Body fat % big decrease but weight stable

[Lani789 128]

I'm almost five months out and due to increased energy, have twice a week Water aerobics, hour of pilates, and couch to 5k training program three days a week. I do strength training five days a week for about 25 minutes each session.

I feel great but.....

Weight has stayed the same for about a month. However body fat% as measured by the scale has dropped from about 41% at Christmas to 36% this morning. Is this possible? It is hard to tell with clothes because I've been buying stretchy stuff to allow for changes.

I feel taller (if that doesn't sound weird), but for those who do a lot of physical stuff, is that body fat decrease seem logical?

[mon_jam74 31]

That's awesome!! And, yes, it's totally possible. My surgeon's office has an "In-Body" machine that tells me my body fat, Water, etc... breakdown. I'm totally focused on the body fat loss even though they (the surgeon's office staff) seem to only be concerned with the weight. I went from 38% fat to 33% in 4 weeks. I also lost 7 lbs but I can totally see the possibility of losing the fat without losing the lbs on the scale. In the last 4 weeks, my intracellular Water (that's the water in the muscle) went up also. That's a good thing because your muscle needs the water to recover and build. So, you may not see the loss on the scale but you could be losing fat and gaining muscle and intracellular water. Keep it up! Exercise will transform our bodies more than only cutting calories will.

[amponder 396]

Sometimes you can gain muscle and the scales will go up, but don't worry muscle helps burn fat so it will only help you in the long run.

[Lani789 128]

I have to add that I was getting a new polo for my volunteer job. I had a men's extra large that fit me for the first time in Oct., about a month after surgery. Since I was in the office I thought I would get a replacement to wear this Spring. This other volunteer, a thin woman, couldn't decide what size so I was brave, saying I'll take a large. So she took a medium. I took it and scurried home, figuring it will fit some day.

That some day is now. It fits. From a men's xlarge that didn't fit to a women's large that looks great. There is so much mental adjusting to do as well.

And now I can say I am building up my intracellular supply!

[iamjamilyn 58]

Lani789 I had a day like that today too...went shopping for some new items and slipped into a size 16...I started at a 22/24 and I had taken an 18 and a 16 into the dressing room today. I burst into tears when I buttoned those shorts - I am totally shocked, but so happy. I have been avoiding buying clothes because I know I will be changing (only 4 months post op now). I am glad I went today!