Metabolism testing (RMR)

[Kathy812 794]

Next month I will Celebrate my 2 year surgiversary and I'm not happy with my current weight...but I am working on it. I've gained 8 pounds in less then two months. I am now wearing size 12. I was happy at size 10 but my goal size is an 8. I am not too concerned w/the numbers on the scale but more interested in the size I wear.

Last week I had my 2 year f/u with my bariatric team and requested the RMR test ( basically this test determines how many calories I can eat to maintain and to lose weight). When I first had the test done I was at my heaviest and was told to lose, I had to stay under 1600 calories.

I expected the amount of allowable calories to be less (since I lost weight) but to my dismay, it went down to 1000-1200 calories to lose and 1300-1600 to maintain. It was a significant drop, my exercise physiologist was also surprised and said it was more then he wanted. He was hoping for 1400 calories. I also lost more muscle mass. Admittedly, using weights was a hit or miss for me.

After reviewing my exercise plan, turns out I was not working out at my target heart rate. He suggested I work out 3 to 4 days a week and make sure I stay within my target rate. Additionally, two of the four days should include weight training w/intervals of Hiit training. I've heard of target heart rate but had no idea how important it was nor did I realize how important weight training is to keep my metabolism revved up.

I share what I've been told to help those battling regain. Takeaway:

* be mindful of your target heart rate

* incorporate weights

It's definately not a one plan fits all but an option.

I'm also curious if anyone has had a repeat RMR & what was their result?

[glitter eyes 1,398]

Haven't had mine tested yet, but it's something I would really like to do. Sounds very informative.

[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

I have had mine tested twice and it has been normal for my weight, the same as any other woman my weight and height, actually slightly higher.

[simpsongrad 85]

This sounds very interesting. Can you tell me more about what the test entails? I haven't heard of this one and think it would be good information to have prior to surgery. Thanks in advance.

[Havasumoma 250]

I was wondering the same as above.

CW 227 5'5" 61yrs

[catwoman7 11,217]

I haven't had mine tested, but it totally makes sense that working with weights might help. Weights help to build muscle. It takes more calories to maintain muscle than it does to maintain fat. That's why people who are muscular tend to be able to eat more (or lose more if they're eating the same amount as someone not as muscular) - their bodies require more calories to function.

[mi75 1,235]

wow, I have never even heard of this. It would make a HUGE difference for me, since I'm also 2 years out and generally have little to no idea what to do at this point.

i would love to know more as well!

[gpmed 623]

I've not been tested, but want to chime in about target heart rate. If you use one of the 200 minus your age formulas, remember that's just an estimate. I learned through wearing my fitbit that my maximum heart rate is at least 10 beats per minute higher than the formula predicts. That means my target zones are also higher than the formula predicts. Just something to think about!

[Kathy812 794]

@@simpsongrad,@@Havasumoma, @mi75. At my center, they attached a clip to my nose to keep me from breathing through my nose. I had to breath through my mouth, normally , into a hose (for lack of a better term) . It registered into a machine, which the physiologist interpreted. The machine analyzes the composition of your breath.

RMR stands for resting metabolic rate. The test is non-invasive. I literally just sat in a chair & breathed in and out for 10 minutes. I did have to fast for 5 hours and pay $75, it was not covered by insurance but definately worth it to me. I have hypothyroid & weight loss has been a struggle.

@@OutsideMatchInside, that's great. I'm slightly envious.

[LisaMergs 2,854]

Question- did they ask you to refrain from eating or drinking for at least 4-5 hours prior to the test?? And most RMR's are 20 min. Hmmmmm

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[higher 966]

This is a really interesting thread. What kind of doctor did you go to for this test? Thanks!

[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

@@higher

I went to the athletic dept at my local research University. They also have DEXA scans available. Most Universities with Athletic departments offer these types of services to the public. I pay $50 for the RMR test and $75 for a DEXA scan.

[higher 966]

@@OutsideMatchInside great! Thanks for the tip. I'll check the schools around here.

[Kathy812 794]

@@LisaMergs yes they did tell me to fast for 5 hours I could drink Water only. Wow, didn't know the average is 20 minutes. I know for sure mine wasn't that long.

@@higher I had mine done at my surgeons office/bariatric center.

[LisaMergs 2,854]

@@higher

I went to the athletic dept at my local research University. They also have DEXA scans available. Most Universities with Athletic departments offer these types of services to the public. I pay $50 for the RMR test and $75 for a DEXA scan.

Hmmmm. I'm off to visit my son at U of Iowa soon. Maybe I'll see what they have available. He's is the Sports Management department there, so he's constantly around the athletic dept and offices. .

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