Restarting a workout plan....(long post)

MuaSuaDua · September 8, 2005

I had my surgery about 2 months ago and have lost 30 lbs. I have received many compliments, I have felt really good about myself, and when people asked me (my surgeon included) if I was happy with the whole lap-band thing, my answer is A DEFINITE YES. It has been years since I felt I have control over my body, my weight. And for the first time, I am very sure (100% sure) that even if I may not reach my goal weight I will never be as heavy as I ever was.

However, in the past two days I realized that there are parts of myself that I missed. Ok, not the weight, not the flabs, but I used to be quite fit (despite my weight gain/weight loss cycle). I climbed a mountain (non-technical climb), I did yoga, pilates, tennis (hard core). I ran. All more than 2-3x a week.

I've walked since week 2 after my surgery, but I didnt try to get back to my previous workout habits until this week. I had no problem with 2.5 hrs hike over the weekend, but yesterday I did my pilates and I felt wobbly and dizzy. Today I went to a new yoga class and I could not even support myself with my arms, I could not do simple poses, and I could not even balance myself (I was very good at balancing before). I'm not sure why I suddenly have no control over my body and no strength esp upper body. It's only been 2 months since I really work out and am I that out of shape strength wise? I used to stop working out for 6 months before and I got into it just fine. Does anyone have this problem also restarting their workout? I think a few weeks ago I saw someone posted their exercise schedule and my impression of them are that they are quite rigorous, at least in terms of frequency and types.

Is this a malnutrition issue? I am quite upset with myself...I quite the class halfway. I'm not a quitter! I just could not take it anymore. I also felt since the surgery a lethargicness in some ways - I don't mind walking, I walk everywhere: work, class, etc. But I can't seem to be able to lift - not even a bag full of groceries. I can't bend. I felt all my muscles are tight, too. I'm going to see my osteopathist next week. Hopefully she can help me....

Jachut · September 8, 2005

In the ordinary course of events, you wouldnt lose fitness and strenght that quickly - but perhaps with the post band diet, the extreme liquid phase etc you have lost significant muscle mass - its a necessary part of the post op recovery but its not necessarily the healthiest way for your body to lose weight.

Maybe you need to start again from the beginning building strength and just take it slowly and gently rather than resuming where you left off.

Only once in my life have I managed to excercise vigorously and regularly while dieting at the same time - normally I'm doing one or the other. And I must say I found myself very weak and the exercise requiring enormous willpower (where normally I love it) while I wasnt feeding my body its accustomed level of calories.

But if you're really weak I'd seek a medical opinion.

Parvathi · September 8, 2005

Agreeing with what Jachut said.

I did lose a bit of strength post banding. Mostly from the liquids/mushies stage. But since I've started the real bandsters plan of Protein, veggies, then carbs or fruit if I have room, I have heaps of energy.

Also make sure you're on a good multi Vitamin. Since I incorporated that into my daily routine, I have really noticed a difference.

When I started back to the gym, I had definitely loss some muscle mass, but I started back slowly and have gained all that I had before plus some.

Good luck to you and yell out if you need to vent.