Complacent?

I am 5 years out and enjoyed my weight loss and maintaining for the last 4 years. That said, I have an observation/problem/concern as a farther out post op. Yes, I have lost my excess weight. I have changed my eating habits and I'm healthier now than I was before. I did so many new things when I was in my first and second year post op. I went on vacations and hiked the hills, I visited national parks and walked and took pics and ventured to every scenic overlook available. I started biking and found some nice local bike trails, I was tightened, toned and felt pretty good for 50. Now I'm at this place I'm not familiar with. I am happy with the weight, I've stayed here for 4 years. I am not happy with the lack of exercise I'm getting now and the lack of muscle tone I had when exercise was new and fun and a daily occurance. I've had a shift in body shape, I believe gravity is no longer my friend, I cannot ignore the excess skin I didn't have when I was more toned. I finally feel my age and I hate that. I got complacent and didn't think I needed to keep exercising like i was, I thought my body would stay where it was and my muscles stay taught. I don't think I could climb a hill now without being out of breath or bike very far without wanting to take a break. What has happened to me and how to I get back that 25 year old body I had a couple years ago? I refuse to enter into middle age quietly - If I have to go there it's kicking and screaming the whole way. I would like to kick with toned leg muscles and not get out of breath from screaming though. I'm assuming if I continue to be complacent I will no longer be a successful postop in maintaining my weight loss and that would be terrible. So, now that i've put it in writing, I need to get working on me again. I miss the woman who looked at every new day as a challenge and an opportunity not to be missed. I need to get the old me back. Any ideas from farther out posties like myself? Is complacency part of the whole experience? What do I need to do to get back where I was? Thanks- Myrtle.

Myrtle, You have recognized the problem which to me is the first step. You need to make a game plan on how you will tackle the problem. Take it in little steps....something like going walking for 1/2 hour or less for one week. Try to say 3 days a week you will do this. Bump it up the next week by adding another 1/2 hour. Gradually adding additional items is the best way. You will build up again. The body is amazing. Debbie

Boy, Myrtle, I'm the last to be able to tell you that you are wrong by not exercising. I have gotten complacent there also, although I am not anywhere near 5 years out or even at my goal weight (yet, it will happen!). I've just gotten lazy. I normally don't make New Years resolutions, but this is the year I am and getting back on track exercising is one of them. I never have found it fun. To me it's just work & I hate to sweat. Are you only in your 20's or 30's even? If so, you can get that body back. I am going to be 55 in a month or so & I have friends who exercise regularly who have nice toned bodies. One of them is in her late 40's I think, had her surgery almost 3 years ago, and teaches Karate on the side. She's a Black Belt & she looks so good. She sweats & enjoys it. I am going to learn to run again. Yes, I do believe you can forget how & I don't think I have run more than a tenth of a mile at one time, if that, in 20 years. I was just too big, my knees hurt too much, & let's be honest, I dribbled when I ran. I have recently gotten that problem surgically fixed & now, if my knees cooperate, I'm gonna give it a try. I may never want to run a maraton (yech!) but a 5K run should eventually be a possibility, if I am so inclined. My legs, especially my calves, are the last part of my body to hang onto the fat. I have gotten vain as I lost weight so I refuse to wear dresses & skirts. I love dresses so I want to get those legs in shape. I'm hoping running will do that. If not, it should help me jumpstart my loss again. I do intend to get to my goal weight, even if it's at a rate of 1 pound a month. I've rambled on & I made this about me. I'm sorry. I guess what I started to say & meant to say, is that you can get back on track & the exercising should help you get that body back. My surgeon (& I suspect yours also) says exercise for the rest of your life. As much as we may not enjoy it, it must be done. Good luck & by the way, you inspire me by maintaining your loss for all these years. I'll be darned, it can be done! Dixie

Hey Myrtle, Get outta my head, will ya? LOL.. I feel EXACTLY how you do. I'm over 4 years post op, and I'm dealing with the same demons you are. I'm hoping 2006 will be the motivation year, cuz I surely need it! Wendy

I am so there with the complacecy with exercise....I quit the gym last year after I had some problems with nerve damage in my leg & falling off the eliptical. But I had surgery in March & that is much better, but I got sued to laying on my BUTT!!!! Trying to get my game plan together to get back to exercise on a DAILY basis in some way because I know that will help me back on track to the way I felt when I hit & was at my goal. Now I want to get rid of these 15 pounds & bad habits I have gotten back!!!! PS...I am so glad I found this board!!! Becky Pounds lost = Just a number Living life= Priceless