I wish I was a maintainer...I hope you don't mind the question here, but you are all maintaining so you have been successful at the program. I want to know what you did for exercise while you were on program and what you are doing now during maintainance. How many minutes per session and how many times per week?

Thanks so much!!

Hi Denise! You know our center is big on exercise - they just don't want us to go over 5 hours per week (I think that's right) or roughly 30 minutes a day. In the beginning, I did Curves 4 - 5 times per week - a nice low impact 30 min workout. I think that got me to the 60 lb lost point. Then I hit my mental block and didn't follow the program very well or exercise much for a whole re-sign period - and didn't lose anything either. I finally got to goal weight with sporadic exercising in Oct, but I had a really hard time with stabilization and felt really flabby. I was traveling a lot & hadn't been that great on exercising. Even though I only gained a little (about 12 lbs over 3 months) I went up dramatically in clothes sizes - my 8's were unwearable and I was sneaking into the lose size 12's - weighing about 172 at this point. Then in January, I started the couch to 5k program - which is running 3 times a week for 30 - 35 minutes.

I kicked up the running just as I was nearing stabilization - in week 4 now. KeepingOnandOn and I started training for the half marathon together on the 16th of March and we've already run 44.6 miles (wow, can't believe it's been that much already). We do 2 short runs (around 4 - 4.5 miles) and one long run - this week it's 7 miles, so we're running between 45 minutes to an hour and a half 3 times per week. This week, I also add 1 hour of water aerobics. This is really intense exercise, even for me! I only mention this last part because of my weight. I've been bouncing around in the mid 160's this past couple of weeks - even bounced to 171 on Sat. I weighed in today at 166.5 today, but my size 8's are very loose on me. I'm not so fixated on the scale right now, but on my measurements and how well my clothes are fitting. Since my official goal weight is 160, not sure how they will interpert my maintaince weight and contract. I know they are thrilled with my progress and physical appearance and told me not to let the scale control me. At 5'8", a loose size 8 is fine with me! I am very trim - even though I'm at the max of the weight range. I'll get another Tanita in about 2 1/2 weeks, which will show the body fat percentages.

So the long answer (have you ever known me to give a short one!) is exercise has always equalled sucesss for me in this program. Plus I feel so much better and my body looks better. In Oct, I was very skinny with a lot of loose skin and felt "fatter" than I do now approximately 7 lbs heavier. I have really good muscle tone and even the belly flap (I call it my Mrs Doubtfire flap!) is shrinking up - looks like a tummy tuck will not be necessary.

Hope that answers your question. Feel free to ask me anything - I'm an open book!

Denise, Meemo & Judy - how are you ladies doing? We haven't heard from you in awhile. Hope everything is going ok!

Denise, I didn't do as much exercise while I was actively losing as I am doing now. I averaged 3 days a week for 20 minutes on the treadmill before I started stabilization. Now I do 5 days a week for 30 minutes, with an occassional 20-30 minute walk with my DH. Like Shineon, I feel better when I exercise and have been able to maintain within 2-3 lbs of where I ended up. I'd probably do better, but I'm one that likes to have those little chocolate sneaks and a cookie from time to time.

I lurk on the regular MRC thread and want to congratulate you with your continued success. Hang in there...you'll be joining us on this thread in no time! Hopefully, we can help keep you motivated.

Gina, I've had some family issues with my sister (a single mom in NM who just lost her job and her daughter who was sexually assaulted last month), that I've been dealing with...it's taken a lot of my energy.

Denise/Namaste is out in California with her son for spring break, visiting her family. I can't wait to hear how everyone reacted to how great she looks.

Judy

Denise, the day I started MRC I decided I wanted to maximize my chances of success, so I committed to walking 5-6 days a week. Started at about 2.5 miles (I'm a bit of a yo-yo exerciser so had done this on & off, but decided to be consistent with it). Upped it to 3 miles after a few weeks. A couple of months in I started a light upper-body weight program (Joyce Vedral's "Bottoms Up" program is simple & effective, geared for women, and uses light weights).
When I'm eating right now, I can scale back to 4-5 days a week to maintain, but I find I really miss walking when I can't do it (like right now with a bad knee & a recovering sprained ankle). But I think exercise was a big factor in my success in the face of my occasional cheats - not to mention all the health benefits, the stress relief, etc, etc. Love my walks (and love my iPod for my walks).

