Fitness & Exercise

is there anyone who belly dances??? i have heard it is relly good for you so my older girls and i are going to learn how. my question is if you do does your port and band ever get sore??

Actually I'm fibbing. I also walk 30 mins a day at lunch and on Sundays, I cycle for an hour with my DH. I just keep reading that to be successful in losing all your excess weight, you need to exercise and exercise a LOT. Now I leave for work at 6.30am and don't get home until 6pm. I then cook, clean, spend time with my toddler and my teenager, then study for university from 8.30pm to 10.30pm. I withdrew from uni this semester because I wanted to concentrate on getting my fitness up, but I'm mindful of the fact that I need to fit my exercise into my schedule of work and uni next year, so have been doing 25km on my bike (takes me about 30 mins) Tues and Thurs. More …

I was wondering how long it took you to lose your weight? I have about 90 pounds totaly to lose to be at 130 (goal weight)...I work out 4 days a week with cardio and weights. I was wonder what kind of expectations to have when I get banded. I do have PCOS, and became overweight the past 6 years ...and I am finally ready to have my old self back! I am starting out pre-band at 215 and want to get back to 130....Any advise would be helpful! Shauna

I am about 3 weeks post op and I want to know how long did you wait to use the elliptical machine after you had surgery. My nurse said 2 weeks post op is ok and my surgeon told me to wait a little longer. He said to just use the treadmill for now.

Has anyone used the Slendertone EMS belt to reduce their ABS/STOMACH/WAIST? Is it safe for lap band users? For those who do not know what EMS is (as I didn't when I first was introduced to the concept) it is a exercise system approved by the FDA that uses electronic pulses to contract musles which in turn helps you to reduce inches. I havn't tried it yet as I am a little wary since the belt goes right across my stomach.

I think it is the coolest thing. LOL check it out. <A href="http://ellen.warnerbros.com/2008/01/hawaii_chair.php" target=_blank>http://ellen.warnerbros.com/2008/01/hawaii_chair.php

I have been training for 4 months. I finally with the help of my trainer did the grouse grind in vcr bc. I took 1:45 min, thought I would die, but like child birth, am going to try again nextweek. I am really lucky to have a personal trainer (2xweek) and go on my own 4 days a week. Grouse is a 35% grade, 2.9 km up the moutain. also nsv, I went dancing that night, a people that have not seen me since my surgery, did not know me. I feel great!

Hi All. I am an exercise physiologist that has been asked to begin a post Lap Band group exercise program in my city. The first Lap Band surgeries are underway at the new clinic in town. I am looking for feedback from recipients for a few different things....first, what type of programs have you been involved in and what did you like/dislike about them? What were the biggest obstacles to participation or continued involvement? And finally, does anyone know of any quality GROUP exercise programs being run around the country? Thanks in advance! The Exercise Guy.

My wife and I are going on a cruise in October and we've scheduled a couples massage for one of the days at sea. We've done it before and always look forward to it, since it is so relaxing. Now that I have the band, is there anything I have to worry about or should I just tell the masseuse to avoid the spot where the port is located?

Hey everyone, I am curious if there is anyone who has been banded, and ever competed in a figure or fitness competition after their banding? I used to about 6 years ago, until I started gaining weight from a medical condition, and someday would love to get back there again. I was just wondering if anyone has ventured here after a procedure like thing, and whether their port is a problem. Thanks

Hi Everyone. I am training for The 3 Day Walk. So this weekend I probably logged over 20 miles (10 yesterday), and I weighed 5 pounds MORE this morning than on Friday!!! What? I have been completely ON PROGRAM, and I just don't understand. Anyone else go through this? Could I be retaining water? I don't know, I didn't eat 20,000 calories this weekend :wink2:

Just wanted to let everybody know that Water aerobics is a great way to exercise all the time, but especially when you are losing. I have been doing it pre and post surgery, and I love it! I've lost 75 pounds since surgery and have been dedicated to water aerobics, making it my only exercise beyond walking. I have given myself a "zero tolerance policy" in that I am absolutely committed to going to my class...no excuses. It has paid off and helps me from getting too hungry, as well as giving me a great emotional boost. I also don't have that dreaded hanging skin that I have worried about. The beauty of water is that you are so much lighter in the water and it doesn'…

