THANK YOU for this thread. My only type of exercise has been walking and running, and I've been wanting to incorporate weights in. I got a blister on my foot from some new dress shoes two days ago, and after (unwisely) running on it last night, I was bummed when I knew this morning that I need to lay off walking/running for a couple of days. Now I know exactly what to do - time to quit putting off the weights and just go do it.

I try to walk, bike or do elliptical 5x week and since two months post op I've been lifting weights 3-4x week. I've been doing two sets of ten reps and I plan to bump that up to three sets soon. I am really enjoying the weight lifting, it feels great. While it's probably increased my muscle mass some, that's inconsequently compared to my overall weight loss. It's helped my balance as my center of gravity and gait have changed, it's strengthened muscles around arthritic knees and bad back helping resolve the chronic joint pain I used to have...I could go on. I believe weightlifting has had more positive impact on my emerging body than has aerobic excercise. I highly recommend weight lifting.

I have a friend who had his RNY a few years ago. He told me to start weight lifting when I first mentioned that I was serious about the surgery. He believes that it really helped with "filling in the loose skin on his arms". Also, that you'll "really appreciate having stronger leg muscles when standing and squatting post-op." Of course that's antecdotal and YOMV.

My docs told me that I'll be able to return to my lifting program within 4 weeks post-op, as long as the stitches heal. Directly after surgery, they advise against lifting anything over 40#.

I do strength training 3 times a week normally, and do cardio 6 times a week. I had a arm lift in May and still waiting to get cleared to do weights again. My trainer said that weights is the best way to lose the fat, and I don't worry about what that scale says as my size is so much smaller.

ok, I know that I should probably avoid asking this especially here among those that do weights regularly, but here goes. My son in law is into power lifting. Since I don't know much about it, and am trying to be a good (or better) mother in law, I thought that I would ask his advice on adding weights to my workout. He will be here in the coming week and I don't want to approach him on this if it will cause more division between us.

So, are the weights you all are doing the barbell, big bar type weights and bench pressing etc, or do you mean using the weight machines at the gym? I hadn't considered the weight machines as "doing weights" but it could be. I injured my shoulder last fall using the machines at too high of a weight and ended up with surgery in November. That was right when I began my bariatric inquiry. I haven't used them since.

I consulted someone at the club to help me determine my weights on each machine, but I don't trust that now and wondered how you all determined where to start. I want to get benefits without hurting myself and need to set a new routine for workouts. I have gone back to the gym now for water exercise and also ride the recumbent bike I got for my home. If anyone can help me out with advice, I would love that. Reply here or message me please.

Jill, you are going to get better advice from your son in law if you are clear in what you are asking. Do some reading on the web to understand some of the basics and then ask SIL to come to the gym with you to check your form on the machines or benches.

I am adding a mix of machines and barbell work, and Dumbbells are supposed to be great as well. My approach is to add weight as long as I am able to keep correct form. For me this means that I am not changing form late in the set when it gets hard. If I start changing my form, I stop. I mix it up between a weight that I can do yhree sets of 10-12 and a weight I can do two or three sets of 5 reps. I figure as long as I don't hurt myself I'm doing myself good.

Start slow and don't feel pressure to increase weight quickly. You'll like how you feel and look. I have found that "lifting tired" is different (and better) than "cardio tired".

Rob

I invested in a personal trainer to help me with my fitness goals, and I meet with him twice a week for weights (I do cardio 5-7 days a week--mostly running). I also try to do hand weights (12-15 lbs) at home once a week.

Anyway, the trainer and I do lots of different stuff: I flip tires and swing sledgehammers, I lift barbells and toss medicine balls, I use weight machines and kettle bells. Keeping it varied means I'm still sore after every workout--you sort of get used to it, lol--and that I don't get bored with it.

I don't think that lifting or running has caused me to gain weight in any way. It certainly has helped me maintain muscle mass while losing. The hardest part has been to maintain proper nutrition for my workouts--it can sometimes be difficult to know how many calories to consume so weight loss stays on track, but also so I have enough energy.

Don't hesitate to talk to your son in law, if he's knowledgable he'll tailor his advice appropriately. I use machines, they count (it's all resistance training). I may start to work in free weights and kettle bells as I gain strength and confidence. But at 55, I'm not the jock I was 30 years ago; it's most important to use proper from, not overdo it, and weave it in as part of your long term fitness routine and keep it enjoyable.

jillcwatson1 wrote: »

ok, I know that I should probably avoid asking this especially here among those that do weights regularly, but here goes. My son in law is into power lifting. Since I don't know much about it, and am trying to be a good (or better) mother in law, I thought that I would ask his advice on adding weights to my workout. He will be here in the coming week and I don't want to approach him on this if it will cause more division between us.

So, are the weights you all are doing the barbell, big bar type weights and bench pressing etc, or do you mean using the weight machines at the gym? I hadn't considered the weight machines as "doing weights" but it could be. I injured my shoulder last fall using the machines at too high of a weight and ended up with surgery in November. That was right when I began my bariatric inquiry. I haven't used them since.

I consulted someone at the club to help me determine my weights on each machine, but I don't trust that now and wondered how you all determined where to start. I want to get benefits without hurting myself and need to set a new routine for workouts. I have gone back to the gym now for water exercise and also ride the recumbent bike I got for my home. If anyone can help me out with advice, I would love that. Reply here or message me please.

I use mostly barbell and dumbells. The only machine I use are the pulley, leg press and leg extension. I avoid them as much as possible because they usually only work one muscle group, you use less stabilizing muscles and if the machine isn't just right, it can cause bad form which can cause injury. As far as asking the SIL, keep in mind that power lifting is very different (It focuses on strength in usually 3 particular lifts-squat, bench press and deadlift). He may be able to give some advise but you may be better off with a personal trainer. I do think from a relationship standpoint, he will appreciate your asking him.

Take your measurements every 2 weeks if you're not doing that already. When you start lifting even if you have a stalled scale, your measurements will show progress.