Some Interesting observations from a vet

I'm not sure if I would consider myself a veteran but I am almost 2 years out.  It always amazes me how quickly time flies!  I remember that excitement shortly after surgery where everyday brought new results and I was always so excited to get on the scale.  I had things to look forward to and people were really noticing my weightloss.  Now it just seems like old hat.  People don't make comments anymore, unless they haven't seen me in the past 2 years and I feel really comfortable in my skin.

But, here is the weird part and why I think our scales lie to us.  My weight has stayed study for the past year.  I'm right within 132-135 on any given day.  However, I have noticed that I have dropped a pants size and some pants that were too tight 6 months ago now fit fine or are even a little loose.  The only thing I have done differently is increased my weight training.  Believe it or not I don't do cardio anymore, or I should say, almost anymore. I try and do one day a week of straight cardio but for the most part I lift weights.  Nothing else has changed.  My weight hasn't, what I eat hasn't yet my body is shrinking.  I generally go to the gym 3-4 days a week.  3 days of weights.  I alternate upper body and lower body.  If I make it to the gym, the 4th day I will do an exercise bike, zumba, a spinning class, or whatever I feel like doing. 

So, for all of you out there who are struggling with what the scale is saying, remember scales lie!



Here are some before and afters of my husband and I.  One on the left is now and one on the right is a few months before my surgery. 

Welcome to the world of weight training. It really does help us to lose inches and to redistribute our weight. I found the same thing, when I was losing, but the weight training helps me to retain the lost inches. Interestingly, my boots were a bit looser in the calf this year. When my trainer measured my calves, I had lost an inch. Go figure. Crop pants that were too tight in the calf last year are fitting me better this year.

Lovely pictures. Looks like hubby may have lost some weight. His face looks thinner in the more recent pictures.

I wonder, what your body fat percentage is? Sounds like it is decreasing.


Gail

weight work is super good. i can just about guaranty thats what causes your "shrinkage". I used to do it alot and should start again. Good for us all in so many ways.

Nice pictures. You look wonderful!    Diane

You look great!

I have not done weight training. I do have some weights at home, any suggestions on how to start at home? By I idling muscle do you notice difference in your skin?

Thanks!

Lynn

Lynn, I would highly recommend a trainer.  If you don't belong to a gym, you could hire someone to come to your house.  You probably only need two sessions to get a routine down.  I think it is vitally important because they can teach you the proper form so you do not cause injury.  You can also find books on weightlifting for women or there are plenty of websites, as well.  I have a book called The New Rules of Lifting for Women, by Lou Schuler.  There are a few exercises you can do at home but some you need a gym. 

I don't really notice much movement in my skin.  I still have loose skin under my butt, I call it OMB (old man's butt).  I also have loose skin on my belly and some on my arms.  Weightlifting just makes you look more toned and the skin has something to drape over.

Anyway, good luck to you.