help with motivation

I am 5 1/2 months out and have lost 96 lbs, and I am happy about that. However, I cannot seem to motivate myself to exercise. This has always been a problem for me. I would love to join the YMCA, but I cannot afford it. What are other people doing for exercise and motivation? Also, I seem to be eating more lately, about 5-8 ounces per meal. Is this normal or have I stretched out my stomach? Thank you for any input.

Regina, I don't know how much motivation my post will be to you, but I wanted to let you know that I am in the same boat with you except that my weight loss is slow on top of me being lazy and unmotivated (so I am probably the captian of that boat....lol). As a matter of fact I just posted on this subject today on the general message board. I had my sugery 5/19/03 and I have still not been able to get motivated enough to consistantly exercise yet. I HAVE to do something and SOON because my weightloss seem like it has come to a complete halt! I did not have major sugery just to lose 46-47lbs. no sir-e-bob!! I am beginning to get motivated now because I have dropped down to a size 18 from a 22, but I look like crap in the size 18 because of this big gut hanging over everything so I think I will use that as my motivation....... imagining all the nice clothes I will be able to wear and actually look good in if I just get off of my butt and get moving!!! I think I will get a few magazine/catalogs and cut out pictures of clothes that I want to wear and post them wear I will see them everyday as a reminder of what I have to do to have that outfit look good on ME too.......EXERCISE!!!! and about the eating I think I can eat way too much at times also, but other times I can't eat very much at all so I doubt if you have stretched your pouch that much if at all in just 5 1/2 months.Hey, if you would like be exercise email buddies for a motivational push let me know.....it would help both of us out ....I too like you can't afford a gym, but walking is the best free alternative. As long as we do something to raise our heartrate 3-4 times a week for at least 25-30 minutes it would help us tremendously, even if we just turn on the radio or pop in a CD and dance for 20 or 30 minutes whatever just SOMETHING!!!

I do not go to the gym or anywhere else for exercise. I bought a Pilates tape, and watch it every day, doing my exercises of course, and have found it to be the best! Not only does it help with the weight loss, it helps tone you up. I don't think I am going to have to have a tummy tuck, because the Pilates helps so much. It is the best way to go. THe motivation is the results. Once you start this routine, and you see the results, you want to continue, because that hanging skin thing looks so bad!!!!!!!! Good luck, and Congratulations on the weight loss so far! Kathie Reynolds

dear friend... i had my first weight loss surgery 12yrs ago... i feared i had stretched my stomach over and over but up to this surgery i really hadn't.. I still could ONLY consume about "two taco's at taco bell or eat about almost a child plate at a mexican resturant" that saying... let me tell you i GAINED back all my weight from the first VBG i had...YEP gained it back.. cause I ate all day long.. NOPE not alot but all day long like a jersey cow! thats what I have learned... I dont think there is a stretching tummy out for me as much as WHAT i put in that tummy thru the day that will be my problem... or most of our problems... wishing you luck... sounds like your doing great.. I had a revision of a RnY May 2003, no i confess I am not exercising this past month like i should.... no excuse.... I know my grace period is running out ... no excuse... sounds like your more motivated than me on that score.. so Im just going to say ...WEIGH to go.... your doing great and ..."we can do this!!!" Massive hugs!!! 40lbs to goal here!!! was in size 22 now in size 14