Just got banded one week ago yesterday ... I have been training for the Disneyland 1/2 marathon that takes place two weeks from tomorrow ... even though there will be Water stops along the way, any thoughts on using my camelback? ... I'm nervous about the sucking/air problems ... I've finished two 1/2 marathons before :mad2:, but not right after a surgery :confused2:... Thanks, Julie

After several months of LOTS of cardio workouts, I decided that strength training was LONG overdue. I know that you get sore afterwards, I was an athlete in high school and still remember what the first few weeks of conditioning felt like, but I swear it felt like something was TEARING in my stomach close to my port the next day. I imagine that it's because there's something in there now, literally poking at a very sore muscle, but now I'm worried. It got me thinking - SHOULD we be doing lots of crunches? I mean, if you build those muscles up, where's the port going to go? Would it make it more noticable? I know exactly how retarded that sounds, lol, especially coming …

Help! I have stopped exercising and am a blob. I'm not gaining, but I'm not losing either and I know it's because of lack of exercise. My hours changed and I haven't adjusted to it yet and I come home in BLAH mood - I just want to sleep! How can I break the cycle? It's like the devil and the angel on my shoulders. One is yelling at me "get off your fat butt" and the other is saying "Sonic is open...it's quick, easy...you know you want it." How do you stay motivated, and what do you tell yourself to get up off your rear? And does that work long-term?

Well here it is.. over a year and half for me and I am stuck... watch what your eating.... don't buy any new clothes now... excersise... if you feel full don't eat.... more saline... less saline... I did this mostly for my health, thinking a great side benefit of looking good!! I am disappointed and tired of my self. I see flab and all over me and I just want to cry and hide. To boot NO one that I know other then my one friend has even mentioned the difference in my apperance with the 60lbs I have lost. How has it been for you?:wink2:

Hi all; I have never had a waist even when I was thin. I am like a tube. And now I am a smaller tube than 41 pounds ago. When I weighed 135, I still didn't have a waist. My measurements are the same all the way down my body- no kidding. I would love to have some kind of waist during my lifetime. I am now doing ab exercises- I use a DVD from The Firm (25 minutes- hard!) and use the Ab weight machine at the YMCA. Question- will this work over time? Will I lose inches just in my waist so I have some kind of dent in the middle of my body? I am a dedicated exerciser and usually do 5 days hard and 2 days easy- jogging and walking and pushups. I am planning on doing …

I have never been able to find a comfortable enough bicycle seat to ride a bike so I sold all our bikes. Is there a recommendation on a bike with a comfortable seat or a comfortable seat sold separately. It needs to be wide to accomodate my wide behind.

Does anyone go to Jazzercise? If so and you are already banded how long did you have to wait to go back to Jazzercise? I love going and it is going to be hard not to go for 4wks or more.

Ok, So my weightloss has begun and I think it might have something to do with the excessive exercising I have been doing. When I say excessive I just mean I went from holding the couch cushins down to hard work outs 1 hour plus every day. I really want to find out where and when I am burning the calories and where I could do a little better. I have never really watched the biggest loser but I was told the BodyBugg was on that show and thats how the craze started. My questions are: Is there a comparable product to the bugg for less money? Do you HAVE to have a subscription with it or can you upload data without it Is it worth the 250? What features would you …

I plan to get back into it soon. If not before the band, then as soon as I can pick up that kind of exercise after the surgery. I did it last year before starting my night job and LOVED it. It made me feel great and I had tremendous success. Unlike other exercise, I didn't feel like I had to FORCE myself to do it - I actually enjoyed it. And I liked being able to do a 15-min workout if I didn't have much time. In a month of doing it, I lost 22 inches all over my body (the nutritionist at the Dr's office was impressed with that). I'll attach links to my before and after pics (I don't want them imbedded in this post and have to see that everytime I open this thing). …

Today I have celebrated my first exercise NSV. I have had to ride the bike before the surgery due to pain in my knees, back, and feet. After a class at the gym, I decided to get on a treadmill. I only did 15 minutes, but 5 minutes of it was jogging at 4.5 mph...the other 10 minutes I walked at 3.5 mph or more. I think I might want to become a jogger/runner...I think that will be a new goal...not weight related, but exercise related. Holy crap, did I just say that?

