Question/advice on beginning exercise and weights - females?

This might be lengthy so hang in there with me, haha.

Ive gone from 207 - 130ish without exercise and weights (skinny-fat syndrome anyone?) simply because Ive been recovering from illness for the last 4 years (my weight loss was from the past 10 months) so I wasnt able/allowed to do much of anything.
My boyfriend is really big on training and working out so hes been trying to help but Id like some opinions from other women.

I JUST started doing aerobic and anaerobic activities on Sunday (Sun/Tue/Thurs weights Mon/Wed/Fri aerobic - Sat rest) and Ive noticed my belly and legs seem larger and swollen.
I know build up of lactic acid and especially being a beginner accounts for the swollen part but after my post - workout meals I feel so, so, so full on not too much food. Its really painful and uncomfortable.

Ive done alot of research in the past few years about weight training so I know most of the facts. Im looking for more experience based answers (i.e. I know unless Im training to be bulky its not going to happen, less does not mean more, not to be afraid of low reps high weights etc)

Since Im beginning Im starting light as I cant really do much more than 2-3 sets of 10 reps using 5-8lb dumbells and my plan is to change my routine every two weeks with heavier weights.


How long does this swollen feeling last?
Does my body increase in general size before I start to decrease and tone?
(or rather does the muscle enlarge under my fat stores before I am able to lose the fat ontop of them from your personal experience)
What is the set/rep ratio recommended for toning and fat loss, not increasing mass. I read the FAQs on this and just got even more confused.
Have any of you read The Body Sculpting Bible for Women, used it, enjoyed it or recommend it?

Im not looking to gain muscle mass, just not LOSE anymore and lose the remaining extra fat stores. Then I will probably add mass later.

Whew okay it should be a mental workout just READing all of that so thank you for any feedback (:

Based on my experience, and what I have read, both here and on other sites.  You cannot build muscle while in a calorie deficit.  You CAN grow stronger.

The swelling of muscles when you first start weight lifting usually only lasts a few weeks.  It can make change your measurements, and it can put on a few pounds.  As I understand it -- it is increased glycogen stores needed to repair your muscles.  Your body is a bit shocked by the unusual exercise so it overreacts at first.  Don't worry too much about it.  It won't last forever. 

As far as set-rep ratio.  I believe that set ups like 5x5 are recommended for building muscle,  2-3x8-10 are for strengthening and 3x12-15 are more for building endurance.  For whatever set/rep combination you are using, you should lift heavy enough that finishing a set is difficult. 

Again, unless you are eating more calories than you burn, it will be VERY hard (If not impossible) for you to increase your muscle mass. 

Thank you that was alot of what I was looking for (:

Since Im in deficit I know I cant build any new muscle (or rather it would be very, very difficult) which is why Im just looking to maintain what I have and become stronger at the moment.
Do you know if the body always reacts and swells and holds onto the glycogen stores in the beginning? Im looking for a shimmering glimpse of hope that its just the first week and I can continue feeling normal very shortly, hah.

It does seem to hold on to some, and it can effect both the scale and your measurements.  I keep going through it, because I keep stopping/starting my program due to health/knee/vacation --basically life getting in my way. 

However, from what I understand it only takes 3-4 weeks for that to ease up.  It can come back, along with DOMS, etc if you switch up your program also. 

A lot of women complain that their thighs are getting huge, so they stop lifting.  But if you give it a little time, that will go away and they will start to slim/firm up and be much more shapely along with the rest of your body. 

Also, it is not physiologically possible for women to get big and bulky from weight lifting because we don't have enough testosterone.   I weight lift on a regular basis and this has definately helped me with weight loss, as opposed to cardio only. 

I guess I should just continue and get over the beginning humps and uncomfyness sine its going to happen eventually whenever I do start weights if I stop now.

Its mostly because Im seeing old friends I havent seen in YEARS (who last saw me at my old normal weight of 115) so the retention seemed like such horrible timing.

Karozel (a1uglybroad as well) - are we talking like a pant size of difference? Thats what I keep thinking when the temporary glycogen stores are mentioned. Like I wont be able to fit in my pants for awhile or something ):

Will staying espeically hydrated ease the swelling or would it not matter?

Staying hydrated will at least be good for you, if not help specifically with the swelling.

I wouldn't think it would be a pants size -- unless you wear them skin tight.  I think in general it's less than 5 pounds (like 2-3) and maybe 1/2 an inch.  Your favorite jeans may feel a little snug, and a t-shirt with tight sleeves might feel a little tight around the biceps.