New Workout Routine Suggestions?

[KimberlyCoyle 2]

It'll be a year in February since I have gotten my band. Though I have lost weight, I seem to be standing at a still point in my progress. I can't seem to lose anymore weight than what I already have. I've lost about 50 pounds from last year. I don't ever gain my weight back but now the progress seems to be even slower than when I first started. I did have some issues with my band being way to tight so I know that had a lot to do with it. I'm recently in school and can only come back once in awhile to get my band readjusted. I used to come in every month, but like I said, I go to school and am not in the same state as I was when I got my band. So my last visit consisted of me getting some Fluid taken out because it was way too tight and I had a horrific case of acid reflux. Point is, I'm asking if anyone has any suggestions as to what I can do that will possibly wake my body up and help me shed off some more pounds. I normally go to the gym 5 times a week after my classes are done. I do not work, so I have a lot of free time when I'm not spending it studying and doing homework. Any suggestions are very much appreciated!

[bellaloco 13]

I experienced the EXACT same thing...I lost about 50 pounds in the first 6 months, but then lost nothing for the next 8 or 9. For me, I think my body was just in shock and it had to do some major adjusting, but here are some things I tried that helped.

1-try the 5 day pouch test-http://www.5daypouchtest.com/ It will help you determine if your band is adjusted properly and kind of "re-teach" you all those rules you were following as a newbie. I lost 7 pounds after the 5 days and didn't gain any of it back

2-I joined myfitnesspal.com to track my calories and exercise. I found somedays that even though I thought I was doing well, I was consuming way too many calories.

3-you said you had a lot of free time. I suggest trying all different types of fitness classes to mix up your routine. If you have netflix, there are a lot of workouts you can stream...there are a couple Pilates ones I love. My current routine consists is-Monday: Pilates, Tues, Thurs: Sat-30 min Running, 30 min Elliptical, Sun: Either arm strength training and 30 min elliptical or 1 hr of swimming. Friday is my Free day-ya gotta have one or you'll go crazy!

4-On days I am down, I pull out a pair of my "fat" pants to remember how far I have come!

Hope this helps, good luck!!

[KimberlyCoyle 2]

Wow! Thanks so much for the awesome advice. I definitely will try the 5 day pouch test. I think I was in dire need to get back to the basics anyway since I haven't really been "all about" my band lately. I also had no idea that Netflix had any workout videos that I can follow along with. I'm always looking on YouTube for instruction and exercise videos but find those to be way too short for me. I completely understand the free day rule, my body certainly goes into shock every once in awhile if I do not take a rest and give it the proper care it needs to recuperate. So, how has your progress been coming along? Have you seen anymore weight loss?

[bellaloco 13]

I have seen progress, especially since I started tracking my calories. I was never a fan of "counting" calories, but it has really helped me put things into perspective. Even though I was eating smaller portions, I still wasn't making the best food choices.

I also have my first first fill in over a year scheduled for next Tuesday. I'm pretty certain that will help a lot!

[Vanilla sky 28]

Try splitting up your workout half in the morning and the other half in the afternoon-evening. When I was at a standstill weight wise I worked out 1 hour in the morning and 1 hour in the afternoon and then bam! I dropped 30 pounds in 3 months

[jennabean27 6]

i love the 30 day shred from jillian michaels its just like the insanity but its only 20 min workout with 3 levels. with a kid and work all the time i really dont have any time during the day so th 20 minutes is perfect. i got it at sams for like $8.