Hey guys, So like a lot of y'all I've been hitting the gym super hard since having the surgery back at the end of feb. I have gradually worked into things and have dropped about 80 pounds in the process. One thing I had always stayed away from is running. Mostly because i was afraid that at my weight and fitness level, I wouldn't be able to withstand the high impact. I've recently come around to it though and the last 2 or 3 weeks Ive been doing maybe 3-6 miles a day on the treadmill and really enjoying it! I started out in some old running shoes though, and after a while i started to feel pain in my forefoot. It used to be only when I was running, but now I feel…

We all know it, those of us who run. We KNOW that we wouldnt get the same results from walking. Walking is great exercise, a healthy habit and we have to walk before we can run. But we all KNOW that we'd never get as fit from walking. Here's a little article I found trying to calculate the calories from this morning's run How Many Calories Are You Really Burning? Its all the up/down motion of running as well as the straight ahead motion that makes it the bigger calorie burner - primarily becuase you need more oxygen to run than walk. Which is why our cardiovascular systems are much stronger than they would be from just walking. Its also why my knee is farked aft…

A WOMAN'S WEEK AT THE GYM This is dedicated to everyone who ever attempted to get into a regular workout routine. Dear Diary, For my birthday this year, my daughter (the dear) purchased a week of personal training at the local health club for me.Although I am still in great shape since being a high school football cheerleader 43 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try. I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Belinda, who identified herself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear. My daughter seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started! The clu…

Last Monday my husband bought bikes for both of us to ride with my daughter, who already has a bike. We had riden together everyday with the exception of last night. He and my daughter rode our usual route and I told him that I wanted to just ride up and down the street to practice turning and braking...even though I have been riding for a week it has been approximately 20 years since I had riden a bike. I was riding up and down the street and then heard "d**n look at that fata** on the bike" from a group of pre-teens sitting on their own bikes on across street. I was angry, very angry...a few minutes later my husband and daughter came around the corner and he instant…

soooooooooooooo~~ starting the thread...let the challenge begin - i'm working out 2 days a wk with trainer ^ 1 day conditioning with baylor ftball players *yeah they're cute...LOL* got a cardio goal in my head ; love whosya & ceradad for setting the bar~~ cheeers to all who join!!!

Swim: Bike: Run: FINISH!!!!

I'd like to start out exercising, but I don't know how to go about doing it. Like for how long? How often? I have a treadmill, so I'd really like to use that, but I end up getting tired pretty easy. How did you guys start out?

I just exercised for the first time in one year! Hi all, I knew this would be the right place to come and let everyone know I was about to log on to LBT chat and saw it was 4o'clock and that 'Namaste Yoga' was coming on FitTV. I am pre-surgery and at my highest weight and lowest self-esteem ever. I haven't wanted to exercise until after surgery because my legs (knees, ankles) hurt so bad even when I go up and down stairs. Well, I decided to wait to log-on to the chat and just go for it, I did Yoga a few years ago my freshman year in college and loved it. I went and did it. It was hard and painful for me but I did the full half-hour with little mini streches I remembered …

I competed in the NJ State Triathlon this morning, and I met most of my goals, except my stretch goal of breaking 1:30 and breaking 30m on the run. Here was the breakdown: Swim: 11:12 T1: 3:55 B: 41:01 T2: 2:56 R: 31:52 Total: 1:30.55 Overall I was very happy. I surprised myself with the swim, considering I had two swim train sessions in the last 6 months. The bike I was actually happy while riding, thinking how much fun I was having, and trying to save a little for the run. My overall speed of 16.8mph I was fairly disappointed in as I thought I was doing better. The run was a gut it out and go. I had run as "fast" as 28:30 while run training in isolation, bu…

