Any over 45 women who lost weight, regained some and now working to loose?

Hello! I am deep into my 40s and am trying to lose the weight I've regained in the past two years. I lost over 40 pounds on WW 3 years ago, but I've regained more than 30 of it due to stress in life and work. I can't believe I let myself regain most of those hard-lost pounds! And here I am again--battling to lose it. It's even harder now, though--maybe age and hormones? I have zero time and very little willpower, so I'd love to team up with others for help.

Great job on your momentum, Serena! I love your clear goals and vision. I motivate others better than I do for myself, so I'd love to help you stick to your plans.

48yrs and lost 15 lbs 2 years ago. Kept off 10 steadily but stopped exercising, let the stress get out of control and lost my routine. I'm back now though and I'm determined as ever to stick with this and lose another 15 this year. To do this I have to log everything I eat, commit to exercise 4-5days a week making sure that I don't over exert myself as that increases my appetite. Get in some yoga, spa days and massages to be kind to myself after all that discipline and routine..yech!

Hi Serena, I'm a fellow Canadian and also in the process of "re-losing" and working towards being a healthier me. I've sent you a F/R. Happy to help motivate

Well, I'm not over 45, but I'm close and have a very similar story!

I'm 38 yrs. old and I had bypass surgery 9 yrs. ago. At surgery, I weighed 305 lbs. I immediately lost almost 100 pounds (even though I was killing myself every day to lose more) and then a prolonged illness had me losing another 45 or so. I didn't look good that small, I looked very unhealthy.

Then 9 months ago, I got put onto a medication that is notorious for causing weight gain. That, combined with the fact that I was healthy enough to eat every day again, caused me to gain almost 75 lbs. over the next 7 months.

I finally got tired of feeling FAT again and not having anything to wear. So I started on the first and I'm already down about 10 lbs. I don't want to get down to my smallest weight, but at this point, I've got around 50 lbs. to lose.

I feel like the only benefit from being sick all those years was the weight loss and now it's gone. I had surgery and went through everything that entails (it wasn't a smooth ride for me), and it just feels like I lost so much ground. Yes, I'm still down 70 lbs., but really? I could have done that without surgery. So disappointing.

Oh well, it is what it is! Here I am again, seems like all I ever do with my life is try to get smaller. Not giving up just yet though.

Hi Serena! And hugs to all!
I'm turning 53 soon, and in Toronto. Glad you started this forum, as I am also curious to know what has worked (or hasn't worked) for women of our age group. I know for me, that there is already a difference between what I was able to do at 50 vs. now. What I did to lose 10 lbs when I was 50 is not working now. The scale isn't budging at all. Mind you I have focused on getting my diet right the past few weeks, and not so much on exercise... and that hopefully will be the key. The weight has steadily climbed the last 3 years. Now I have 20 pounds to lose. I'd always been the type to go all in and expect to see results fast. After all the reading I've done about losing weight in your 50s, I've accepted that it's probably not going to be fast to see results at this age. So now my mantra is "Slow and Steady". As other women have already mentioned...it's not a race. I've read a lot about eating/exercising recommendations for those our age and have decided here are some of the things I plan to do:
1. Low carb, high fat diet. Protein will remain lower for now until I start really exercising, that's when it will be needed and I'll change my macros then. This means staying away from processed stuff on the whole. And having more veggies every day... I've been getting very creative in the kitchen, especially with cauliflower!
2. When I exercise, it will be combination HIIT and weight training - they say steady state cardio just wont achieve the weight loss so HIIT it is. And weight training for muscle mass - increase muscle means increased metabolism.
3. Lengthen my timeline - I'm no longer expecting results after a month or 2.... Now it's more like 4-6 months...or more if needed.
4. Sleep well - I am having trouble sleeping the past few weeks, so this isn't helping. But my intention is to get good sleep so that the efforts will go toward fat/weight loss.
5. Intermittent Fasting - I've chosen to eat only in an 8 hour window from 8:30 to 4:30pm, and then fast for 16 hours until 8:30am the next morning. I've been doing this the past month. And it's working for me... I've gotten used to it and now don't feel the need to eat after my last meal. Articles suggest skipping breakfast and start an eating window from 11:00am to 7pm... but I like my breakfast I entertain the thought of fasting for 1 full day, but I just haven't gotten the willpower yet to do it.
6. Cheat day - I'm not going to be overly strict about this, and will allow myself to eat what I want for one day of the week. If the odd time it will be 2 days then so be it (but this will not be the norm).
7. Drink water - I aim 8 glasses every day, but I manage only 6 glasses so far this past month. A work in progress!
8. Vitamins/Supplements - I heard that this would be helpful (i.e. fish oil, good multi-vitamin), but I haven't quite gotten this into the routine yet.
9. Log food - MFP is the best!

@middlehaitch, it's great to hear that you lost weight and kept it off in your 50s! Oh! and in addition to her suggestions, I'd also highly recommend getting a heart rate monitor that can more accurately determine how many calories you've burned, but also keep your heart rate in check as you exercise.

It's great to have this support here. Feel free to add me!

I'm 47 live in CT, USA and have my son's assistance in losing weight, but its still a daily struggle to be motivated and to stay on track. It's difficult to stay energize on my work schedule due to lack of sleep; 7 hours is the max most days, but since I started I've lost 5 lbs but I like to lose another 75 lbs. I could use encouragement and can gladly offer some. Feel free to add me.

Hi Serena, I'm 67 and live in the UK. I've been to Canada once - loved it!

I'm losing weight just fine -32lbs lost since last September doing CICO and a bit of exercise. This time [the last time] I'm going to make sure I maintain properly when I get to my weight loss goal.

I like your plan!

I lost a significant amount of weight then had a house fire. Living out of a hotel and only eating take out for three months derailed me but I am back on track and losing again. I will be having surgery in two weeks and staying on track will be difficult during my recovery. I could use all the support I can get!

Got to goal weight twice but gained back the 10 pounds - eldercare stress each time. Something unexpected happens, I feel like a heel because my priorities are on 10 pounds, feel guilty, and then eat - sort of to say -;()&&@ this pudge - what does it really matter, you vain /;()&@?!?! And there i go - to kfc, Dairy Queen, ruby Tuesday's, Burger King etc. I then feel like crap and start all over. Roller coaster. This time I'm trying to stick with it and hired a personal trainer, joined a gym, and trying to eat well. Plus, discover some better coping skills.

Nice update