weight loss halted when began working out!

[morphinmom 6]

Hello! In month 4 post op (January), I began a weight loss team program at the gym that involves an hour of cardio (with some strength exercises built in) 3 times a week and I usually add 1-2 times additonal. My weight loss has halted compared to before (7 pounds since the beginining of January). I am about 25-30 lbs. away from a realistic goal. I also have not been drinking enough Water, my mistake! BUT, why would the weight loss slow completely when I am now working out? Has anyone had that happen to them? I know I am gaining muscle, losing fat, etc. but I would still think the numbers would budge a bit more (ex. 2 lbs per week, etc.). I know it is not about the "number" and I should really only concentrate on the % fat that I am losing, but it would be nice to see it go down more. Am I being unrealistic?

[McButterpants 2,846]

According to my doctor, when you start weight training, your body will hold on to Water, sometimes for a long time. This helps your muscles recover. Also, muscle is more dense than fat.

I noticed my weight loss slowed down when I started working out - I logged a lot of miles and minutes in the month of February and only lost 4 pounds. It was discouraging, but I can see my body changing. My clothes are looser and I can see I'm getting smaller even though the scale is telling me something different.

I'm trying to change my mindset about the scale - we are conditioned from a very early age to focus on the scale. I'm trying to look at other things now - like my labs (blood pressure is down to normal, cholesterol already reduced, etc), my clothes and the fact that I have more energy and feel better today than I did 56 pounds ago.

Take a look at other indicators - take your measurements and take pictures of yourself. I bet those will tell you a different story than that stupid scale!!!!

[JeanZ_RN 378]

I agree with everything McButterpants said. To expand on one point: Muscle weighs more per square inch than fat does. So if you lose one square inch of fat and gain one square inch of muscle, the scale is going to show a slight increase. BUT - and this is much more important - muscle burns calories by just existing, and fat does not. Therefore the more muscle you have, the higher your metabolism. So gaining muscle is definitely a good thing.

Edited March 7, 2014 by JeanZ

[McButterpants 2,846]

Right on, Jean! Good points.

[RebeccaRN 27]

Same thing has happened to me - I started working out and weight loss slowed - in some weeks haven't lost any weight. I am working out 3 times a week with strength training and 4 times a week with cardio. I am eating 600-700 calories/day, getting in around 80 gms of Protein, 50 gms of carbs and 20 gms of fat. Not quite getting all the Fluid in but close. I have noticed that my clothes are looser and of course, because of the exercise I feel better and stronger. So, I am going to keep working the plan and eventually something will have to change.