Question:
Why am I gaining weight after I've started exercising?

I'm 6 mos post op open RNY. I just recently started going to the gym and working out. I do some strength training and then cardio...I lift some weights under hubby's supervision and then walk on the elliptical machines for about 30 minutes. I haven't increased my food intake that I know of and I'm getting in my protein and water. What gives? I've gained about 2-3 lbs since we joined that dumb gym!    — Rhoni333 (posted on July 26, 2003)

July 26, 2003
You are gaining weight becuase you are gaining muscle which is heavier than fat. Don't worry-muscle retains a lot of water which coul also have a lot to do with it.
   — Justin F.

July 26, 2003
First of all, 1 pound of fat weighs the same as 1 pound of muscle-however, muscle is denser than fat. Therefore, someone weighing 200 lbs who is all muscle is going to look smaller than a person weighing 200 pounds who is mostly fat. That's what my doctor said, anyway. But it's normal to gain weight when you're exercising at first. Eventually your weight will taper back off and you will go back down and then some in weight.
   — jenn_jenn

July 26, 2003
The year before i had wls, I joined the Y and worked out three times a week. Within a two week period, I began gaining weight. After i gained 17 lbs, I quit. When they asked me why, I told them I wasn't paying anyone to fatten me up. I had rather have some flab than gain weight. Even if it was muscle.
   — Delores S.

July 26, 2003
Muscle weighs more than fat, and although you may weigh more, you'll fit into smaller clothes...
   — jengrz