Maggie76

So the good news is that P90X works. The bad news is that P90x really works! LOL! I can't move I'm so sore!! But I think this is going to be great (once I can start moving again)!

Vikki, I definitely suggest investing in a tool to help track how many calories you burn each day. Last year I had a three+ month plateau and bought a BodyBugg ("BB"). That really helped break the damn plateau! I realized with the BB that working out for only thirty minutes a day wasn't burning enough calories, so I increased my workouts to 60-90 mintues. I try to burn at least 2500 calories and eat 1200-1500 calories a day, if that helps. If you can, you may want to think about starting to jog/run. That will burn a lot more calories than walking. Best of luck - just don't give up!!

Hey there! Your post touched home as although I'm older than you, I'm about the same height and was close to the same weight as you. Great job on deciding to make a change for the better! Cutting out the soda is a great first step! Soda is just empty calories that don't help you in any beneficial way. The first step – have you seen a doctor about your back? You may want to have it checked to make sure you don’t have a herniated disk. If nothing shows up and you’re cleared to exercise, then I suggest you start walking. Try walking for 20 minutes, and build yourself up to longer time. Once you start exercising on a regular basis, it’s very possible that your back will begin to feel better. When I take more than a couple of days off from working out, my back starts to hurt a lot; when I start exercising again – no more pain. Once you lose some weight, you may want to try jogging/running. Start for short increments, like warming up by walking fast for five minutes, then jog for 90 seconds, walk for 90 seconds, jog for 90 seconds, walk again, etc., until you reach 25 minutes. Then cool down with another five minute walk. That will definitely help you tone up and lose weight. As you become fit, you can increase the time that you run and work out. The second step is to make sure you’re not overeating. If you are not banded, then I offer the following suggestions: You only need 3-4 ounces of protein, and you can always add some veggies. You may want to invest in a food scale – it really does help. Also, if you eat cold meat sandwiches, then I suggest that you switch to whole wheat bread and have low-sodium turkey. You only need one piece of bread and about three pieces of turkey. A half of a sandwich is really enough, especially for lunch. Also, you’ll want to have a mid-afternoon snack, so some fruit and two hard boiled eggs are a great suggestion. (You should eat about every four hours.) You need to remember that you need to burn more calories then what you take in. If you want help in tracking both how many calories you burn and how many you take in, you may want to invest in a calorie counter, such as a BodyBugg or Go Wear Fit. There have been a lot of posts about these, so just do a search to see what the others have said. So, if your goal is to lose two pounds a week, then you’ll need a 1000 calorie deficit each day. For me, this means burning 2500 calories each day and not eating more than 1500 calories. I think my highest weight was close to what you are – and once I stopped overeating and began walking for a ½ hour a day, I lost abut twenty five pounds really quickly (a lot of it was water weight). Last year I lost 50 pounds. I think I could have done a little better, as there were times I slacked off from working out, but I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished and hope to finish what I started this year. I hope this helps. Regardless of whether you are banded or not, this site is a great resource. Let me know if you have any questions. Best, Maggie

I finally broke my plateau! After loosing 40 pounds in four months, I was stuck at the same weight for three months! I wouldn’t gain and I wouldn’t lose! Finally I started the Couch 2 5k program, bought a Body Bug, started a great protein drink for breakfast, and am not eating more than 3-4 ounces of protein at each meal. The scale is finally moving!! I am a very happy girl again!:thumbup:

Paige, Yes, I'm very happy with my BodyBugg ("BB") and would recommend it or a similar tool to folks trying to lose weight. I kept my eye on the BB website and bought it on sale this summer - I believe it was in July. I saved over $100 with the sale, and I bought both the BB and the digital display. Since I purchased the BB and started the Couch-2-5K program, I'm losing weight again. I didin't realize that I just wasn't burning enough calories during the day. Also, the BB website is great with tracking what you're eating (so you can see how many calories you consume each day). I found this to be really helpful! If you have any other questions that I'm not thinking of, just let me know. Maggie

Your confusion and frustrtaion are completely understandable! After nearly 4 months of being so annoyed that I wasn't loosing any more weight, I bought a BodyBugg, started drinking a good Protein drink, and started the Couch-2-5K program. The BodyBugg tells me how many calories I burn each day (and even breaks the info up in detail throughout my day). There are similiar devices out there too, other than the BodyBugg - all ranging in price. Be sure to check out the various threads of folks comparing the BodyBugg to the other devices. You may find that a different device suits your needs. In addition to the BodyBugg ("BB"), I also bought the digital display so I can see immediately how many calories I've burned, rather than having to plug the BB into my computer to upload the information throughout the day. So far I'm very happy with the BB - its reading seems on par with the treadmill when I run. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any questions. Maggie

Heidi, Yes, you can try to eat less calories per day, but you have to be careful because if you don't eat enough, your body could go into starvation mode and you won't lose any weight. You should probably eat at minimum 1000 calories - but you may want to discuss what your personal instake minimum should be with your doctor. It really isn't that hard to burn 2500 calories a day. Generally, when I'm just working at my desk all day I burn about 1800 calories. So, if I work out for an hour too, I can make my 2500 goal. Alternatively, if you want to lose 1 lb per week, then you only need a deficit of 500 calories - so you only need to burn 2000 calories if you consume 1500. Maggie

