Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Metabolism testing (RMR)



Recommended Posts

Next month I will Celebrate my 2 year surgiversary and I'm not happy with my current weight...but I am working on it. I've gained 8 pounds in less then two months. I am now wearing size 12. I was happy at size 10 but my goal size is an 8. I am not too concerned w/the numbers on the scale but more interested in the size I wear.

Last week I had my 2 year f/u with my bariatric team and requested the RMR test ( basically this test determines how many calories I can eat to maintain and to lose weight). When I first had the test done I was at my heaviest and was told to lose, I had to stay under 1600 calories.

I expected the amount of allowable calories to be less (since I lost weight) but to my dismay, it went down to 1000-1200 calories to lose and 1300-1600 to maintain. It was a significant drop, my exercise physiologist was also surprised and said it was more then he wanted. He was hoping for 1400 calories. I also lost more muscle mass. Admittedly, using weights was a hit or miss for me.

After reviewing my exercise plan, turns out I was not working out at my target heart rate. He suggested I work out 3 to 4 days a week and make sure I stay within my target rate. Additionally, two of the four days should include weight training w/intervals of Hiit training. I've heard of target heart rate but had no idea how important it was nor did I realize how important weight training is to keep my metabolism revved up.

I share what I've been told to help those battling regain. Takeaway:

* be mindful of your target heart rate

* incorporate weights

It's definately not a one plan fits all but an option.

I'm also curious if anyone has had a repeat RMR & what was their result?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have had mine tested twice and it has been normal for my weight, the same as any other woman my weight and height, actually slightly higher.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

This sounds very interesting. Can you tell me more about what the test entails? I haven't heard of this one and think it would be good information to have prior to surgery. Thanks in advance.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I haven't had mine tested, but it totally makes sense that working with weights might help. Weights help to build muscle. It takes more calories to maintain muscle than it does to maintain fat. That's why people who are muscular tend to be able to eat more (or lose more if they're eating the same amount as someone not as muscular) - their bodies require more calories to function.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

wow, I have never even heard of this. It would make a HUGE difference for me, since I'm also 2 years out and generally have little to no idea what to do at this point.

i would love to know more as well!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I've not been tested, but want to chime in about target heart rate. If you use one of the 200 minus your age formulas, remember that's just an estimate. I learned through wearing my fitbit that my maximum heart rate is at least 10 beats per minute higher than the formula predicts. That means my target zones are also higher than the formula predicts. Just something to think about!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@@simpsongrad,@@Havasumoma, @mi75. At my center, they attached a clip to my nose to keep me from breathing through my nose. I had to breath through my mouth, normally , into a hose (for lack of a better term) . It registered into a machine, which the physiologist interpreted. The machine analyzes the composition of your breath.

RMR stands for resting metabolic rate. The test is non-invasive. I literally just sat in a chair & breathed in and out for 10 minutes. I did have to fast for 5 hours and pay $75, it was not covered by insurance but definately worth it to me. I have hypothyroid & weight loss has been a struggle.

@@OutsideMatchInside, that's great. I'm slightly envious.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Question- did they ask you to refrain from eating or drinking for at least 4-5 hours prior to the test?? And most RMR's are 20 min. Hmmmmm

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

This is a really interesting thread. What kind of doctor did you go to for this test? Thanks!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@@higher

I went to the athletic dept at my local research University. They also have DEXA scans available. Most Universities with Athletic departments offer these types of services to the public. I pay $50 for the RMR test and $75 for a DEXA scan.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@@OutsideMatchInside great! Thanks for the tip. I'll check the schools around here.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@@LisaMergs yes they did tell me to fast for 5 hours I could drink Water only. Wow, didn't know the average is 20 minutes. I know for sure mine wasn't that long.

@@higher I had mine done at my surgeons office/bariatric center.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@@higher

I went to the athletic dept at my local research University. They also have DEXA scans available. Most Universities with Athletic departments offer these types of services to the public. I pay $50 for the RMR test and $75 for a DEXA scan.

Hmmmm. I'm off to visit my son at U of Iowa soon. Maybe I'll see what they have available. He's is the Sports Management department there, so he's constantly around the athletic dept and offices. .

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 2 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×