Question:
should i be lifing weights 4 months out?

i lift weights and walk 5 days a week. someone told me i was burning too much protein, (still losing hair bad) and that i should not work out. i really can see the difference and have no other problems. anyone else encounter this?    — denise F. (posted on December 23, 2002)

December 23, 2002
Hi there, Denise! I had open RNY on 9/23/02 and my doctor gave me the go-ahead to lift weights, I have "bat-wings" and wanted to get higher than 2 lb dumbbells. My doctor said I could start at 10, then increase little by little as I could tolerate. If you're not entirely sure, it's always best to ask your Doc. Vi, down 80 lbs.
   — Vi F.

December 23, 2002
If you're lifting weights you need to increase your protein. If you are doing moderate to heavy lifting, you should try to have a gram of protein per ideal body weight (ie if you want to be 110 lbs, have 110 grams of protein). That is for serious weight training. If not about 75-80% of that. The hair loss might still be the after effects of the surgery. however, if you are lifting, you need to remain very conscious of your protein and make sure you are getting enough.
   — susanje

December 23, 2002
The hair loss may not have anything to do with the fact that you are lifting weights. I have seen many posts from people about hair loss. Some people do all the 'right' things, lots of protein, biotin, nioxin, zinc, etc. and still lose their hair. Others don't do any of those things and don't lose their hair. <p> However, I think at 4 months out, lifting weights should be fine.
   — garw

December 23, 2002
Part of my doctor's pre-op consultations was with a physical therapist. Weightlifting prevents muscle loss. I even had to bring weights to the hospital. A couple of times a week in the begining is satisfactory. You can get alot of results with high repititions and low weights. Like anything else, start slow and work a little heavier when you can. Right now, start mostly with upper body work. Once you see some results, you will want to do more. Muscle burns more calories a day just to maintain itself. Also remember, you can burn a lot of calories by weightlifting. One other piece of advice. Use free weights instead of machines. Good Luck!
   — Jonathan F.

December 23, 2002
Who was the someone who gave you this bad advice?
   — bob-haller

December 23, 2002
YES! I have been lifting since Oct 2002. I had my open ryn on Aug 19 2002. I have lost a total of 121pds so far. I feel great!! Everything is firming up and I won't have to have anymore grueling surgeries like a TT. I consume 80-110 grams of protein a day. I workout 6 days a week rotating the muscle groups to give them breaks. My breasts are not firming up LOL. Thats because they are a fatty tissue, so I have been doing pec exercises to help lift them, plus a good support bra. I hope this helps. I have been losing alittle hair, but it is to be expected says my doc. I also include a cardio activity with the weights such as walking/jogging and stationary bike. Good luck! Beth
   — Elizabeth C.

December 23, 2002
I agree with everyone else. Don't stop your strength training! It's vital not just to preserve your muscles, but to help burn the excess fat. I did just cardio for the few 6-7 months and then when I finally gave in and started weight training, boy did I see a difference in how I felt and what I could endure. I also found that I had to eat 6 meals a day to keep up. My nutritionist recommended that early on but I just wasn't hungry enough. Now I eat 3 meals and 3 snacks all of which consists of high protein low carb stuff. I don't do protein supplements like shakes, but I do eat a Balance Gold bar for a snack since it's got alot of protein and is a treat. The caramel nut blast reminds me of a Snickers. There not too much sugar for me...I'm a big dumper, praise the lord. Other snacks include peanut butter, a couple oz. of grilled chicken, beef jerky, grilled shrimp, and fruit. I'm lactose intolerant thanks to my surgery, but I don't feel like that's a big loss. I can tolerate very small amounts of cheese, but no milk whatsoever. As for hair loss, I had tons of hair and lost a lot of it starting around 4 months. By a year out, it had slowed tremendously, and started coming back. I'm a little more than 19 months post-op and hair loss is nothing I worry about any more. I'm down from 252 to 112, size 2-4. Best thing I ever did for myself and my health! Good Luck and Happy Holidays.
   — Teri D.