It is a great question. About a year ago, my husband and I were talking about what it would take to maintain a large weight loss. I had lost 40 pounds or so, and he was just getting started. I wasn't yet exercising a lot and we were just starting to talk about getting into weightlifting. He commented that if we lifted 3 days a week and did cardio a few more, that we were probably looking at about an hour a day.

I've never liked exercise before, and even though I had been here reading about what it takes to maintain I was flabbergasted! I honestly couldn't see how I could have that lifestyle. "NO WAY" was my reaction.

Well, fast forward a year and I am starting to make it work. I don't do an hour every day, but an hour at least 3 days a week and then maybe 1/2 hour or more 3 others... The cool thing is, it feels like a lot less of a sacrifice than I thought it would be. First, I really see the benefits. Second, I let other things take up a lot less of my time -- I watch a lot less TV and don't cook most days (I cook Sundays and we eat a lot of leftovers!)

So, I guess the answer may change! You may also find things to do that are more efficient, so you don't have to work longer, but work "smarter" so to speak...

That's a good example, wyllen! It's amazing what we have time for and no time for, and like your story shows, we often have more options than we think. I am going to the YMCA now almost every day, and although I "didn't have time" for it before, suddenly I seem to be able to do it.

I think it's true about the "skewed" view of normal. Think of the fast food ads you see on TV. Always there are "normal" sized people in there ordering the huge burgers and fries. They don't show overweight people--guess why not? Because who wants to see that eating fast foods can contribute to overweight. Same thing for restaurant ads. All slim folks. Experience says it doesn't work that way.

Jay

What are we willing to do? so different for everyone. I hope that once I get to my goal weight I will be able to answer you. Sorry I can't help you much. I do know that once the fat cells are there they never disappear and they are looking to store something. I am NOT willing to go back to the diet I had before. I am NOT willing to gain back the weight and ignore it while it is happening. I hope I am able to maintain on 1700 calories and 30-60 minutes of exercise per day.

freiamaya-

I always end up in a very similar situation as you. I am also 5'7" tall, just as you are. I don't have trouble losing weight when I stay on plan and my exercise is good-UNTIL I get to the 170-175 area. Then I have to fight tooth and nail for every single pound I lose. Seriously...I can stay on plan for about 2 months before I see a pound lost at that point. I have to really, really work at it when I get to that level. It has happened to me every single time, after each of my pregnancies. I can go from over 200 pounds, to the 175 mark in just a few months-and then it may take me a year, literally-to get to get below 170. I have basically just learned to accept it. Here are things that help me get through it though, and give me better results at that time of the game:

~Change up your exercise. If you are currently doing 2 hours of swimming and aerobics-do something else a time or two each week. Spend 2 hours one day doing a yoga dvd or class, and then walking. Another day through the week maybe replace your swimming with some strength training. Change what kind of aerobics class you are doing-jazzercise, step aerobics, floor aerobics, bike riding, powerwalking, dancing-even though they all count as cardio-your muscles are engaged differently. They are probably getting used to your routine, and you are no longer working as hard. Change it up!! You don't have to do MORE than 2 hours a day-just do DIFFERENT.

~If you are currently eating 1500 calories a day pretty regularly, what I have to do at around your weight is to start cycling a little. I cannot eat below 1500 a day all of the time-because I am so active-but maybe if you pick one or two days a week to eat, say 1300, and 1500 the rest of the week-it gives a slight change, and your body will respond.

~Eat bulkier foods on days you are having hunger issues. Don't eat a 100 Calorie Pack-which while tasty, provides little satisfaction to the tummy. An egg, or 2 cups of strawberries, or a banana are all much more filling, and healthful for similar calorie amounts.

~Focus on non scale victories. When the scale gets you down-focus on your measurements instead, or a fitness goal that you have set for yourself. It can be something as simple as signing up for a beginners martial arts class, or a 8 week dance course-and completing it-something you can be proud of in your healthy lifestyle that does not focus on the scale.

Good luck,
Aphil

OK, I don't want to be verbally lambasted for this but...

Look at where you were!
Look at where you are!

Even if you never ever changed a thing and decided that it wasn't worth the sacrifice to drop the last 40, you've come so far. Please consider : Are going goaling for a number 133? Where did it come from? Would you feel dramatically different if you reached that number?

JMO, on myself, but I have goaled myself to get to 140. However, I've told myself that I'll be happy if I even make it under 200 and can't lose another pound. If that happens, I'll have gone somewhere and stayed there, much better than bumping between the pounds my whole life. And, maybe, after mainting for a few years, I can remuster the courage to go at it again from a new angle.

You're doing good! Don't let a lack of negative numbers make you feel any thing else but awesome. :)

Thanks for the support, everyone! Yeah, I know that to date I have been successful -- I have lost a significant amount of weight AND kept it off, which is really amazing :)
No verbal lambasting here - so don't worry, Altari! My primary concern, Altari, is to get to a healthy BMI weight first -- anything after that really is gravy! (MMMmmmm, GRAVY.......). I just wonder how much more sacrificing I will have to do to get there! Nonetheless, I will continue, and switch up my routine and my diet and perhaps overcome my fears of WEIGHT TRAINING, and I will keep everyone posted.
I think that my philosophical question is interesting, though! Most weight loss shows focus on the "before and afters", such as "I Did It!" on the Health Channel, and most of those stories involve WLS (not that there's anything WRONG with that, but it isn't an option for me). Few shows show the daily grind and struggle and often the failure, save, of course, for X-Weighted - our great Canadian show!. But this show has its negative points, too - as it highlights that the success stories are NOT the norm after 6 months, and the effort and dedication required to "get there" often isn't sustainable for the people involved. Makes me wonder if the "norm" is really achievable for a certain segment of the population (that includes yours truly!) Anyways, I'll keep everyone posted.

What station are you watching that xweighted on? I've never heard of it ... but we have cable now!

I see it on Life Channel - go to www.lifenetwork.ca, and on the toolbar, click on shows A-Z, and scroll down to X-weighted. You'll find the broadcast details there!
It is a really good show, and will continue for a second season, as the casting call has gone out and the participants have been selected.
Happy viewing!