and townhouse! Wow, lots going on!! You are doing great!
Actually, just short of an autopsy, the DEXA scan is the most accurate and the only one I would get. Hydrostatic is not as accurate.
Here is a cool link regarding body fat, the different methods used to measure body fat levels, and photos at varying body fat levels for whoever is interested:
http://www.leighpeele.com/body-fat-pictures-and-percentages
Congrats on the dissertation and townhouse! Wow, lots going on!! You are doing great!
5'8" - 40 years old
lol
If i had to guess I'd say I'm somewhere around 23%, but it's really freakin' hard to tell with all this sharpei skin. All I know is the more I lift, the leaner I get and the more melted my skin looks. big sigh :~)
Margo - I think you will really enjoy lifting. It makes me feel like She-Ra. lol
If i had to guess I'd say I'm somewhere around 23%, but it's really freakin' hard to tell with all this sharpei skin. All I know is the more I lift, the leaner I get and the more melted my skin looks. big sigh :~)
Margo - I think you will really enjoy lifting. It makes me feel like She-Ra. lol
5'8" - 40 years old
Well, those folks are all "never were"s, so.. their photo "rate" and our photo rate have an AWESOMELY different frame of appreciation/reference.
Theirs may be awesome, but our frame is seriously freaking awesome! With us, we can see where we came from and sometimes what are heading towards.
YAAAY US!
Congratulations on your diss! That is such a monumental feat. I recommend wearing your special cap everywhere you go so make sure you buy it (if they don't give it to you). There's nothing like picking up some eggs at the market while wearing it. Oh, and washing the NEW floors in your NEW house in it too.
Amazing! And staying on track with eating too? You're now my heroine. Better buy a super hero costume that matches your cap.
Amazing! And staying on track with eating too? You're now my heroine. Better buy a super hero costume that matches your cap.
