Finally did it!!!

Not exercising in the routine you are use to is very hard.  But getting back also feels good.  Start slow with walking and increase length and endurance a little bit each week.  I was not allowed to do any ab work for 6 months but that was fine because It really hurt.  I started back on the treadmill between 5-6 weeks post op and added light weights for the arms.  No pull down anything with the weights at that point.  I used 10 pounds weights and did curls, presses and also worked into the arm dips.  It was such a slow process.  I then added some of th leg presses, squats and lunges.  Those are my favorite and really keep my booty and thighs in shape. 

The rule I followed was if it hurts when you try STOP and MODIFY the move.  You bounce back well.

Here is the info on my diet...I did a cut and paste from a post in my profile since it is so long. 

Here are the guidelines I follow on a daily basis:

1.  I only eat 1500 calories a day.  Even when I am doing the heavy workouts.

2.  Weigh myself one a week to make sure I stay within my five pound weight range.

3.  Drink 8-10 glasses of ice water a day.  Stay away from soda!

4.  Stick to the following for foods:  whole grains, fresh fruits and veggies, low fat dairy (string cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, skim milk or vanilla soy milk), only lean protein (chicken, fish, turkey, love salmon, only eat red meat once a week, olive oil is the only oil I use on anything, peanut butter and almond butter in moderation, whey protein shakes are also really good.  I make these with frozen fruit, vanilla soy milk and whey protein powder which I purchase at the health food store.

5.  I have one treat a day which is an ounce of extra dark chocolate.  Make sure it is at least 70% caco for the health benefits.

6.  I take vitamin C and a Super B complex each evening as well.

The one thing I will not give up is my coffee and flavored creamers.  I allow myself two cups a day and need it :)

Now I can't stress this one enough...EXERCISE!  I go to the gym 5 times a week and do an equal mix of cardio and weight training.  I also do the boot camp classes which really kick your booty.  All in all I spend about 6-8 hours a week in the gym.  You hurt like crazy but also feel good at the same time.

I think I have finally found what it takes to keep my weight off but it is still a daily work in progress.  Maintaining is almost harder than dropping the weight.

When I know I am going to have a busy day I plan my food out the night before so I make sure I eat properly.  Another key for me if to eat every 3-4 hours and add protein to each meal.  Never eat a carb without a protein either.

Hope this helps you :)  It is not as hard as it all sounds; just need prep work.

Thank you for posting your pics. 

You are not any different than the rest of us:)  We all had/have the bumps and bulges, muffin tops, funny belly buttons and dimples.  Bottom line is that you are doing something for yourself that you deserve and you are all beautiful women:)

It's all good and very helpful for all the women on the site to see pictures.

Thanks Girlie!!

That is correct..Besides shortly you will be posting your new tummy pics and will be very proud:)