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

I work out on a Pilates Reformer at least 23 minutes a day. I usually add walking on Gazelle 10-20 minutes. I have been doing this over 6 yrs and love it and that is why I stick to it. You have to enjoy and look forward to doing whatever works for you. I won't say my regime has helped me loose weight but it does burn calories and it has sculpted by body...well along with the help of my plastic surgeon.... -:)

I found that working out to dvd's at home was the best solution for me.  I belonged to a wonderful gym, but always had excuses as to why I didn't have time to go.  I can't fool myself that I don't have time at home.  I like the Leslie Sansone workouts, too, and usually do the 3 or 4 or 5 mile workouts a minimum of four times a week.  Most of the time now I am using two pound hand weights as I walk, and jog a good portion of the workout.  I have arthritis in both knees and shoulders, so I have to be very careful while working out.  Many of the other dvd's I've looked at are too high impact for me. I also like the Biggest Loser's workout #1.  It has four different workouts on it, and it cracks me up at how difficult it is for some of the people on it.  I found it to be very challenging, but again, have to modify it somewhat for my knees.  I never watched the tv show, but have fallen in love with Bob, the trainer.  If he could be my personal trainer, I would be in heaven. As for food, I still supplement with a protein drink every morning, and sometimes in the evening when I have the munchies.  If you are craving salty/crunchy snacks, I like the soy crisps with sea salt flavor.  Put a *very* little natural peanut butter on five or six of them, with a little dollop of SF jam, and you have a great snack.  Jerky and pickles is also good.  Just be sure to keep up your water.  I drink 32 ounces of water every morning to start the day.  So far these things are working for me. Debra M. 351/141

I'm a teacher and trying to exercise after work...well just doesn't work for me.   Most of the time I have after school meetings and papers to grade.   I'm just toooo tired and need to chill and unwind.  So....don't think I'm nuts...well maybe a little, but I go to the gym when it opens at 4:00 AM and I work out till 6:00.   I do a full hour + of cardio and then I alternate upper and lower body each day. I do sit-ups everyday and follow it all up with some yoga type stretches.   I feel so good all day long and it helps me keep the weight off.   At first it was hard and required a real committment to get out of bed and get down there.   I've done that for well over a year now and if I miss a day, I get anxious and feel terrible.   That is a switch...but I have so much energy and it helps me stay focused on life. Christy

I understand completely the needing to get it out if the way early in the morning. That is when I have been most successful but right not can't seem to make myself get out of bed so try to squeeze in half an hour of cardio or weights on my lunch hour.

I grab my dog on a leash in the morning and go out for a walk whether it is dark, light, cold, hot, wet or snowing. I go for almost 4 miles now and can accomplish this in about one hour.  I like to get out 4 - 5 days per week. I have found that if I don't get my butt out of bed early in the morning before work, it will never happen after work. With the being tired factor and beginning my kids activities run, I am just too busy to make the time for "me". Di