Calculating weight loss vs weight belt

[keesmon]

I guess I'm going to find out about this anyway, but...
I lost 30+ pounds during this off season. (220 down to 187)
I used to dive with 12-14 LBS of weight in the Caribbean, wearing a 3MM shorty or a rash guard. I'm going to Utila in about 4 weeks.
Any idea how this should affect the amount of weight I need to get down?
My first guess is less weight, but then I would assume that what I lost is fat, which would help me float, so I might need more?
Like I said, I'm bound to find out first jump off the boat, but if there is a guideline to follow, it would be great to hear.
I'd obviously prefer to carry as little as possible.

Now we'll just have to see how many pounds those Honduran beers will pack back onto me..

Thanks for your input.
Kees

 

[redacted]

Reducing body fat will reduce the body's buoyancy. but the difference is not huge. To be safe, start with your pre weight loss lead and then check at the end of the dive if you can ditch a pound or 2.

 

[resortdiver]

Start with what you used last year and do the wieght check at the end of the dive.
Only way to find out is to do a proper weight check with a near empty tank.

You may need less weight just being in better shape.
Your breathing rate may have changed as well.

Safer to dive with a couple extra pounds than a couple too few.

 

[diver00014]

Take the time to visit a local swimming pool before your trip and spend some time with your gear and see what has or hasen't changed,then add 2lb for the salt water and it will be a close place to start once you get there.
I was in Utila a few years back. Where are you staying?

 

[keesmon]

Thanks for the replies.
I'm staying at Lazy Dayz on the Bay.
Had a reservation at Rubi's, but something happened and they lost the reservation. Oh well.
I've never been in fresh water with my gear, and don't own weights, as I only dive on location, so I guess I'll just go out with 12 lbs, ask the divemaster to carry an extra 2lbs in case I need it for the end of the dive.

 

[diver00014]

Thanks for the replies.

I've never been in fresh water with my gear,




Interesting, So you did your training in the ocean and have never been in a pool?

Wish I could say that, I hate the Chlorine.

 

[keesmon]

Correct, Got certified in Caye Caulker, at the start of a 6 month dive trip/backpack around the world in '99. Pool sessions were in the shallow inner reef. Since then I fly to where I can dive cheaply.

 

[RJP]

I guess I'm going to find out about this anyway, but...
I lost 30+ pounds during this off season. (220 down to 187)

Congrats - did the same myself. From 208 down to 178. Though I'm certain I'm not going to shed lead (I dive double steel 119's, and had no need for weight before) I'm pretty sure I'll need to replace my drysuit neck seals.

:cool2:

 

[keesmon]

Yeah, I'm hoping that my shorty will be a $60 casualty of all this. I'm guessing that my SAC rate will be improved as well

 

[Akimbo]

Here is an average from a Google search:
one liter of male human muscle = 1.06 Kg
one liter of male human fat = 0.9 kg
one liter of pure water = 1.00 Kg (duh)
one liter of sea water = 1.025 Kg

Now, all you have to do is calculate the relative volume change to body fat, muscle, and lung capacity — or just jump in a swimming pool and adjust by about 2½%.

BTW: Congrats.