My surgeon and the PA confirmed what my sister-in-law said that a pound a week is about right at this stage of the game. I shouldn’t worry about adjusting my food plan unless I can increase the protein grams a bit without adding volume.
The PA suggested a few things that might help like making sure I don’t eat anything later in the evening and, if I want to, using some meal replacement shakes more often. The doctor suggested upping the intensity of my exercise.
I guess I was on track with that idea. Even though I walk everyday, when I’m with the dogs we don’t sustain a fat-burning cardio pace throughout. So I’m going to keep walking them but also do the more intense in-home DVD program that I have. The doctor suggested running (not something I want to try.) or stationary bike. That would require going to a gym.
I don’t want to sound resistant but I don’t know how I can fit one more thing into my schedule three times a week. I’ve been trying to get in a second Zumba class. The only other one that doesn’t conflict with work is Saturdays. I’m going to at least see how often I can leave Tai Chi after an hour and make that class.
I also asked about skin removal surgery, specifically how long I have to wait after making goal weight. My surgeon doesn’t have a designated wait time but said that some plastic surgeons may recommend waiting a period of time. Whatever the case, it does not seem that I’ll have to wait a year after hitting goal. That makes me very happy.
So, some adjusted goals in my head. I will continue to lose a minimum of a pound a week. If I lose more that will be extra special but I won’t be disappointed as long as I decrease by at least a pound. I will add more intense cardio work of 30 to 45 minutes to my current exercise at least three times a week. (For starters, even if I have to break it into two sessions in the day.). I will not eat after 8 pm whenever possible.
All doable. Onward and upward (in pounds lost, not current weight)!
Weighty Matters 
From my perspective, swimming would seem a natural for you.
It sounds like you are progressing toward your goal at a sensible and sustainable rate. That’s great news.
If getting extra cardio into your schedule is difficult, have you considered a treadmill in your home? You could even teach your dogs to use it when the weather is bad. For a lot of people, treadmills are boring, but they are great for a safe way to workout no matter the time of day. I’ve been using my treadmill for years in the air conditioned comfort of my home while I watch TV or a show on Hulu. I don’t have to worry about the weather or what I’m wearing or how my hair looks. I use the treadmill instead of a bike because I want the benefit of foot strikes to help prevent osteoporosis in my hips and it has helped. And I’d rather spend my time on the treadmill than driving to and from the gym as I had been doing for years, so for me, it was a good choice.
Whatever choice you make, congratulations on your continuing success.
Unfortunately, I don’t have room for a treadmill. Even when I finally declutter the room of doom, it won’t suffice. I fortunately have an in home walking program DVD that can be done in a smaller area. I need to do it more frequently.
Thank you. Cathy and Skye for the pep talks!
It does seem difficult to fit in more cardio i your already busy schedule. You do so much already! But I understand wanting to, especially to keep the weight loss going at a steady pace. I’m sure you will manage it because you already manage so much more than I can imagine! Your focus and strength and desire will see you though, I’ll bet.
So yay for the doctors being satisfied with where you are in the process!!!!