aroundhky

Good information there and I especially like the part about counting calories. I also think it's kind of useless (in regards to building muscle) to count calories if there are tons of simple carbs and bad fats in those calories. Even if one is at their BMR with those cals, they may roughly stay the same weight, but their body composition (body fat) will deteriorate if there's too much sugar and bad fats in those calories. I'm glad they made that point about eating clean calories...... though it's easier to talk about eating clean than it is to actually do it. No surprise that someone brings up a political aspect to this. Some people seem to work it in anywhere there may be a speck of opportunity to do so. And on top of that.....blind themselves through a preconceived bias. Might be a good idea to take notice that.....when pointing fingers.....there are 3 more pointing right back at ya.

Yes, I actually use the alternating grip more than the hook grip. It helps with keeping the bar from trying to roll while holding it. Then when I go heavy I'll add some chalk. Maybr try different grips and see. Just keep doing those deadlifts no matter what grip....and you'll be glad you did them!

Walking is usually encouraged right after removal from the recovery room in the hospital. Then usually increase it every day for the next week or two. I was told to walk, walk, walk, but be careful straining or picking things up for the first 3-4 weeks. So I started picking up weights around week 2-3 post-op, a little earlier than I probably should've. But I went really light when lifting at first. As far as just movement exercises early on, you can probably be a little less cautious with that since strain is not as much of a factor.

Hmmmm....I've never had that happen to me. I try not to grip too hard when doing deadlifts because I want my hands/arms to only feel like connectors and not pull. So I kind of grip lightly and often use chalk, but that's never happened to me. Have you ever tried a hook grip when doing deads?

It's definitely a "check the box" thing for me and that's about all it is....or was. But now it's become "personal". I'm so close to goal weight now....I can smell it. I feel I still have a way to go fitness-wise, but thank you. I'm sure I've lost a bit of muscle during this recent trim down.....so I'd like to gain that back after I get to goal and settle in around the mid-220's. I'll check back in a few weeks and we'll see..... I do appreciate this thread Cheri....as does about every one else on here. It's very therapeutic and you have a good reasonable approach towards it all. Thank you and you're looking great!

Looking good Bunny!!! Quick update on my very slow loss.....I still haven't reached goal, but I'm a little closer. In my recent push as of a month ago or so, I was 8-9 pounds from goal. As of yesterday, I'm only 4 pounds from goal. I've cut back a little on the calories and the carbs as well as doing an extra cardio session each week. It's not awful, but I do find myself hungrier than before. When/if I reach goal, I'm going to cut back on the cardio, lift more and add back in just a few more cals/carbs to concentrate on muscle/strength again as that is what I prefer. This "goal weight" is my last remaining goal to reach from my surgery, so I want to get it done. Now a little closer.....

If it's for skin issues, I think what has helped me (along with patience), is resistance (weightlifting) work. Perhaps concentrating on the areas you think you may have a problem with loose skin.....tummy, arms, chest, etc. I was a little worried about a sagging tummy when I got my sleeve, so I did lots of core and oblique exercises like sit ups, planks, deadlifts, etc. It has built up muscle in my torso and has filled in SOME of where I would have had loose skin. Now I'm concentrating on my chest in addition to all of the other lifts I had already been doing. But there's probably only so much that lifting can do to help with possible loose skin. Also patience/time (I'm over a year and a half post op) and many other factors/variables that determine loose skin issues. In fact, I have a link posted on my profile about skin issues....it's simple, yet informative.

I'm no expert, but I had the same general goal after surgery. What are your specific goals?

Great job!

I don't really use a pre-workout, but I have tried one. It was the Jack3d about a year ago or so. I'm not sure I really need it, I like lifting on an empty stomach (2-3 hours after a protein shake), and that's enough for me. I gave the Jack3d to a friend after trying it a couple of times. I felt a little sick from it and jittery, so I just stick with a protein shake a few hours before and make sure it's out of my stomach by the time I lift. Everyone reacts differently.....I think my issue is just my weird stomach.

I worked out before surgery....probably 3-4 times a week. But I've stepped it up even more since surgery......now 5-6 times a week. I still think my body needs a rest day every week, so I try not to go more than 6 times a week. I do think exercise has played a key role in my lack of saggy skin.

