Question:
How can I be losing inches, but no weight? Where does it go?

I am nine weeks post-op RNY. Started at 214, BMI of 39.1. I am at 181.5 for a loss of 32.5 pounds, and nothing in the last six days. I'm doing all the advised, protein, water, and walking a bit (probably not enough). I am getting into smaller clothes and the tape measure shows almost daily changes. I am afraid that I will not lose anymore. Where does the weight from those inches go? Would love advice from those of you that have been where I am. Thank you, Linda JA Rodham    — lindarodham6 (posted on February 28, 2005)

February 28, 2005
LOL! I understand your concern, don't forget that 1 lbs of muscle = 3 lbs of fat. Basically the caloric break down is: One pound of muscle equals about 2,500 calories. A pound of fat is equal to about 3,500 calories. So you can see that it is pretty easy to loose inches and not really loose any weight from time to time. The more lean muscle that you have the more calories you burn at a resting rate so go fo it and start doing some toning and strengthing exercises. Yoga is a GREAT alternative to weights since you are using your own body weight as resistance. You can strengthen, tone, and stretch those muscles into good health! Brightest Blessings~
   — MagickalMom

February 28, 2005
Remember, muscle weighs more than fat. So if you are losing fat and building muscle, theoretically you could weigh more but be smaller. In other words, your clothes will fit better even though you may not be losing actual pounds because the composition of your body is changing. And, the more muscle you build, the more fat your body will burn, even when resting. So, be confident in that knowledge and keep on exercising and eating right and great things will happen. Enjoy the journey, it is truly amazing. I had my surgery in May '05 and I am still amazed. I have lost over half my body weight, but more importantly, I have worked hard at the gym to build muscle. I started at 302 and am now around 150. I was wearing a size 28 and yesterday I went shopping and bought all kinds of things on sale in size 2/4. Best wishes for health and happiness.
   — Donna F.

March 1, 2005
I disagree with the two prior posters. Muscle DOES NOT weigh more than fat. 1 pound of fat equals 1 pound of muscle, a pound is a pound no matter what way you look at it or weigh it. It is just that muscle is denser than fat, volume wise fat takes up more space and appears to not weigh as much as muscle. I am going to give you a little lecture on the scale - THROW IT AWAY! Sorry to shout at you. Just follow your doctor or nutritionist's program and the weight will come off. Use your clothing as your guide that you are loosing. Celebrate your small victories and accomplishments by treating yourself to new clothing (I get most of my everyday clothing from resale shops, cheaper). You are doing yourself a disservice by weighing yourself and being obcessed with the numbers on your scale. Stop comparing yourself with others because that is what you are doing with worrying about not loosing anymore. The weight will come off, take my word for it. And as for where the weight goes, it goes down the potty. Your body breaks the fat down via your kidneys, bladder and bowels and you eliminate it in your bodily waste.
   — ChristineB

March 1, 2005
Don't start play mind games with yourself and Don't worry about your weight! If you are following the diet plan (eating your protein, etc.) the weight will come off. WHOOOOOOOOO cares about the pounds. It's the inches that count. Walking a bit doesn't sound like to much to me. You need to walk every day. Remember this surgery is a diet tool. You need to exercise to lose weight! Your body will become use to the amount of food you are currently eating. Exercise will help burn the fat. You don't have to be a super jock to get exercise. I started walking the second day after surgery (small walks) and haven't stopped. I'm two years post op and have lost 190 lbs. I have about 30 more to go. There is going to be times when the scale doesn't move (weeks), THEN all of a sudden 5 lbs are gone. I do not weigh myself every day. Once a week and that is it! Early post op I only weight myself when I went to the doctors. AGAIN DON'T PLAY THE SCALE GAME. That is what gets us into trouble. Early post op is the time to start developing good eating and exercise habits. I used the first 3 months to develop eating habits. I still eat with my baby fork and spoon when I'm at home. I drink my water, don't drink before, during and after meals, only eat at the table (not watching tv), I stay away from my triger foods (bad carbs!). I would also suggest you join a support group. I know we can eat foods that everyone else can but why! I no longer eat bread or paste. It has no value and doesn't fill you. I went from a size 5x to 12. It is important that you don't compare yourself to anyone else. Everyone is different. Some of us will lose a lot of weight and some will lose smaller amounts. Your body will tell you when it is ready to stop. At times you will need to write down what you are eating so you can see if you have fallen into some bad habits. Emotion eating will come up so be prepared for it. Good luck and EXERCISE!
   — Linda R.