I'm here - still waiting for this stinkin' ankle to let me get back out & walk again. I still haven't progressed to week 4 of stabilization - and haven't been in to the center either - but I woke up this morning & realized I've got to get the eating back to normal in order since I'm not exercising yet.

Oh, went in this week too for the results of my MRI - my knee is a little "beat up" but nothing's torn, which is good. Got another injection in it, I think it's starting to kick in today (got it Wednesday). Said it might be the beginnings of arthritis. So I've got that going for me...

I'm jealous of your running - not that I want to run (never did enjoy it) but I SO miss my exercise! I need that stress relief - I've realized that the days my eating is the worst are the days I've got the grandkids here - love them dearly but 2 toddlers are a handful & they wear me out! So I tend to go for the quick carb rush instead of taking time to eat properly. Not good.

So sorry to hear about your sister's problems and your niece.

Hi guys!! I officially hit my goal today so I guess I can come over to this thread now I'm in week two of stabilization and so excited to eat my 1/2 banana on Sunday.....woohooo! I'm excited to have you guys to help keep me motivated to keep this weight off and maybe lose a few more in the process. Originally I set my goal at 160 because I thought there was no way I could make it to 150 but now I'm wondering if it is doable. I'm running with ShineOn 3 times a week training for a 1/2 marathon so hopefully that will help. I feel like I'm pretty toned and healthy though so even if I don't lose more, I'll be happy where I'm at. Hope you all have a great Easter weekend!

I didn't look at the forum for a couple of days since there hadn't been much activity and you folks filled another page. Good to hear from everyone.

I'm getting my gall bladder removed next Tuesday. Picked that date since I'd like to get it over with before the bike weather and events pick up. Tomorrow DH and I are doing a 55 mile bike ride called the Cabin Fever ride. Then if all goes as planned I'll be back exercising in about 2 weeks.

I find that the biking and skiing (several hours at a time and several days per week) help keep my weight under control now that I am in maintenance. When I do this much aerobic activity I can eat what ever I want. The past couple of weeks haven't been conducive to biking weather wise so I have put on a couple of pounds. The stress eating hasn't helped either.

In two more weeks it's back on program. One incentive I have to be lighter is that it's easier to bike up hill carrying less weight.

Will post again after Tuesday.

Wow, I haven't checked in for a few days either. Great to see everyone checking in & to KeepinOnandOn!! You belonged in this thread from the day you started stabilization!! If hitting goal weight were the requirements, I'd not be eligible for membership yet!! Can hardly wait to hear how Denise did in California!

Judy - sorry to hear about your sister. That must be so hard, I hate that helpless feeling when someone you love is hurting. I'll keep you in my prayers.

Meemo - glad to hear from you again. I was getting a little lonley not seeing your consistent posts I'm afraid my knee is starting to give me problems too. I hope it's nothing major. I'm so hooked on the running right now that I feel like a cagged animal when I don't get to run! It is a wonderful stress reliever - a mini vacation from life pressures. I'm lucky enough to have a great running partner too in KeepinOnandOn so I get the benefit of sisterhood! And it helps keep my stress cheats under control. I'm just going to baby the knee this weekend and hope for the best - but I do have a call into my Dr. I want to make sure I nip this in the bud and not make it worse.

MrsPhibes - you are the exercise queen!!! I love how you just casually mention a 55 mile bike trip and THEN you'll be back to exercising It's very obvious from all of our posts that exercise is the key to long term weight loss success. It's so much nicer to exercise to keep the weight off than to do it to lose weight.

Have a great Easter weekend everyone and try to keep the bunny chocolates at bay!!

