Hi, I lost 30 pounds six years ago following a diet and exercise, and managed to keep the weight off for four and a half years. My motivation comes from the tendency in my family to develop diabetes 2 and cardiovascular problems. I want to avoid them or at least delay their onset. Year and a half ago, I got an urinary tract infection, after healing from it I developed urge and stress urinary incontinence. The doctors had me try one medicine after another as none gave me relief, and the side effects of these medicines were always fatigue, hunger, dry mouth, reduced perspiration, and dehydration. These same side effects affected y my workout, and I began slowly to regain the weight I had lost. Finallly, after exhausting the meds my urologist prescribed an experimental procedure which helped control greatly my incontinence. Just a month after that I got really sick with mononucleosis and the doctor kept me from exercising until recently because of risk to my spleen. Now I found myself like I started, but I am even more concerned because I just turned 40, and I fear the metabolic slow down will keep me from reaching my goal -specially when I remember how my doctor warned me that if I didn't reduce weight I 'll surely develop diabetes 2.
I begun exercising again (about month and a half ago) using a Wii Fit Plus. It helped my strength and stamina but the aerobics didn't satisfy me. I used to swim, now I don't have access to a pool so I bought the Zumba Exhilarate DVDs and I am trying to do it. I like the music but the moves frustrate me a lot because I can not quite figure some of them. I find myself rewinding and viewing the videos in slow motion trying to get the moves well (I'm not talking about the basic steps but about the stuff that is not explained on the first DVD). So here I am, determined to continue sticking to my dietary changes (nutritionist advised) and to continue exercising, but frustrated because it feels that it is harder to loose the weight now, and having hard time with zumba (I want to do it well too). Anyone going through the same? any advise will be greatly appreciated

Back, IZZY ~ glad you are feeling better; and good for you for coming back again. We have a Regainer's Relosing Thread in the Supports Group Forum that you may want to check out. Many of us find that as we get older, the WL is slower, but you can still lose. I'm 53 yy and look at my signature. You could try "interval" walking -- that is walking regular and then 1-minute faster; or Leslie Sansone? "Walking off the Pounds". I wouldn't give up on the Zumba; it takes time, but patience may pay off. You can also find Zumba & exercise videos FREE on Youtube. I saw a Zumba one that was awesome ...

I would focus more on your eating plan as well. Wish you the best getting healthy again ...

Hi izzy.

I too am trying to re-lose. Trouble is, like you, my body is about five years older than it was last time. I.m the same weight I was when I started the first time round, but my theory is, it's going to be easier to lose it now than in ANOTHER five years.

As for the Zumba thing - I'm so, so useless at it, but I love it! I started doing it at a gym,s o felt like a right plonker. Looking around though, a lot of people struggled with various moves, and I personally was pleased to see some of the slimmer girls also struggling. The instructor ha d a good point though; as long as you're moving. Sure, you want to be good at it, but my theory is, your doing it for the exercise and as long as you're moving somehow, that's got to be good for you :-)

Hi, thank you. I really need the encouragement. I am now avoiding outings because only my shirts fit, all my pants and short make me look like a sausage. I am goint to check and join the Regainer's relosing thread seems like the right fit for this situation, and interval walking. yes! that sounds like the perfect fit for me -and my husband .I am trying to get him interested, he has arthritis in one knee and balance problem, so he is chickening out from anything that means exercise, and there has been no power on earth to convince him of the contrary, I bet walking will fit the bill for him.
I'll stick to the zumba for fitness sake. I just wish they made detailed explanation of all the moves -like the ones on the first video which are excellent. Since I don't know how to dance it takes me longer to understand the footwork and follow along. In the mean time, thanks God for the slow motion buttons on the DVD remote : )
I agree with you to focus on the eating, I binge. Starches are my downfall. I LOOOOOOVE almost everything starchy and salty. Funny I am supposed to eat less of those -no fair!
Thanks again for the encouragement. Wish you reach your goal again and keep it. Big hug from here