Heidi, Yes, I eat 1500 calories a day & burn 2500 calories each day. You lose weight by burning more then you eat. If you want to lose 2 lbs per week, then you need to have a deficit of 1000 calories (meaning you burn 1000 more calories than you eat) per day. I hope this helps, Maggie

Southern Charm, If your goal is to lose 2 pounds per week, then you need to keep a 1000 calorie deficit between the amount of calories you consume v. the amount of calories you burn. So, if you consume about 1200 calories a day, you want to burn 2200 calories each day. If you work out daily and burn 800 calories just during your workout alone, then I would guess that you are making your 1000 calorie deficit each day, since folks generally burn at least 1500 calories a day just sitting around. I have a BodyBugg, and it tells me that generally I burn about 1800 calories a day when I work from home and without working out. When I work out, I burn an additional 650-700 calories, so I have been able to manage the daily deficit needed. Some days I burn 4000 calories when I’m out and about – if I can do that for 2 or 3 days a week, and burn at least 2500 calories the other days, then I really notice a difference when I weigh myself! Makes you want to do a happy dance! :thumbup: Hope this helps, Maggie

I completely agree with Jacqui. I started out spped walking and at high inclines. I'd burn less than 400 calories. Then I started to add a bit of running. For example, first I'd warm up with 5 minutes of walking, run for 90 seconds, walk for 90 seconds, etc until I hit 25 minutes. Now, after warming up for 5 minutes, I run at intervals of 3-4 minutes and walk about 3 minutes in between, for about 45 minutes, then I power walk at an incline of 10 for 10 minutes, then cool down. I've been burning over 700 calories doing this - and that's according to both my treadmill and my BodyBugg. Even if you can't run for longer than a few minutes, that's fine. Just run as long as you can (or for a few minutes), walk to catch your breath, and run again. Try to do this for a few weeks for 25 minutes, then slowly increase your run times and your overall workout time on the treadmill. You will notice the changes to your body and to your ability to run longer! Best, Maggie

I've started doing push ups - not real push ups on the floor, but I started at a much higher incline, using my counter, than a bar stool, etc. I really feel the push ups in my arms, chest and high back, especailly when I lower my incline. Perhaps this will help. Trainer Bob from the Biggest Loser mentioned this a couple of weeks ago too, which I thought was a great suggestion. He suggested starting with the wall and moving down the incline as I mentioned above, as you can tolerate it. Hope this helps!

I too experienced this horrible pain after having my appendix removed and after having my galll bladder removed. When I had my appendix removed my mom called over a massage therapist she worked with and the lady really helped me a lot with massaging my shoulders and back. She was really gentle, knowing that of course I was sore from surgery. So, if you're feeling up to it, perhaps go have a 1/2 massage. Feel better soon!

I really enjoy the Apex Fit Drink Mix in chocolate (original flavor) FIT Drink Mixes (220 calories) Products. I have this for Breakfast and sometimes for lunch. No blender needed - I just take 8 oz of milk and 2 scoops of the mix, shake it, and drink. No gritty taste or aftertaste at all! And, it's great because it really is satisfying - I usually have to tell myself to eat every four hours because with this Protein mix, I could easily go eight hours before I start to feel hungry. It is a little expensive though - I usually go through the jug of protein mix in about 10 days - 2 weeks, if I just have it for breakfast.

I started Week 3 yesterday. It went well, but I couldn't believe how much my calves were burning! I walk at inclines of 8 or 9 for 10-15 minutes after doing the Couch-2-5K program, so I'm surprised that running a little longer made me feel the burn so much. All in all though, I’m happy with this program!

As for how much they work out, I remember in the 2nd episode Shay remarked that the women had to burn 6,000 calories each day and the men had to burn 8,000. That must seriously be exhausting! On days I burn 3500 I'm beat!

Does anyone know why in the 4th episode, when they were deciding on which food they should order out, why folks were saying they shouldn't eat grapes or bananas? These are my two favorite fruits, so I'd like to understand why they're staying away from them. Thanks! Maggie

Janice: Good to know you aren't starving yourself! But, something to consider - do you think you're eating enough? Perhaps try a week or two at 1000 or even 1200 calories - just add a couple of egg whites as a snack and perhaps a piece of fruit or something. It may help with the weight loss. The link I use for the Couch 2 5k program is Cool Running :: The Couch-to-5K Running Plan. Scroll about mid-page for the weekly schedule for your runs/walks. There are other threads on the program on this forum - those may help too. Paige: In answer to your quesiton, I've been at this for eight months, but the first four months were actually quite easy (once I stopped overeating and followed the program, the weight just fell off!). It's the last four months that I've had to really educate myself on everthing, especially on why I was losing weight anymore. Glad I could help re-focus you. It's great you're heading to the gym so early - that really helps I think, to get it out of the way early in the day. I too worked out this morning, and it's just nice to know that when I finish working today, I can have dinner and chill out. It's always hard come 6pm to log off, go home and work out.

