Question:
How much exercise for maximum weight loss?

I am two months out, have lost 45 pounds, and really want to take advantage of my honeymoon period. I was wondering how much people who lost a lot of weight quickly (for example, 125 pounds in 6 months) exercised a day or a week. An hour? Every day? Six days a week? Also, details on specific exercises that you did would be helpful. Did you cross-train? Stick with just one activity, such as swimming or walking? I started out at 5'4" and 307 pounds, if that helps. I know that people who started off bigger than me probably lost more weight very quickly, and the opposite for smaller people to begin with. So I guess it would be most helpful to get responses from people who were around my size, although answers from all are appreciated!    — Phoebe J. (posted on June 26, 2002)

June 26, 2002
HI I am 3 months post op and down 80 pounds. I walk three miles a day and do water aerobics(SP?) at my gym 3 days a week. I started at 330 pounds and I am 5ft1. I make sure to drink atleast 100 ounces of water a day. Good Luck
   — Shannon L.

June 26, 2002
Phoebe, by the hospital scales I was 305 lbs (my doctor weighed me at 293 so that's what I use, officially) and I'm 5'4". Today I reached my goal weight of 150#!!! I'm wearing a size 10-12 and feel great. I began walking immediately after surgery. First only to the end of the driveway, then the telephone post down the street, etc. Now I walk almost every day on my lunch hour for 20 to 25 minutes (to keep my metabolism pumped up) and work out with weights four evenings a week. Two nights a week I get a long cardio session in (treadmill or crosstrainer machine). I have to tell you the WEIGHT LIFTING has been the most dramatic effect on my body. I look great (or will after my TT next month!) for a 46 year old mom who's gained and lost over 100 lbs. 3 TIMES. This time is a real lifestyle change because I've been faithful to myself and exercise every day (except Fridays!). My vote is for WEIGHT LIFTING combined with moderate arobics (30 minutes/day). Good luck!! (Open RNY-Distal, 1/23/01, Lost 143 lbs forever, size 10-12).
   — Lili R.

June 26, 2002
Pheobe,<p>I started off at around your size (5'3&quot; and 310) and now at 9 months, 9 days post-op, I'm down 147 lbs to 163... not too shabby!<p>I exercised EVERY SINGLE DAY at the gym from two weeks post-op until around 7 months post-op; since then, I've found outdoor activities more rewarding and I'm less regimented, but I still make sure that I get moving for at least 30 minutes every day. I don't even have to think about it anymore. Those first seven months, I did 1-2 hours a day, and did all sorts of different things. Favorites included the elliptical trainer, spinning classes, calisthenics/toning classes, and weight machines.<p>I am scheduled for my reconstructive and plastic surgeries on 07/22, so I will be taking a 6 week break from strenuous exercise then, and I know I will miss it!<p>Your weight loss is good, but working out more will definitely kick it up. Feel free to look in more profile for much more detailed information, and good luck to you.
   — Julia Z.

June 26, 2002
I suppose I am here to throw a curve into your research...I started out as a light weight. I was 5'2" and weighed 264. I lost to goal weight, 139, in 8-9 months. I continued to lose for another 3 months and now weigh 118-120 and wear a size 4/6. I have maintained this weight since last October/November. I have not exercised since about 3 days post op when I was doing very light walking. Mind you, I am not a sedentary person at all. I do a lot of housework and keep up with 4 very active boys. However, I have not exercised "formally" once. I do not advocate this nor am I proud of it. It is however, a fact that I thought you should add to your research. I'm not sure what it means, except that I have been very lucky. I do want to begin for the long-term health benefits. Shelley
   — Shelley.

June 27, 2002
My doctor suggested that I walk and walk and walk some more....that is the only excerise you need. However, like most overweight people, as you loose weight you will probably have some issues with hanging skin. Weight lifting is the best for that (so I am told, I am only 6 weeks post-op).
   — Sharon H.