Most WLS post ops lose 100 # and more. This changes the body's sense of balance and posture. The way we hold our body is not the same as before and this can result in physical strain, especially in the shoulders, back, hips and knees. What are some strategies that you have re-learned in terms of sitting, standing and walking? I believe this topic is not posted about much so any ideas would be helpful to post in this thread. For example, I have lost 180 # and have a totally different muscle composition from head to toe. And I am still working on how to hold myself differently at almost 2 years post op. I am sure this is a problem for other folks too.

@@Fiddleman Is the EFX program a class or on a DVD? Sounds intersting. I have improved my shoulder issues somewhat through stretching but am having some new upper back and shoulder issues and I think I may be losing muscle mass. I probably should do some strength training but find the machines to be pretty useless, not to mention boring, and I can't afford a trainer. I'm pretty clueless about using free weights but I like yoga and Pilates, both of which can help with strengthening.

Efx is a DVD . You can find it on Amazon. It is by Mark Lauren, same guy that makes "you are your own gym" and formal special ops elite fitness trainer. His videos are so well made and his personality is perfect, not overly in your face, very friendly and down to earth. I never get tired of him as my @home trainer. I personally think you will find efx exercises are very approachable since you have a Pilate's background. There is a lot of stability and balancing built into the exercises.

Edited June 18, 201412 yr by Fiddleman

can result in physical strain, especially in the shoulders, back, hips and knees.

@@Fiddleman

i was/am terrified that i will have one of those stupid "humps" on my back

i have bone scan every two years - its not the greatest, but i am a worry wart

thats why i've always been very mindful of my walking straight and tall

i always held my head, thus my back - staight up

kindof like a broom was sticking up my asssssss

stood/walked very erect

therefore my shoulders et al are/were never affected

now after losing 105 lbs - i am walking/standing even taller

Kathy

I recently saw someone on the show, The Doctors, that had a pronounced hump below the nape of the neck; it was a fat deposit. They did a local anesthetic and used liposuction to remove the fat. It flattened right up.

I've heard great things about belly dancing. Done correctly, with people who know what and how they're doing it, it strengthens the core. Good luck!

It has helped my core alot... also balance, body awareness, muscle identification and grace. Its one "art/sport" were wearing jewelry, jangled hip belts, going barefoot and listening to great middle eastern music are often mandatory!

I've heard great things about belly dancing. Done correctly, with people who know what and how they're doing it, it strengthens the core. Good luck!

and there are tons of drills on youtube you can do if you cant find a class.

I look to youtube for ideas, and to see other dancers perform...when I started 6 years ago, I went for lessons too. That being said, if you can afford it, there is nothing like a good live teacher who can teach to your weaknesses and strengths, like any trainer. MOre and more YWCAs and gyms offer dance classes as part of their program. I go to a rock climbing gym. They also sometimes offer tight rope, Tango, always)Martial arts, yoga( and pilaties as well as the regular spin, crossfit and such... and rock climbing classes too of course....all on one monthly fee.

can result in physical strain, especially in the shoulders, back, hips and knees.

@@Fiddleman

i was/am terrified that i will have one of those stupid "humps" on my back

i have bone scan every two years - its not the greatest, but i am a worry wart

thats why i've always been very mindful of my walking straight and tall

i always held my head, thus my back - staight up

kindof like a broom was sticking up my asssssss

stood/walked very erect

therefore my shoulders et al are/were never affected

now after losing 105 lbs - i am walking/standing even taller

Kathy

I recently saw someone on the show, The Doctors, that had a pronounced hump below the nape of the neck; it was a fat deposit. They did a local anesthetic and used liposuction to remove the fat. It flattened right up.

I do think a few sessions with a trainer might help those struggling with balance and gait issues a lot. I did have to physically think about how I walked, stood, and sat for the longest time. But I know working with a personal trainer helped me recondition my thinner body faster.

When I first lost the weight, I still walked hunched over, with my legs too far apart and my arms a couple of inches out from my body because I had spent quite a bit of time with that extra weight necessitating that. I still tend to slouch, but I think that's habit, age, and a crappy computer chair. I'm considering the lumo, http://www.lumobodytech.com/lumoback/. But after a bad experience with the Breathometer (blew a radically different blood alcohol every time), I'm a bit leery.

Lynda

Hey Lynda,

WOuld you mind letting us know how that works? I'm thinking about a corset or something, but my stomach muscles are messed up (like all mine are).

I don't trust personal trainers anymore. Interview them for their credentials if you do decide to use one.

Very wise advice.

I don't trust personal trainers anymore. Interview them for their credentials if you do decide to use one.

I agree that not just any personal trainer will do. Mine specialized in older people, had extensive training, had been a body builder in her younger days, and had a couple of close friends who had WLS surgery. She did a great job of helping me build up muscle mass pre-op, maintain muscle through the wieght loss phase, and readjust balance, posture, and gait following weight loss.

Lynda

Hey Lynda,

WOuld you mind letting us know how that works? I'm thinking about a corset or something, but my stomach muscles are messed up (like all mine are).

I will if I get it. Still haven't decided yet!

Sheryl, didn't you get some sort of best also? I really need something. Can you share what you have?

Spectra cell nutrients analysis. Very detailed and I got a clean bill of health. My doc said she wished hers looked so good.

Spectra cell nutrients analysis. Very detailed and I got a clean bill of health. My doc said she wished hers looked so good.