So many variables involved: genetics, starting or highest BMI compared to amount of weight lost, age, diet/water, amount of resistance training, time passed since weight loss, gender, etc. I get asked this fairly often. I've had very little if any sagging skin issues and I can only speak for myself. What works for me may not work for others as our situations may differ. I get plenty of water, lift a lot of weights (especially for my core) and it's also been close to a hear and a half since I lost the bulk of my weight. I really think time has helped me and the weight lifting....those are the two main factors for me. Plus, I've not lost as much weight as the typical sleever. Hope this helps....

Yep! I've heard the term...."Sasquatch" a few times.

"Goal" is relative and is dependent on the individual. I'm assuming you are referring to goal weight. I had many goals, one of which was goal weight but probably my #3 or #4 goal after getting off of my meds, feeling better, etc. I'm a little over 18 months and still not at goal weight. I'm not overly worried about it, but I'm still wanting to get there. It's the last goal left for me to accomplish from this surgery. Main thing is and something to consider.......is overall health. But I understand that the number on the scale can often be symbolic of the other goals reached. Just maybe try not to obsess too much over the number on the scale and try not to beat yourself up (or let your Dr) beat you up if you don't make your goal weight.

When I look at what I've eaten sometimes.....I'll find a lot of hidden salt in my diet.....mozerella, sauces/spices, deli meats, beef jerky, etc. Though I don't really want to be bloated, by biggest concern is my blood pressue, so I'll try to catch myself and cut back if I see too much salt creeping into my diet. I don't know a lot about the bodybuilding aspect and contest stuff, but just make sure you're being healthy and not harming yourself or dehydrating too much. I've heard tells of some of those dudes doing some real drastic stuff....so just be careful and stay buff my friend!

Fiddle.....this was back in December and I was "carbing" quite a bit here as well as taking creatine then and not watching my salt intake all that much.....I definitely look more bloated here than I do currently. I was also probably 5-6 pounds heavier then as well...perhaps some water AND fat.

What up Fiddle!! Sorry, I hadn't been on the site for a few days. Anyway, going back to your original post about definition...what do you mean by that? Less muscle "tone/vascularity"? If so, how is your salt intake? I've noticed that when I reduce my salt......I can really see the "striations" in my shoulders and my arms and even legs get all veiny. In contrast, if I've consumed a high amount of salt....I'll get a little on the bloated side. Not sure if this is what you're referring to. Mark has a good point on those carbs and those are tied to Water as well.......carboHYDRATE....stressing the "hydro" part of it. Honestly, I don't think you can lose muscle that fast without crash dieting for several days.....so my guess is it could be a water/salt issue. Great on those big compound lifts....they'll really help. Just be patient......Rome wasn't built in a day. Stick to it and you'll be glad you did. I think you're on the right path with eating frequently for muscle gain. For me, I'll have plenty of protein in all of my small, fequent meals with some complex, slow digesting carbs. It looks like you have a good approach both with your lifting and nutrition.....hang in there!

Here ya go Fiddle....... http://movies.yahoo.com/news/hugh-jackman-talks-getting-bodybuilding-advice-dwayne-johnson-213759507.html

Not sure...where exactly is that county? I'm in the Hickory/Statesville area.....

He actually caught me on a good day, most days I would not have been so diplomatic.....especially in my younger/angry years.

I wear compression shorts under my gym shorts as well. Certainly no "commando" here, well not while at the gym anyway.

I can't speak for others on here, but I didn't feel judged at all. Even by the lady at the check in desk the day of surgery, and I've had experiences with them being a little crabby in the past. Everyone that I had contact with at the hospital was very supportive and happy for me. Not sure if other hospitals are as friendly, but my staff was.

I hear ya "Minky" on people leaving barbells and machines loaded with plates! Drives me mad thinking of how some people think the world revolves around them. Someone left the machines empty for them to use, but they can't do the same and put their weights back up for the next person. Like their momma is around there to clean up after their lazy slob-like selves! On the sizing up thing.....I guess when someone advances at me with some aggressive tone....I have no choice. It's a crazy guy self defense thing I suppose.

NC here.....Hickory area

Try not to let those people determine whether you work out or not. Those kind of people don't mean anything to you, so I wouldn't even worry about what they might be thinking......who gives a rip! From my experience, most gyms are not like that. I do hope you still try exercising and not let those rude people determine your fitness future. Hang in there!