I had my 6 month followup with surgeon last Thursday and counting what I lost over the weekend I am now down 136 lbs total since I started my pre-op a week before surgery back in November. I have another 84 lbs to go to reach my goal. The surgeon was very please with my progress, said he was going to be happy and say "good job" if I had reached 100 lb loss so he was very happy with my progress.

The wife and I took a cruise week before last and were gone for 9 days total so it was a big adjustment eating away from home and making time to exercise but I did it. Even though I only lost 1 lb during that time, I went to the gym and worked out several days on the cruise and went to the walking track on the top deck daily. I tried to make smart choices and ate lean Proteins and vegetables but I did splurge a little one night for a special dessert that is our favorite. Otherwise, I ordered the sugar free dessert and just took a bite or two, never finishing the small serving they provided. I wanted to lose a few more but honestly I'm positive it was the first time in my life I have went on vacation and lost even a pound instead of gaining 5 or 10 so that is a win to me.

I am going to be joining a gym this week mainly for the access to strength training equipment. I do plenty of cardio at home but after going to the gym on the cruise I realized that my strength has suffered since my surgery. Now I'm not saying it is a result of the surgery, I think anytime in the past that I didn't maintain some level of strength training, I lose what I had previously built up to so I guess its time to get the old muscles built back up.

For any of you that are further along than I am, how long did you wait to start strength training and did you see any slow down in weight loss once you started? I think that has been my biggest fear is that the scale will stop moving as it has in the past when I started working out and yes I know I will still lose inches but I still have a good amount of weight to lose so I don't want to start this process too soon and drag it out longer than necessary. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

I started with light weights almost immediately after surgery, and I've progressed to heavier weights since I joined a gym last month. I'm doing high reps and low weights and I'm seeing definition in my arms and legs. Muscle burns calories all on it's own, so you will be well-served by strength training. The amount and scope of your strength training will be determined as much by what your goal is as it will be by how much you can do.

I truly believe that weight lifting is helping some of my skin absorb, especially in my arms. That may be a big benefit for you!

BTW, Congrats on 136 pounds so fast! WOW!!!