male only When did you see the difference?

[bambam31 168]

I believe it is possible to lose fat and gain some lean muscle tissue in a time period (say 8 weeks). But they are opposite processes so "at the same time" so to speak is not physiologically possible. You have to create periods devoted to each.

losing 8 pounds, for sake of argument, in a four week period between fills - while gaining two solid pounds of muscle in the same period - is just not going to happen, regardless of your exercise. In fact, exercise creates oxidative stress, which is a catabolic component. Beyond a certain tipping point, more exercise can actually make it harder to gain muscle.

Building muscle requires an anabolic environment. A large active man, eating even 1700 calories a day, is not going to create an anabolic environment - regardless of the macronutrient breakdown of the 1700 calories.

One of the sources (Will Brink) that I have applied to my journey states, "Total calories dictate HOW MUCH you gain or lose - and macronutrient types and ratios dictate WHAT you gain or lose."

I have likely added lean muscle tissue through my journey because I cycle my calories - and have done so now for almost 2 years. But I have paid great attention to detail in order to create periods favorable to an anabolic environment.

Most of us already have muscle more beautiful than we realize - they're just covered by a thick layer of fat so you can't see them.

Good luck!

Brad

[ThorEdson 14]

I sure my Muscles would start popping out. Thanks for the info Brad.

[bambam31 168]

You're already seeing the changes in the mirror and that will continue on a regular basis as the fat burns off. I think your doing all the right things. You're eating a good amount of calories and exercising, a combination which will protect your muscle while you burn off the fat. The rate you're losing is not bad at all, and is likely keeping the ratio aimed primarily at fat loss. Keep up the good work!

Brad

[IAmJacksLapBand 5]

Well it has been 60 days since I wrote this and 55 lbs total are gone. I took my monthly file photos and broke out the tape measure.

Still no change in the measurements at all.

I really do not understand why I am lighter than I have been in 6 years but still the same dimensions as I was 9 months ago. Thighs, Belly, and neck are all the same. I don't even think my manboobs are getting any smaller.

Should I be concerned at this point? If I am not losing fat, where is the weight going?

[rcain03@hotmail.com 1]

I think you have all done great! I can't wait until I start really noticing my losses as well. Pictures do make a world of difference. I have lost 22 lbs. thus far and really couldn't tell until I seen a pic that was taken 1 wk pre op v/s a pic taken 1 mo. post op. Drastic change! =)

[btrieger 21]

Rachel, you look great!!

Pictures are so much better than numbers! Not only do you look thinner but you look younger and more vibrant.

That is why it irks me when people use the word "only" in stating their weight loss. You look so much better after 22 pounds and some people will use "only" when describing a 50 pound loss.

[LeighaMason 19]

Well it has been 60 days since I wrote this and 55 lbs total are gone. I took my monthly file photos and broke out the tape measure.

Still no change in the measurements at all.

I really do not understand why I am lighter than I have been in 6 years but still the same dimensions as I was 9 months ago. Thighs, Belly, and neck are all the same. I don't even think my manboobs are getting any smaller.

Should I be concerned at this point? If I am not losing fat, where is the weight going?

Jack your tape measure is a liar, there is no way that you have lost that much and not lost size somewhere. Can you see the difference in the pictures? Will you post some so we can see too? Are you measuring yourself or is someone doing it for you?

BTW: Your doing fabulous! (And sorry I am in the men's room, I just can't help myself sometimes.)

[Supporting Spouse 0]

It seems like you have been at this a long time with much success. My husband was banded 8/10. He is doing great so far, losing about a pound a day (which we know will not always be the case). The main thing for him is exercise. He hates it but knows he has to start doing it. Any suggestions on types of exercise he can focus on that help tone his skin/muscles as much as possible in hopes to eliminate the need for another surgery to correct baggy skin?

[btrieger 21]

It seems like you have been at this a long time with much success. My husband was banded 8/10. He is doing great so far, losing about a pound a day (which we know will not always be the case). The main thing for him is exercise. He hates it but knows he has to start doing it. Any suggestions on types of exercise he can focus on that help tone his skin/muscles as much as possible in hopes to eliminate the need for another surgery to correct baggy skin?

He needs to check with his surgeon. Mine and others say prescribe nothing strenuous for at least 6 weeks following surgery.

Leaving only walking; swimming or light stretching.