Hi, Everyone,
I've been "lurking," reading everyone's posts but not posting myself recently. I'm discouraged, as I should be at my goal weight and into stabilization. I keep bouncing back and forth within about 5 pounds. I think part of the problem is that, in the morning, nakes, before water or breakfast, I'm at my goal weight that I set for myself. But when I dress and eat and get to the Center, I'm about 2 to 3 pounds over! One would think I could just suck it up and lose those few extra pounds so I'm at goal weight at the Center, but for some reason, I've been cheating. What is going on, here? Am I just content to sabotage myself? Any thoughts?
The people at the Center keep calling and saying I should come in and talk about stabilization, and I keep saying that I don't want to do it until I'm actually at goal.
It feels so stupid to me to not be able to "Just Do It" (as they say at Nike!). I'd sure appreciate some insights or a good kick in the butt!

I'm back! We got back on Monday night, and things have been crazy busy at work ever since. What's the deal with that? We had a blast and EVERYONE was super excited about how I looked. My Dad said "who is THAT"! and that made me smile. Everyone else was just like "you are so skinny" and I was loving that. Some of my family didn't recognize me at first! Anyway, it was a wonderful visit. We had such a great time. We went to the beach, the wild animal park, the botanical gardens, spent time just walking the coast and being with each other. It was fabulous. On Easter, I totally ate off plan. I just made a decision that I wanted to, so I did. It was weird. Nothing was that great and the next day I woke up with the worst headache. I felt like I was hung over. So between the flying water weight, the sugar, and the bad carbs I ate... I'm showing up 7 lbs from 1 day! Yikes! I'm just drinking water and not beating myself up. I'm over it. I've missed you all! Here's a pic from Easter.....

Denise: Glad you had a wonderful time going home. Your 7 pounds up makes me feel better about my 8 pounds up from yesterday. I had my gall bladder removed. Between all the drugs, IV, and food off plan (chocolate pudding in recovery, ginger ale, etc.) Right now I'm focusing on healing. Also noticed that I am so swollen eyes, rings, feet that I am sure water retention is a big part of those 8.

I am still taking lots of meds including rx anti-inflammatory, and narcotics for the pain so it will be a while until my body "let's go".

Meiho - start stabilization! Most people lose another 6 lbs during this process. It will give you new menues to focus on. It goes so quickly and you get new foods while the scale moves down. Jump on board & give into the process!!
Welcome back Denise!! I love your pictures - you look like a whole new person. I bet that was a blast seeing all the reactions. We missed you too

Mrs Phibes - glad to hear your surgery went well. You're right, that water weight will come off fast. As I was swimming today I thought about you. You are such an exercise inspiration. You set a good example for all of us.

I went to the Dr yesterday & I have "runners knee". The good news is there isn't any permanent damage and nothing that needs serious attention. The bad news is I'm "benched" for a couple weeks. They are sending me to physical therapy so I can nip this problem in the bud. At least they didn't tell me that I would have to stop running permanently - I couldn't bear that, I love it so much. Our weather is just starting to get nice and it kills me to not be out there running in it. I decided I would swim while I'm waiting for the physical therapy to start up. Today was my normal run day, so I decided to swim a mile - one little mile took me 1 hour and 15 minutes to swim!!!! I stopped every 1/4 mile to drink water. At the 1/2 mile mark, my feet and legs were really cramping up on me. I managed to do the whole mile - needless to say, I got a really good workout!!

I'm cruising through week 5 of stabilization. This morning I made a blueberry milk shake with milk, cottage cheese, frozen blueberries and a little splenda vanilla syrup. It was wonderful! My weight is still bouncing around in the mid 160's, but my size 8's fit great, so I'm perfectly content with my weight. Love it!

Hope you are all doing well.

Hello everyone! I have been sooo busy that I haven't even had time to write! Everytime I got ready I would get distracted.
Denise-I'm glad the trip went well!
Judy--Sorry to hear about your sister, I hope things are going better!
Mrs. Phibes-How's recovery going? Hope you are up and riding soon! You are my inspiration for exercise!!!
Shine On sorry to hear about your knee....I hope that recover's quickly! I need to have mine looked at but I keep ignoring it!
Welcome to the board Keepinon! You should have been over as soon as you started Stabilization....

I repeated week 4 so I could get a grip on it b/c Easter week was a little rough. So what happened I went to Atlanta with my son's robotics team and had no schedule for eating and really not great choices. But We'll see what happens when I go in tomorrow. Of course TOM started while I was there so who knows what the scale will say.

I hope everyone has a great week!

Tina