Question:
Weight Lost

I'm 15 months out and I have not lost any weight in about 3 months. I've started going to the YMCA 2 weeks ago and in those 2 weeks I've gained 7 pounds. I know muscle weighs more than fat but come on in 2 weeks please help me. I'm 175 now and really would like to lose 25 more pounds to put me at 150. I'm only 5'1 but I thingk 150 will be good. If you have any suggestions please give them to me. I try to watch what I eat. I try to eat my protein first (meats). Should I try protein shakes? I find myself hungry alot. Sorry to put all my ??? into one. Thanks    — Kim *. (posted on February 22, 2004)

February 22, 2004
Hi, just wanted to say that if you have not been exercising in quite a while, then you may have some fluid build-up. Also, muscle does not weigh more than fat, a pound of muscle weighs the same as a pound of fat, however, the muscle takes up less space because it is more dense. Have you seen a loss of inches? Have you changed your diet any? There are several things that could be going on here. I don't know if I have helped you any, but I wish you much luck. Janice Hall
   — betterfitness

February 22, 2004
The nutritionist for our bariatric team measures the amount of fat and muscle we are carrying on our body- not just our weight - so we get a more accurate picture of how we are really doing. In fact, I have a really good friend who hesitates to tell what her weight is, because she is incredibly fit post-op. It is amazing; she is strong, and muscular. To give her weight would not be accurate- she has practicaly no fat on her body since she works out so much. <br><br> I would recommend since you are this far out to get reading of your body fat and muscle- then get is checked every couple of months - then you will get a better picture of how great you are doing. Keep up the good work!
   — kultgirl

February 22, 2004
First of all, I took a peek at your profile page...man, you look gorgeous, girl! I'm 5'2 and 6 months out. I found that initially, exercise slowed down my loss (I'd bounce up and down a few pounds); now, however, it seems to be keeping my weight loss going steadily downward. Of course, it's a lot slower now... What are you eating? Drinking? And when? You said you "try" to watch what you eat. I'm thinking part of the success story might lie in modifying what you eat and/or drink. Just a guess, but it's worth looking into, right? Congratulations on deciding to pick up the pace, exercise-wise. I wish you well as you begin this adventure, as part of your journey to better health!
   — Biking O.

February 25, 2004
Kim, I,too, checked out your profile, you are beautiful! I think 150 is a very realistic weight for your height and very attainable. I would ask, what are you eating, how much and how often? Try tracking your calorie intake for a week or so to see where you could cut some calories. Since you hadn't lost anything in 3 months, I would say that apparently whatever you were eating, your body had adjusted to that # of calories. Also, since you have gained some weight, are you eating any differently the past two weeks? Also, is your exercise weights or heart pumping cardio? May I suggest after tracking your calorie intake for a week, you try a combination of small mini-meals (a few hundred calories less that what you are taking in now, and mini-meals to satisfy and keep you from getting hungry) and make it mostly dense protein-yes, protein shakes made from whey protein (low calorie ones) are good to add-and make sure you are also doing regular heart pumping cardio to burn the calories you are taking in. Good luck!
   — Cindy R.