Question for those of you that are 2 or more years out.

Yes, absolutely. It happened a little later for me, closer to 3 years. But now it's very, very hard to take off any weight, almost like it was pre-surgery. Not as bad because I'm content with smaller portions, but I'm happy if I can take a pound off in a week. And that's with eating very carefully.

And as for exercise, I hate it too, but I have been doing it for the last 6 months or so, an hour of aerobic exercise 3-4 times a week (step or floor aerobics) and I recently added 2 hours of resistance training a week. Did I mention I hate this? I do and I always will, but it was next on the Lizanne Self Improvement Plan, and my doctor has been on my case to do this for the heart and for my bones. Honestly, I have noticed no difference weight-wise, which is a little discouraging, but I feel virtuous! You go dancing with your hubby--that totally counts! I wish mine liked to dance--dancing is something I've always enjoyed and it's probably the one type of exercise I like...

Lizanne

Lianne, if you lived closer we would go dancing twice a week and have an absolute ball.  I can dance all night and I love it.  Of course I have no formal dance education at all, so it might look a bit funny, but I love to move to the music.  I am sorry to hear that it's harder later on, and I suspect that it will continue to get harder for me as the time goes by.  I think I am simply more aware of small changes and that is why I am seeing the change early.  By three years it will undoubtedly be worse.  I need to prepare for this by sticking to a stricter eating program and not allow the few bounce up pounds.  Easier said than done but it's better to be aware and prepared.  I always listen to your input Lizanne and I really appreciate it.

We will totally have to go dancing together sometime!

I think you're so very wise to be paying attention now. As I wrote a few months back, I gained 10 lbs very quickly right around 3 years out. I think, because I had not any previous bounceback at all, I had gotten a little complacent and was just so SHOCKED that they didn't fall back off. I've gotten 3-4 of 'em off and am diligently working on the others, but it IS hard work. Partly because I'm really okay with where I am right now--I look and feel great--but it's the concept of having gained that I HATE! And, they don't STAY off like they used to. For example, this last week, I was super careful about my eating and was down about 2 lbs. for the week. Then, Saturday we went to a friend's house for dinner. I wasn't crazy or anything, but I did have a sweet ****tail and a couple of bites of dessert. Now, in the olden days, I KNOW this wouldn't have caused a gain and might have even triggered a loss, but not anymore. On Sunday, back up a pound, and it was still there this morning. But as long as I've stabilized and overall am moving back down, I'm okay. Perversely, feeling like I need to lose a little weigh is comforting for me, as it's certainly a mindset that I'm used to. And I'm certainly no longer the least bit complacent!

Lizanne

Lizanne, it's as if you write what I think.  Just this morning I thought to myself, "well, at least this is familiar territory and I will not be complacent".  I know how to lose weight, it's the maintenance of keeping it off that has me thinking I am a novice.  I too look just fine with a few extra pounds and even my skinny jeans still fit, but the idea of gaining anything back just doesn't sit well with me at all.  I suspect that I will be moving toward your direction with exercise as well.  I think I will just have to add one hour of exercise into my day.  I know that my bones need it even if the scales do not move.  I am very small boned, so osteoporosis is a real possibility down the road.  Might even be a certainty.

Elina if you ever get people together to go dancing count me in. I really miss going out dancing, most of my friends have young kids and don't want to go anymore! Dancing in great exercise.

I just signed up for a Zumba class Wednesday morning, it will be my first one, I'll let you know how it goes.

Please do let me know how the Zumba class goes. As far as dancing, anytime, anywhere.  I go often on Friday and Saturdays.  There is a great club by my house in Los Gatos that has the best bands.  It caters to an older crowd so I feel right at home.  They had the lead singer from Santana the other night.  They were amazing.  Let me know if you are ever in the mood, my husband is great about dancing in a group or we can even leave him behind and just have a girls night out.  He knows he rocks my world, so he is not at all jealous.

hmmm  Elina, sounds like dancing is for you. why not take a class and learn to be good at some steps? and buy some cute dance school duds and slippers and then dance around the house to your favorite music? I can tell you wanna be a dancer comeplete with cute skirts. so why not?

I actually took a walk yesterday - me who hates exercise as much as you. Wasn't bad. now that the weather is getting nicer doggie is gonna get to go run at the beach which she loves. She is getting older so i have to do this for her sake and maybe will get me off my a$$ . Diane

I think you have me pegged.  I do dance around with my 10 year old daughter all around the house almost every night.  I don't call it exercise, it's just fun time with the family.  My husband plays guitar and we dance.  It's kind of cute.

Hey girl, that is exercise ya know. Just up it a bit and you got it. And get fun outfits. they have so many cute little skirts for girls these days and i know you can fit them! diane

I always assume that the further out you get the harder it gets to maintain (let alone lose****il eventually, it's just like being a pre-op. except you are smaller, hopefully.

I think you really need to find exercise you actually enjoy, this is possible.

DANCE   SWIM   how about horseback riding?  bikes?  trampoline? roller skates?

movement, is what is about, move for JOY and it will be good for your health.