Question:
I am almost 6 months out from open RNY. I have lost 80 pounds and very happy.

However, my calves are still huge. I wear a size 14 and XL-L in clothes. I am a nurse and wear scrubs to work. Size large will fit me everywhere except my calves. The pants are always too tight in that particular area. I am exercising but am sure it's not muscle. Any ideas why I'm not losing there or exercises that might help would be much appreciated.    — chout1 (posted on February 6, 2003)

February 6, 2003
Cheryl, my calves are huge too. I started out at 305 and in 6 mos I am down to 214...my calves are big and I have been dieing to get a pair of knee high boots, but, none of them zip up my claves...I am starting to run this weekend. I think that will help, I will tell you walking did not. See, I live in NYC and walk miles everyday, even at my heaviest. Good Lucuk, if you find out something good, please let me know! heather (open rny 8/15/02 305/214/150)
   — heathercross

February 6, 2003
Hi, first I have to say I am having open RNY in 4 DAYS!!! Now to address your question, I have excess fluid in my legs due to lymphedema. My lymph nodes do not work properly...weight can make the problem worse but even normal size people can have the problem. Mine is so severe, and went undiagnosed for a long time making my legs huge...elephantitis like...that I have a compression pump and get massage and compression wraps three times a week. I would ask you doctor about it. In the mean time some really good support hose might help since your on you feet a lot as a nurse.
   — Sarahlicious

February 6, 2003
I understand your pain. I now weigh 128 and this is the only place on my body that I haven't lost weight. I tried to buy some boots thinking FINALLY I'd be able to wear them. Well forget it. My calves were still so huge that I couldn't find any to fit. I think the only resort would be liposuction. Afterwords, the shrinking effect of the liposuction would probably cause my calves to be normal.
   — Patty H.

February 6, 2003
I started at 265 and am down just under 150. My calves are large also. I wanted a pair of knee high boots and finally bought some of the ones that stretch. I am married to cowboy, and they like fat calves, lol. They don't look bad, but I know that even when I was younger and thinner they were larger than most girls. I also beleive that carrying around all that extra weight for years made them denser, bone and muscle. I like to think of them as curvy!
   — cindy Q.