Question:
I exercise DAILY....most generally I get in 4 miles and weekends on occasion I walk.
six to eight miles a day. I have dropped to 130 pounds and maintained this all thru winter. Since the nicer weather is here, I now have began the routine that i just mentioned nearly two months. Now I got on the scale and I weigh 135....that is five pounds more that what I did weigh. I have not went to "junk food" or increased my caloric intake. I have good labs, but have noticed that in the mornings my hands are swelled to the point that I cannot wear my wedding ring...so my question is have I actually gained weight or is it muscle mass that is the culprit here? Any answers will be appreciated for I have this undying fear that I will turn back into the "Old Me" and I know that is a psychological problem, but I am greatly concerned what is going on here......Thank You — april-michele D. (posted on May 2, 2004)
May 2, 2004
It sure doesn't sound like the 'old you' has returned since you aren't
eating junk food or returning to old bad habits. It sounds like you are
retaining fluid either from monthly water retention (if this applies to
you) or you aren't drinking enough water to replenish the water you lose
from the exercise you are doing. It could also be muscle gain. Have you
been taking your measurements? Are your clothes fitting tighter? On days
that I hit the gym, I make sure to get in 120oz of water. It sounds like
you are doing fine. Keep up the great work!
— Yolanda J.
May 2, 2004
I think you may be swelling due to the heat, if you live in a humid
environment like me. I too, have increased my workouts and though I'm
getting smaller size-wise, The scale stays the same or goes up a couple of
pounds especially after a hard workout. I know it's muscle weight, but
you're right, it plays head games with you. Try taking your measurements.
This has been my focal point now that I'm 10 pounds from goal. People are
telling me I'm down right skinny now, but the scale decieves me.
Anyway.... I hope this helps. God bless you. Lisa A. 291/157/150 Lap RNY
5/13/03
— Happy I.
May 2, 2004
You don't mention how long it's been since you were on the scale, so it's
hard to say, but this could just be one of those oddball readings that you
sometimes get (sometimes explainable by "that time of the month,"
or water retention due to salt intake, that sort of transitory thing). The
fact that your hands are swollen in the morning makes me think you're
retaining water, the solution for which is, of course, more water to flush
things out. ;-)<P>If you've changed absolutely nothing else about
your routine, your weight might've gone up because you're building muscle
mass (a square inch of muscle weighs more than a square inch of fat, but
looks a heckuva lot better on).<P>Or, I don't know how long your
weight has been stable, but some do experience bounceback weight even if
they *aren't* changing their eating habits (though many of us get it
because we're simply eating too much of the wrong stuff and may not realize
it, or may realize it but aren't stopping).<P>One other thought: How
do your clothes fit? If they're the same, or looser (and do you have
measurements to compare to), then it sounds like a muscle-toning thing.
— Suzy C.
May 3, 2004
Have you increased your fluid intake since you started the exercise
regimen? If not, that could explain the weight gain. Your muscles are
probably holding onto water. It's important to increase your fluid intake
from the 64 oz that we're supposed to get anyway- that is for someone who
isn't exercising. Try adding another 20 or more ounces every day and see
what happens, if you haven't already done so. Congrats on your success.
lap RNY 9/11/03, 270/175/???
— Carlita
May 4, 2004
It really sounds like fluid retention more than anything...walking/cardio
will gain you some muscle mass but not enough to make you really
notice...you'll gain more definition. Muscle also does NOT weigh more than
fat it just takes up less space. 1lb of fat = the size of your head 1lb of
muscle = the size of your fist. I'm thinking you are doing fantastic and
should defineately keep it up...you may want to add a little weight
training to your routine it won't bulk you up just change your composition
and the more muscle you build the more fat we burn..even at rest.
— Deanna_K
May 5, 2004
Sounds like fluid retention is the right answer. Cut way back on sodium
and no alcohol please (if you are having any - it causes retention). Do
you sleep with your hands behind your head? If so, it might just be
positional edema.
You're probably adding some muscle, but without weight/resistance raining
you're more than likely toning up and improving your cardiopulmonary status
in a very big way! Ever think abiut doing a treadmill with an incline to
work harder instead of walking longer/farther? That and weight training
will build muscle and increase metabolic rate = increase weightloss, and
sculpt you better than cardio alone.
Diane N
www.WeightlossSurgery.ws
— DianeN
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