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Barbies, Kens, and Anxiety...

I'm a VSG hopeful and will possibly have surgery in June. My surgeon has encouraged me to join a gym. I have extreme anxiety ....even fear....of the thought of stepping foot back into the gym setting. All of the Barbies and Kens just intimidate me. I can barely lift my leg off of the ground and Barbie is flying through it without breaking a sweat. Ken is lifting weights like he is the Hulk. I feel as though I'm the only obese person in the place.

 

There is only one gym in town and I have been a member there a few times over the past 20 years. I don't feel like I fit in and have no one to go with. The people who work at the gym do not help me learn how to exercise. I have seen the gym workers help the skinny females but ignore me or act annoyed when I ask how to use equipment. I know I need to go there, but hate the extreme anxiety and decreased self-esteem that will come when stepping in the door. I always burn out on home programs within a month or so. The only other gyms are 30+ miles away, but it might be worth the drive/gas money to find somewhere to exercise. I just wonder how to find a gym where there are normal sized people and staff who are willing to help me learn how to exercise. How do I figure this out without joining?

 

 

7 Comments

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Valentina

Gastric Sleeve Patients

Is there a "Curves" in your area?? The women that go there are more "normal". And the place and people are usually very friendly and helpful. OR is there a hotel with an indoor pool that would let you use it a couple of times a week. I know there is a couple in my area that I use. Doing simple aquatic exercises really can help and once again it is fun==and you're mostly under the water---and lighter!!

You could also ask your surgeon to write you a script for aquatic PT. Therefore, your insurance co. will pay for you to go!!! What's better than that???

losingitin2012

LAP-BAND Patients

<P>Valentina, Those are some great ideas. The nearest curves is 35 miles away. We had one here, but it closed. There is a Y that is 32 miles away that has a pool, so I will ask my surgeon about it. Just the thing about living in the country - so far away from a city, so there are limited options. Thanks again!</P>

Valentina

Gastric Sleeve Patients

<P>Valentina, Those are some great ideas. The nearest curves is 35 miles away. We had one here, but it closed. There is a Y that is 32 miles away that has a pool, so I will ask my surgeon about it. Just the thing about living in the country - so far away from a city, so there are limited options. Thanks again!</P>

I come from "country" so I know all about the driving to go where ever the "action" is! No hotels/motels near by either, right? Sometimes they will let you use their pool--sometimes for a small donation. Some Y's have an aquatic cardiac program. Find out, then ask your doctor for the script. Insurance companies will accept that easier than WLS--the dogs! :( Good luck, good health and keep us posted on your progress.

Valentina

Gastric Sleeve Patients

free is always the best, but lakes have "bitie" things in them! I wish you lived closer to me so we could become mermaids together... I'm all alone here. It's always more fun with a buddy.

Take care and good Health. Valentina :P

ElizabethObviously

Gastric Sleeve Patients

Are there any parks you could walk at? Because ANY exercise helps, even just walking.

losingitin2012

LAP-BAND Patients

Thank you for all of the help. There is a park at the lake but it is in the boondocks where there have been arrests for drugs. I could get a gun license....LOL. <BR><BR>We have 8 acres and my hubby has decided to make a trail for me. This is the safest option. :-)

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