Question:
Is it to late? I have not had a regular exercise plan.

But I think I am ready to start a regular exercise plan now.I want to lose my last 40 pounds. I have not lost weight since Feb. NOt gained but not lost either. If I start to exercise and watching my food along with journaling will that help?I have not really paid attention to my food but now I am trying to really pay attention to my portions and eat more proteins and hardly any carbs. Will this jump start my weight loss again?? I had surgery July 2002. I have lost between 70and75 pounds. JUst now getting the gumption to try and lose the rest. Is it to late? Also will the exercise help tone and firm my skin?    — Lynne K. (posted on October 8, 2003)

October 8, 2003
It's never too late! The period of easiest weight loss is past, but there's no reason that you can't lose more weight by watching what you eat and exercising. Congratulations on getting back on the wagon, and best wishes!
   — Vespa R.

October 8, 2003
Vespa is right on the money, it's never too late! I'm not sure anything will tone and firm skin. Exercise will tone your muscles under your skin, and help improve your skin's appearance, but it doesn't technically effect the skin itself. It sounds like you have the perfect plan to jump start your weight loss. Now all you have to do is start. Best of luck to you. S
   — sherry hedgecock

October 8, 2003
Just like the others said - GO FOR IT!! It will be more difficult but not impossible. That is the advantage of the tool, it can help us any time we chose to let it, but we need to help it to help us! My only recommendation is not to go too overboard and try and make all these changes at once. Start with food changes and some minimal walking and then keep increasing as you are able to stick with the new routine. You haven't developed consistent routines in either eating or exercise up till now and if you try to do it all at once you just might get frustrated if one day you don't stick with your routine and feel you've failed - the old dieting mentality. Long term success is the goal here! Also put some weight training into your exercise at some point. Muscle really helps your body become an efficient fat burner and also helps protect bones etc. Good Luck! You can do it!!
   — zoedogcbr

October 8, 2003
It does take motivation to make a big change like this and I agree with the others that it's never too late. Pick something that you really enjoy doing so you are more likely to stick with it. Also, variation helps, too. Go biking one day, walking the next, etc to help you not get bored. I just wanted to warn you not to be too discouraged if you gain a few pounds at first. It is normal for you to add some pounds while you build muscle. Also, drink lots of water. Best wishes!
   — Yolanda J.

October 8, 2003
You sound like you're in the exact same boat I was in late last year/earlier this year...I was still hanging out in the 170 range, wondering if I would EVER get there. I would rate my compliance in terms of exercise (and everything else we're supposed to do) as a -10...anyway, here's the deal. I started at a gym in August, doing water aerobics and the circut 3X per week. I am so encouraged because, by Sept. I met my size goal of an 8 (down from a 10), and just yesterday I bought some size 6 items...and my heinous bat wing arms aren't quite as flappy anymore. So I have definitely noticed the benefits of exercise - and here's the really scary part. I look forward to it! So I say go for it! It's never too late! PS But do make sure it's something you enjoy and that there's some variety. I stick with the water aerobics but do yoga, bellydancing, pilates, etc. for funsies, but have let the machines go, cause I hate 'em...
   — rebeccamayhew

October 9, 2003
I am sort of a newbie (3 and a half months out) I just started going back to the gym after 6 weeks of hearing in the back of my head my surgeon saying it was fine and encouraged me to do so. I can't say I really like it yet but I am doing it and can already see the benefits. GO FOR IT!!! it is never to late.
   — Sarah S.

October 9, 2003
How about an exercise partner? Is there someone who would exercise with you? Sometimes another person can be a motivator to stay with it. Or, do you have a dog? I find that looking into those brown eyes of my 110 lb Rottweiler who will be absolutely nuts if he doesn't get a walk is enough to get me out the door every day! Anything you do to get moving is good - check out some exercise videos at the library, or borrow some from friends and see if that is something you like to do.
   — koogy

October 9, 2003
It's never too late to start an exercise program, or so my surgeon tells me. I am 22 months post-op and have yet to start one (I have serious arthritis and just had a total knee replacement). The arthritis has prevented me from doing much other than walking. I wanted to get into water aerobics but couldn't find a program that I could afford that wasn't during my time at work. I did swim some this summer up until I had my knee surgery July 30. Good luck to you.
   — Patty_Butler