I started out January 20th weighing 267 lbs...I had a fitbit flex and was taking a combination of wellbutrin/topamax, which helped my appetite and tastebuds, so i didn't eat as much.....since then with an occassional walk here and there, no real hardcore exercise, I've lost 41.2 lbs....

...I track EVERYTHING in my fitbit, everything I eat...and my caloric intake is never EVER over 1400 (RARELY even this high) a day, and my calories burned are never EVER under 2000 (mostly toward 2500) unless there's a day im sick

I can tell I've lost the weight by the fact that i no longer have double chins, my face is thinner, neck is thinner, and my upper abdomen is flabby , and flatter instead of hard and sticking out. Also, my lower abs are a bit smaller and down stick out as much. My question is...If I started a weight training program, where I workout my arms, biceps, triceps and shoulders, and use a resistance band training program for my abs, back and legs...and use an elliptical for my cardio.....do you think I would see better results?....

Basically what I want to do , is that in 3 months time, August 19-29 I will be going on a trip...and I at least want to be smaller by then...or is that even a possible goal?....

Hello and

I don't want to give advice on your diet and exercise, since I personally believe in medical supervision, but just want to encourage you to keep up the good work. And remember that EVERY pound lost is going to make you "smaller" (if not "small" right away). We just don't always see it instantly. But from your comments, you can already see it a LOT. Keep up the good work!!

I agree with Misti, that you should always clear all exercise with your doctor to be sure it's OK for you. Having said that, weight training would do a lot for you. It would help to tone your muscles which would make you appear smaller even without any more weight loss. Muscle burns more calories than fat, so you would naturally be burning more calories over all. I would start out small and increase gradually to avoid injury. And don't eliminate cardio altogether. You still need cardio for your heart and lungs. If you have access to a gym, it might help to have a few sessions with a certified trainer. He/she can make sure you are using proper form.

Good job!

My doctor has approved everything, she's the one that prescribed the pills in the first place to help with the weight loss, and after years and years of being STUCK....it finally worked and im very happy. unfortunately i live in the middle of nowhere, so no gym access, i really wish there were, so I'd have usage of some equipment....so I'll be doing it on my own, I have some 3, 5, and 10 lb weights, alone with a resistance bar and rope...I also have been making a playlist of videos from youtube of beginner exercises that will work the arms, core, abs and back ( i have no problems with my legs) Plus I purchased an elliptical ...due in to the store this friday.....so hopefully ...HOPEFULLY I'll be in a smaller size with a smaller belly by August.

I have the eating part down ...I burn more than i eat...I lost all my weight so far by the way I eat...

Personally I had very good input from my physical therapist as to what are the best exercises for me. I was using resistance bands and she informed that that, while they would not harm me, there were far more effective exercises for what I need personally. And yes, it helps to have some equipment at home, especially if you are not in an area where there is a gym. If you can afford it (and I did quite a bit of this because of health needs) you can purchase some good workout equipment on Amazon or sports stores. Things such as balance boards, water workout equipment, etc. The water weights and equipment are especially good (if you have access to a pool) because you get the benefit of weight workout without it being as hard on you. Of course you might not have this issue; I am limited in what I can do physically.

I can't believe there are doctors out there prescribing these drugs for weightloss purposes. It's shameful and unprofessional. The effects of topamax on appetite control are known to wear off after some time. This is what's wrong with medicine in america, they put a bandaid on everything and don't deal with the roots of any issue.

I agree with your comments about the drugs. My doctor says that people come to her wanting a magic formula instead of doing the hard work (as I have done and am doing).

However, not ALL medical providers in America "put BandAids on everything. My doctor has been my greatest cheerleader for the last 14 years through ups and downs of health, including surgeries and massive weight gain (with a thyroid tumor) and loss. She is a huge encourager of my organic eating and working out, and helped me get my high blood pressure down into the good ranges without medications... had me monitor it several times a week and fax her the stats every couple of weeks. She has most certainly dealt with the roots of the issues. In fact I just had a complete nutritional analysis done and was told the results were (and this is a quote) "absolutely fabulous... we are so proud of you!"

Yes, there are a lot of doctors who prescribe this stuff and I agree it is a shame and totally unprofessional. Most of this stuff causes far more harm than good. But there are also a lot of good doctors out there who genuinely care and will work with their patients as a team to accomplish incredible goals.

Ofcourse, agreed. I love my doctor too, I see an osteopath that is open and encouraging of holistic medicine, promotes preventative care, and feels strongly that prescription medication is an option after other methods of intervention do not work. However, it took me a long time to find that doctor and that is because I had many bad experiences with a list of doctors who dealt with me the easiest and fastest way they could - by prescribing medication. I didn't just happen to fall into the hands of a good doctor, I had to have the good sense to know that prescription medication should not be the first and last step in treating me.

Oh I know there are a lot of doctors out there who are prescribing all kinds of pills for weight loss. Glad you are also fortunate in having a good doctor

Another thing to consider, though... doctors cannot force people to eat right and exercise. At least here in America our society is built on a junk food, processed, GMO and chemical (and everything else) laden "food like substances" as Michael Pollan calls them. Doctors can help and direct us but they can't follow us around 24 hours a day and make us eat right and exercise.