Janice, First and most importantly, you said that you're "not eating anything." Please understand that as tempting as it is, you can't starve yourself into losing weight! You need to eat and you need to eat right. You should have been provided with nutritional information before your surgery, such as how much Protein you should be eating, as well as carbs and veggies. If you try to starve yourself, or if you don't eat enough, your body goes into starvation mode and you will not lose weight. I try to eat 1500 calories a day (although some days I'm lucky to get past 1200), and I try to burn 2500 calories each day. If I do this each day, I should lose 2 lbs per week. So, to make sure you're eating right, you should be sure to have breakfast. Eating in the morning has never been my thing, but I found a Protein powder that I really like. So, I have that in 8 ounces of 2% milk each morning and it keeps me satisfied until lunch. I also have lunch (usually a 1/2 turkey sandwich on wheat), a snack (usually a piece of fruit and 2-3 hard boiled eggs, egg whites only), and then dinner. An example for dinner: I'm eating 3-4 ounces of protein (steak, chicken, fish, etc.), a 1/2 potato baked with only a 1/2 teaspoon of oil and some fun seasonings (no butter, no sour cream), and a 1/2 of corn on the cob and an ice tea with lemon. This is about 400 calories (which is good). As for exercising, I've recently started the Couch 2 5K program, but if you're just starting out on this journey, that may be too difficult. You certainly don't want to overdo and then never want to exercise again. So, I suggest walking, either outside or on a treadmill. Try to walk for 30 minutes. Each week, increase your time by 5-10 minutes and your intensity. Right now I workout for an hour on the treadmill. Physically I could do more, but I don't seem to have the time. To begin, I do the Couch 2 5K program for the first 1/2 hour, then I walk at an incline of 8 for 10 minutes, I walk at an incline of 5 for 5 minutes, then I bring it down to 2 and very slowly warm down. Time permitting; I also lift free weights to tone my arms. I really hope this novel helps you. Please feel free to ask questions - and just remember, starving yourself is not the answer! I unfortunately made that mistake and I think that’s what led to my overlong plateau! Maggie

Yes, this is what they use on the Biggest Loser; although I only just realized that myself as the current season is the first of the program I've ever watched. You don't have to know the calorie count of everything you eat as BB has a lot of foods in their database. However, if you can't find the calorie information in their database, you can enter the nutritional content manually, which takes about 5 seconds. You can either refer to the product from your home or you can search for the calorie content online. I've had no problems finding calorie information, even for items I buy out, such as a Starbucks drink. The nice thing about the BB is that it lets you know where you are during the day as for the amount of calories burned. To lose a pound per week, you need to keep an average daily deficient between calories burned and calories consumed of 500. My goal is to burn 2 pounds per week, so my daily deficient is 1000. I hope this helps!

You can find info about the BodyBugg online at Enroll in bodybugg. After reading the material (and also search this forum for other BodyBugg Threads), feel free to ask questions.

I've wondered the same thing, especially since all of the exec's in my company are fit; there are no overweight people in the higher positions. Since I've lost 45 lbs though, I've been asked to consider a change in position which would be one heck of a promotion! I credit my weight loss for the invitation, along with my superior work of course! :-)

SpecialK - I feel your pain! Have you tried the Couch-2-5K program at all (if you don't mind running)? It seems that since I started that (and I changed a few other things up too), I started moving down the scale again. Regardless, you must be so proud of yourself for your considerable achievements! Keep going!

I didn't work out Tuesday nor Wednesday - we had a dog emergency and although I try not to let things interfere with "my time" to workout, there's a point where life gets in the way. I'm going to try to workout tonight...in other words, if I can motivate myself once I shut down at 5pm to not just hit the couch! Happy Friday all!

Dore - yes, the BB is great! It really motivates me when I'm done with work on whether I should work out. I check my status for the day and think, I HAVE to work out - I have X amount of calories still to burn! It's a real motivator! Lana24: There is definitely hope! Just don't get too discouraged and quit!

Ok, I'll bite! Saturday: Mowed the lawn for six hours (3 hours with hand mower, 3 hours with the riding mower), burned over 3500 calories! Sunday: Mowed the really steep portions of my lawn with the handmower - great leg and arm workout! Took almost 2 hours and in total, burned over 3000 calories that day. Monday: No workout, had to take pup to vet and was there for 10 hours! :-( Tuesday: Will begin Week 2 on Couch 2 5K program tonight. Been on Week 1 for a few weeks, this should be interesting! Although I've been on Week 1 for a few weeks, after the 1/2 hour program I power walk for 10 minutes, then walk on an incline of 8 for 10 minutes (I tried walking at an incline of 15 like they do on the Biggest Loser, but I'm not there yet!), then walk at an incline of 5 for five minutes, then cool down. Very excited I can work out for an hour now!