Question:
Is there anyone who follows their Personal Trainers advice?

Hi there, Amos Family! My husband signed our whole family up for a health club and I got free personal training sessions. When I sat down with the woman, I told her I had lost weight, I was about to tell her by which means, when she blurted out "Well at least you're not one of those weak people who had to have your stomach cut open because you couldn't shut your mouth!" I decided not to tell her about the WLS, I just mentioned the low carbs/high protein. But when I told her how much carbs I get in, she said it was too little, but that I should call my doctor to find out if I could increase it. I couldn't get a hold of him, come to find out, he's moved his practice back to NY, so I need to find a new guy. I asked my husband and he said it couldn't hurt to try her way for a week..., HA HA HA, boy was that stoooopid! I upped my carbs to 70 grams a day and gained 7 pounds! In fact my husband, who doesn't need WLS surgery followed her month long program and he gained 10! ( we only did it for a week!) I feel so dumb for not consulting even in my Amos family and listening to this woman who gave personal opinions rather than facts. I've started back on having 4 protein drinks a day and eating a protein mainly dinner to get some of this trainers evil off of me. But I wanted to know if anyone else has ever seen a trainer who insisted on them upping their carbs? I like what she had to say about adding more weight-training rather than all aerobics, but I can't stand this high carb deal. Are trainers certified in dietary needs and requirements? If so this woman must have learned it during the Ice Age, when carbs were necessary. Thank you all. Vi open RNY 9/23/02 down originally 151 lbs, back up 7. :-(    — Vi F. (posted on February 10, 2004)

February 10, 2004
Wow! She had a lot of nerve saying that to you before she even asked you if you had had WLS. You did better than I would I guess, 'cause I'm thinking I would have told her where to stick her opinion, personally. I know that doesn't answer your question, but ... =)
   — KelBurt

February 10, 2004
if it were me i would work with another trainer. she doesn't know you had wls , so any of her eating info doesn't apply to you. you have different needs and requirements. my brother is a personal trainer, but only had a basic dietary course. go by what your doctor says...not what this woman says.
   — franbvan

February 10, 2004
People think just because they are trainers that they are brilliant or something. I told my trainer I had WLS and he said, "why didn't you just get liposuction." Boy, that would have been one long liposuction session, ha? If you are not used to carbs and you add them back in, it will affect you. I've been eating carbs all along (I get in about 60 carbs a day and I don't include fruit in that count). I am doing fine. I am not losing weight crazy fast, but it is very steady. 7-10 a month since month 4. Before that was 20 pounds a month or so.
   — mrsmyranow

February 10, 2004
My opinion only..........we have enough trouble finding dieticians and physicians who understand nutrition. Why in the world would we want to listen to an ignorant, opinionated person who probaly has ZERO training in nutrition. You did GREAT by not bashing her. I believe I would have! Before I did anything else she recommended, I'd ask to see her certification documents.
   —  SCbabe B.

February 11, 2004
I haven't even had surgery yet, but if someone made a comment like that to me he/she would have gotten a punch in the mouth. Well not really, but at least an earful. Your a saint to have such tolerance for those people. I wish I could be as understanding as you are, but when it comes to weight issues skinny people have no idea what its like and I will tell them so if they give me any crap about wanting to have surgery. Since you are such a patient and understanding person maybe you should try to find a nice way to set this woman straight or even send a letter to her bosses expressing your concern that her actions actually caused you to gain weight. Just a thought:-) By the way congrats on your weightloss!!! I hope I can lose even close to 150# after I finally have surgery.
   — Sara A

February 11, 2004
I have a personal trainer that has had WLS surgery. And she is great. She works via the web and with phone calls. And has dramatically helped me in my process. You can take a look at my profile, for example. But her body speaks for herself. Her email address is [email protected]. Her name is Michele Hobbs and her monthly fee is afforadable. Keisha-3/12/03*316/187/160
   — keishax

February 11, 2004
Most trainers are NOT certified as nutritionists or in dietary needs other than the basics of what they learn for good health-protein is better, you need some carbs, go low fat and drink lots of water. Thats the basics. Also keep in mind that many personal trainers are not even certified as personal trainers!! There is no requirement to have certifications to hang your personal trainer shingle...My husband has been certified by NSPA and a few others but he goes ballistic when he sees some so called personal trainers in the local health facilities that work for the health facility, as yours does, yet they show people all wrong how to use the equipment. Personally, after a comment like hers, I would have said to her, "and what if I was one of those?" just to embarrass her. And then looked for another trainer. Whichever trainer you use, ask for their certifications and how long they have been training for....a good trainer is worth it.
   — Cindy R.

February 12, 2004
I'm right at 17 months out and am a water x and land x instructor I'm also getting my Personal Trainers Certificate through my local Y then through ACE. We aren't really certified in nutrition and I really dissagree with what they do teach us...I just think we're all so different and what may work for one won't work with another. I work with mostly Obese clients and seniors I look over what they say they are eating and don't usually give them any diet recommendations until after they have been working with me for awhile so WE can evaluate what would work better for them in the diet department...people know their bodies better than some trainers give them credit for and just like you and your husband what she thinks work, just doesn't for you and it should be all about YOU!!! I just can't believe what she said though...you need to let her know about your surgery and that you really didn't appreciate her comment. She needs to realize that this surgery is now a fact of life for MANY people that are trying to regain their fitness and that she needs to either get educated about it or get out of the fitness industry. One thing that she said does ring true though...you probably do need to increase your weight training but that's pretty much true with everyone. I had to up my protein when I started my weight routine just so my muscles could repair and build...something to think about!!! I'm really glad to see that you are doing everything that you can to regain and improve your fitness...best wishes to you!! Deanna K 444/236/19?
   — Deanna_K