exercise...what works for you ??

I'm 27 months post-op, sit at a desk all day, tend to graze on the wrong things and REALLY need some advise....I initially lost 89 lbs. then gradually gained 18-20 lbs back over the last two years (putting me at 55lbs above my goal as of today.)  We just bought a treadmill and would like to know what has worked so far for others that are losing sucessfully...how often, length of time etc...Also I hear alot about people who have gained "going back to the basics" to start losing again...can someone please list what has worked for them to get the scale going the other direction?  Thanks!!

I'm in your same boat, so scoot over and make room for me!!   I'm anxious to hear the responses from those that have been successful!!  Hugs! Kristi 

Hi Ladies!!! I enjoy doing the Walk Away the Pounds series. I do either the 3 mile or the 5 mile walk 5x's per week. I try to do some light weight training 2x's per week. I'm thinking about ordering The Firm so I can combine cardio w/light weight training~my friend said she had the old The Firm tapes and hated doing it, LOL, so now I'm scared to order it! I still think I want to give it a try though b/c it looks like a good work out. You just need to find whatever exercise it is that YOU enjoy b/c if you like doing it, then you will stick with it! I started using WATP before having wls and I've stuck with it for several years.  Getting back to basics is like going back to the beginning~push protein first~ I do 60-80g of protein daily (sometimes more). I can't do protein shakes or bars so I take that in thru food alone. I prefer to do 6 mini meals, lower in carbs but I do allow the good carbs into my diet~I need them to fuel my workouts. I also aim for 100oz of water daily. I have found thru trial and error that if I work my tool, it will still work for me. Good Luck to You!

I just wrote this same thing!  I love WATP - I have the balls, and invite my friends over to do it with me.  Thanks for the affirmation! ~Lara:fairy:

Just wanted to let you know that the Firm is awesome. I highly recommend it. I have been doing the Firm for 3 years and started when I first had the surgery. I went from a 22 to a size 2 and weighed 125. The best part was that people thought I only weighed 110 because I was so toned. No plastic surgery and I looked fantastic in a bikini. I swear by the Firm. My favorite one is the one with the bar and step. I think Target still sells it. Good luck!

Hi Jill, exercise is really the key for me, it helped get me to goal, and it's helping me to maintain my loss.  I do strength/weight training twice a week for an hour, as well as cardio 3-4 times a week, usually for an hour.  I started on the elliptical crosstrainer even before I had surgery, I love it because it's easy on my knees.  I also mix in other things so I won't get too bored, I have done Walk Away the Pounds, also sometimes in the warmer weather I jog in the pool, that's refreshing and different.  Recently I've taken up a kickboxing class, which is very hard but fun. On your treadmill, work on gradually increasing your time and intensity.  You can do intervals, which is increasing your speed for a short time and then going back to your slower speed.  You can also use the incline to make the workout harder and burn more calories.  I find it's best to change it up rather than always doing the same thing, the body seems to respond better that way. As for food, I try to stick with mostly solid protein, veggies and fruit.  I'm sensitive to "white carbs" so I try to stay away from them except for special occasions.  This works best for me.  I also don't keep junky stuff in my house, this helps me tremendously.  Congrats to you for coming here for help, I'm sure it was hard to come here and admit that you're struggling.  Stick with us and we will cheer you on, this is a great group of people and we understand what you're going through. Hugs, Connie -147#

What nice people are on this site....thanks so much for your responces !!  I know I'm not alone in this struggle...I'll be happy to take any more advise ..........

Hi, I go to Curves at least 3 times a week. Many people don't think it is enough exercise but I like it a lot and know that I have to pay even if I don't go. That helps keep me going. I am trying to get back to basics but the carbs kill me. Wish I could figure out how I went without them for so long! Have a great day ! Kaye

Leslie Sansone's Walk away the Pounds works the best for me.  I've lost 8 of my 22 beastly little bouncy friends so far.  I've also kicked up my hydration, thrown away all grazy carb snackie kinds of foods, been much more strict about "protein first",  and started writing down what I'm eating.  I'm feeling good and am quite hopeful that I'll be back down to where I feel comfortable soon. With love and hope for all, ~Lara