Hi, Jackie

Part of me says that my body is telling me I'm at a good weight, and part of me wants to get into a smaller size clothes. I know I don't exercise as much as I should, and I know how good I feel when I finish a workout. However, I also know that exercise causes a temporary weight gain as fat burns and muscle accumulates.

One of the things I need to overcome is to get going to the gym after I do the dinner dishes. I just don't get that "warm, fuzzy" feeling after doing situps or other body weight resistance things I can do at home. I need the progressive weights and the machines to keep my body positioned correctly. When I've had a few days off work and gone to the gym, I feel really good. This helps me to look forward to the time after I retire that I can do this on a regular basis.

Anyway, I appreciate your ongoing encouragement and willingness to share. Thanks!!!!

Hi, Joan

A very good friend of mine has been a member and officer of TOPS for many years.  She really enjoys the group and sometimes shares some tips with me.  But she's certainly one of those who will lose and then gain and then lose and then gain and, in all actuality, really doesn't get too far.   I get frustrated that I don't see the scale going down more, but I'm thankful  that, usually (not always!!), I'll lose 1/2# or 1# and then have it stay the same for weeks before it moves down again.   At least I haven't regained the 15# I've lost in total, and I'm so glad of that.

I like TOPS' attitude plus not having their own strict diet, but I also know that, like any other diet group, while it is good to have the motivation to lose because of weighing in every week (I'm in an online friends diet group, and we do that, too, and I know it keeps a lot of the wrong food away from my lips!!!) , it is still up to the individual to persevere.

And, no matter what the doctors and "charts" may say, our bodies seem to be "programmed" to maintain a certain weight range, unfortunately.   I know there have been many success stories about losing a LOT of weight, but I'd like to see a real report of how many of those people (like the general public) regain the weight.

I'm sorry your doctor insists that your weight goal is right because it is stressful on you.  If you only have 10# to lose, it seems you are well into your correct weight range, and I wonder if it's the right thing to insist on your keeping on going.   Perhaps the idea is that if you do that, at least you won't regain as so many people do.   What do you think??

Keep up the good work!!

Jackie

Hi Jackie

I've been with TOPS for a little over 2 years. I find it very helpful. We're all very supportive to one another and encouraging to those who have gain that week.

In TOPS, you have to have your doctor's OK for your weight goal.  When I was on the plateau for awhile, I visited my doc and showed her a spreadsheet and graph of my weight loss and asked her if I chosen too low a goal weight. (I was sure she was going to say I was fine at that point.) She did some calculations and said my goal was right on the mark and to keep on going.

I've been teasing the weight recorders that my recent 1/2-1 lb losses are staying in the weight room and jumping back on me the following week. But I'm still working on those last 10 pounds.

Hi, Joan

I envy you, too, for only having 10 more pounds to lose.

It sure sounds like you are doing all the right things.  I wonder why your body doesn't want to cooperate.  Is it rebelling because it does not agree that you need to lose that weight???

What weight loss group do you belong to?  How long have you been there?  Do you feel it has been helpful?

Jackie

Hi, Carol

I sure wish I only needed to lose 10 more pounds!!! 

Yes, it is very difficult to lose, especially as we get older.

It sounds like  you are trying hard to lose with your diet and exercise.

Keep up the good work, and do keep us posted.

Jackie

I, too, belong to a weight loss group. In the beginning, the weight came off steadily but now I'm at a plateau. I need to lose 10 more pounds and it's really difficult. I've increased my walking and decreased my portion sizes; increased eating fish and fruits and vegetables and decreased meat and fats. I hope my body decides to cooperate with my efforts soon.

Hi-

good going.. slow and steady is the key.. I was yo-yo-ing for years  since 8th grade.. for pete's sake! as we age it is more difficult.. I have the last 10 to go.. and I walk and swim..mostly for the joints..and I do a high-fiber diet as I have Celiac Disease.. an intolerance to gluten.

carol w.

aka  kaylasgrandma