Gym and personal trainer question

So being pre-op and with Kaiser I am trying to lose my 10 %. My Options classes end December 4th. So far I have been losing about 1-1.5 lbs a week. I have not incorporated exercise into my daily schedule.

So my question is should I get a personal trainer 2 times a week now so that I can start building muscle and losing more weight before surgery or would you all recommend waiting?? I am pretty sure that I know the answer and feel a little silly for asking but I was doubting my decision. I have a small gym in my housing unit for more cardio but I need the extra push to actually do weights at the gym.

I talked to the trainer on the phone and he seemed very knowledgeable on everything. I told him that I was trying to lose weight before surgery and before I could even tell him about the classes he asked me if I was in them. It kinda shocked me that he knew about them. Then he said that for a different insurance he was a trainer that came in and talked to some classes.

Let me know what you think.


Nathalie :)

If you can afford it, a qualified personal trainer is a good idea.

Like Nike says...Just do it!!  It's a GREAT investment in your health =)

Ms Shell

Hi Nathalie

I agree with everyone else, it is a great idea to start excersising now to help get you better prepared for the surgery and it is an investment in your health. Just please look around for the best qualified trainers preferably someone that has extensive knowledge and background with obese people. Lets face it, our bodies have gone through hell over the years and some injuries can be prevented with the right knowledge.

I have had an issue finding a good personal trainer as all the ones I have seen want ya to go from 0 to 100 in 2.6 seconds. It took us a long time to get where we are and need to just ease into the workout routine. An easy thing you can start doing along with the gym is take a good walk everyday. You will be suprised with the results.

Have a great day............Rick

Thanks for the response. He seems to be knowledgable of how to work with obese people and actually seems interested. Some trainers just don't want to work the obese since they have preconceived notions of how they are going to train. They bunch everyone in the obese stereotypes that are not true. I haven't completely decided on him but I will let you know how everything works out.

Hi Nathalie, any type of exercise will help you in your weight loss journey including walking, swiming and walk aerobics. However, as the others have posted, if you can afford a personal trainer then go for it.  I am 2 years out and wish that I had started with a personal trainer in the very beginning. 
Hugs
Terry

I have start by saying that I m totally biased because I LOVED working with my trainer.  He found me while I was walking in the park a few months after my WLS.

On days I was lazy and wanted to stay home, I got up and went to the gym because I knew he was waiting for me.

He believed that I could go farther when I could not.

After 18 months I became STRONG.

He kept track of my measurements and body fat percentage for me so I saw my progress.

Eventually he became a friend and I looked forward to our chats during my workout

If you can afford it, you will not regret it and if he's WLS-knowledgeable that is a HUGE plus, I say go for it!

I am pretty sure that I going to at least do a consult. I can go to the gym but I don't have a motivating factor to get me there, but if I have an appointment with someone I will make it there. I had good results years ago and would like to build muscle before I lose weight. *fingers crossed that it will help with loose skin later* The guy that I was talking to has a degree in kinesiology and has worked with WLS classes as the trainer to help them get active. So all in all I think he will be a good fit for me. We will see...

It sound like he knows about WLS. Some trainers will discourage it so if he supports you work with him.  Good luck.