Here to whine some more

Okay, so I kicked the Zoloft, started a circuit training program 3+ times a week, have cut out alcohol, started walking everywhere (in Arizona where it's still 100+ out at 10 at night) and I'm STILL not losing. I eat next to nothing. Am I just doomed to be a fatty??? I look at pictures of myself during the past year and I look awful. I've gained over 30 pounds since my lowest and that wasn't even near goal. I never got to goal. I dive, so I see pictures of myself in a wetsuit or swimsuit that people take in the dive boats and I am a tub of lard!!!! I had one good year, the year after my surgery and after that I've been steadily gaining it all back. I am beside myself with angst. I'm frustrated, thanks for reading!! -=db=-

A few thoughts from someone who is still trying to get to goal & feels your frustration but who alsoo never added any weight on: 1. 3 times a week is not enough hard exercise...meaning getting your heart rate up high...atleast not for me it wasnt 2. you probably need to eat more...I know it sounds nuts but when I raised my calories ffrom 1000 to 1400 I lost weight....first time in over a year and it is staying off 3. DONT GIVE UP....it really seems to be a simple math equation of calories in versus calories out...you just need to find the right way for you I am praying for you Diana RNY 9/17/03 360/196/still aiming at 180

Thanks. I can barely get the 3 times a week of exercise in, I just don't have time. I can't believe some of these people who work out two or three hours a day, what do they do besides exercise??? I do the best I can with that and try and do everything else physically. I live in a three story townhome and I'm up and down the stairs all the time, I walk everywhere. It is VERY hot outside and almost impossible to get any kind of outdoor exercise in, so I am stuck indoors lifting boring weights and riding a stupid in-place bicycle. Do you think swimming burns up more calories? I like that, as I am a diver (SCUBA isn't exercise, unfortunately) and have access to a pool. I can swim and the heat outside isn't a factor. I'll see what I can do about getting up to 1400 calories. But I am afraid to eat or drink anything. I'm almost becoming anorexic in fear of eating. I am just soooo frustrated. I looked and felt so good two years ago. -=db=-

My trainer said 3 days a week with him and 5 days a week of cardio 1 hour. I know it’s hard but that is what you need to see the weight drop and it will if you get the cardio in. Try to get a couple days in at least it will make a difference.

What kind of cardio? I can barely do 1/2 hour unless it's hiking. Gym exercising is painfully boring for me, I would rather walk 9 miles a night and take 4 hours to do it than sit in a gym for an hour. -=db=-

Anything that gets your heartrate up. I started running. I could hardly do a mile in 15 minutes when I started a year later I could do 3 miles in 35 minutes. Thats pretty fast for me. Walking what ever you can do as long as you do it on top of your weight traning.

I too have wondered where some get the time to exercise like they do...UGH  I must also add that I hate exercise for exercise. I love to walk, swim, Dance etc and am never sitting down unless I al forced to at work BUT I found that for me unless I am exercising to exercise it doesnt really count no matter how active I am. Also even if I do the treadmill or trail for 15 minutes 4 -5 times a week it shows where 1 hour 3 times a week doesnt. Do I understand why- NO. I just know that is how it is for me. I have friends who are slugs, sorry if that upsets anyone but thats how I feel. they sit in front of the TV for 12 hours a day and do nothing but then on Saturdays after a HUGE breakfast buffet they get together and walk for 30 minutes and dont ya know all of them have started losing weight. I just dont get it....all I know is I have ALOT of questions to ask God when I see him. I have said this before and if you ever read any of my posts youve probably heard it but even when I was 360 pounds I ran 4 miles everyday and all I did was maintain my weight....had to starve and exercise twice a day to lose anything. Now Post WLS I still have to work so hard to keep it off....It just doesnt seem fair. Luckily for me in my 4 years I have not put on any weight, not reached my goal of 180 yet either But I am happy it is staying off. I did manage to lose 6 pounds since May by changing to the 4-5 times a week exercise thing & upping my calories which is what I suggested to you in the first Post. They say 100 ounces of water will do it too bu****er makes me feel ill so I am still struggling with that & to tell the truth probably almost have myself dehydrated on a regular basis. Fliud intake is my next Goal. Please know you are not alone....Just DONT give up....I believe that the reason some of the WLS gang has put on weight because they have given in to the 15 pound etc gains and the next thing you know its 50. Stay on top of it. I think as a former Morbidly obese person it is an obligation to myself to know exactly what I weigh everyday. Today That number is 197.6 but I know because I weight daily that I can flux 3-5 pounds daily so I only use the 17th of each month as my official weight. Ok I know I rambled...just want you to know I am with you..Keep your chin Up!!!! Hugs Diana RNY 9/17/03 360/196/still aiming at 180

I looked at your photos, you and I have the exact same body type. You have done some great work! I am eating more today. I got a little sick yesterday from food denial. We're having a potluck at work and there is enough food for a Chinese Army.  I guess that's not politically correct, okay, enough food for any army, or at least a Frat House. So my calorie intake will be higher. I look at that spread in there and think, in the "before time" I would be grazing in there all day. I sit here with a plate with one teeny scoop of just about everything and I've had about three bits and am full. I plan on hiking 9 miles Saturday morning before it gets hot. -=db=-

Yup, I agree. You have to overcome your fear of eatting, which actually is a fear of becoming out of control with food and gaining weight. You're body is probably crying out for more!!! Starvation mode, your body will hold on to every little bit you take in causing you to no lose or to gain weight. Up the calories, but do it with high protein foods and you should see some changes.  I'm so the wrong person to write about exercise though, as i've just started exercising again after a year and a half of NOTHING!!! I do the stationairy bike for 20 minutes and it about kills me!!! lol But it certainly gets my heart rate up and that's good.  Best of wishes to you. 

Hi db!!!! I agree with Diana's suggestions~up the exercise and increase the calories! Don't be afraid to eat good, healthy foods. You need the energy to fuel you. Are you eating breakfast? If not then at least add a protein shake in the am (Tooter convinced me how important this was and she was right!) Not eating on a consistant, regular basis is only going to slow the weightloss down more and can have long term effects on the metabolism~that's partly how I ended up at 328lbs! As far as exercise, I know its hard to find the time and energy to do it. Most dr's will recommend at least 30min 5x's a week of cardio (getting the heart rate up and keep it up) and some form of weight bearing exercise 2-3x's per week. I'm a walker~I like to walk outside, but with our harsh winters I also enjoy Walk Away the Pounds. You can whip off some pretty quick mile times that way if you get the right DVD (I like her 5 mile DVD~it gives you alot of options depending on how much time you have on a certain day). The most important thing is to figure out what YOU like to do and stick with it. I know how hard you've been working at it for quite some time now, but dont' give up! You CAN do this! And don't forget that we're always here for support!