I have some friends that have found success with B 12 injects and I was wondering if I could you it as well after getting my band. Also, has anyone purchase them and inject them yourself? If so, where did you get it from and how much do you inject yourself with? Any info would be greatly appreciated!! :biggrin:

I have a question about eating properly and the correct amounts of food to fuel your body to intense workouts. I know if I dont have a balanced meal of carbs to Proteins to fat before my workout I hit lactic thrush, or my glycogen bottoms out and I get severely sick and light headed. When you have the lap band, you can't eat enough food before a workout so your fueled properly, how do you get around this? I used to compete in fitness competitions and I plan on doing my 1st on in 6 years next year...I am scared that I won't be able to eat properly or enough food to sustain my workouts. Any advise?? Thanks

Hello All, I had my surgery 2 weeks ago this Thursday. I have a membership at Lifetime Fitness and was thinking about going this afternoon and doing the elipitcal and treadmill. Does anyone know if it is ok or if it is too soon? Thank you! Waynette

I was curious...I am 28 yrs 5'5 and 215 old and have been athletic my whole life. I am over weight by about 80 pounds but still have really good muscle definition. I have had one child via c-section with minimal stretch marks...I am worried about possible saggy skin...My legs are really tight and muscular, I am not a flabby person, but I am curious if anyone who works out with cardio and weights 4-5 days a week like me has been banded and is tone and muscular with no saggy skin. My stomach is what I really worry about...I dont have rolls standing just sitting... Any advise?

Okay...I've been reading the posts on this site in hopes of finding others who are struggling with exercise, but instead I seem to keep reading about what perfect athletes you already are. I want to hear about how so many of you went from morbidly obeste to 'marathon runners' etc. What was your exercise journey like from surgery date to marathon man (woman)? Who esle is feeling a bit overwhelmed to start a strenuous exercise program?

Hi, someone told me about maybe a sheepskin cover for my bikeseat?? Im looking for something that will not hurt my bottom so much, I also need links to places to find it if you can. ill take any ideas you all have thanks.

Hello, I am researching getting banded and I have started the process for the appropval...I have a few questions about expectations. I work out avidly 4-5 times a week, and I was curious what I can expect in weight loss and how quickly when I get banded? I have about 85-90 pounds to lose,and I am currently at 37% BMI and have other health conditions. What kind of success did you have, and how long has it taken you? I would love any feedback. thanks Shauna:thumbup:

I am not sure if we are supposed to post this...so if not I am sorry But, allot of us are just starting out biking and working out. Buying the correct gear can get pretty expensive. So, I was putting things away today, and noticed I had 2 pairs of bike shorts that I bought last season and a bike shirt from last season. They are in great shape. 1 pair of padded bike shorts are from Junonia and are a size 4x. I wore these when I was still in 300's and high 280's.... I also have a 4x jersey The other shorts are from Aerotech and are gel pads. they are a 3 x. If you are interested in purchasing these and seeing pictures of them, PM me, or email me. :biggrin:

hi i got banded on july 14th i was wondering when would it b a good time to start bike riding i dont plan on doing it right away of course but i was wondering if anybody has some advice thanks!!!

Anyone using one of these for running? I stayed away from the ipod one because i dont like ipods. But the new one seems way nice. Mixed reviews online. Only 59.99 though! go to nikeplus.com to check it out. Also how do you put the sensor in your shoe if its not a nike one? Just put it on the laces somehow?

DESK PILATES… Desk Pilates: Complete Workout Exercise without leaving your desk. Pilate’s instructor Eleanor Gomez demonstrates a simple workout that will help prevent repetitive strain injury, strengthen your spine, and make sitting, working, and playing more comfortable. Just copy and paste: www.bnet.com/2422-13950_23-187243.html Disclaimer: Of course, I wouldn’t recommend doing this if you have a lot of people around you and no office door. I don’t want you getting fired because of Pilates!

I asked this question in the couch to 5K and didn't get an answer so please let me know what your experience with exercise was post surgery. I don't want to jump the gun and hurt myself but I also don't want to stay at the fitness level I am any longer. How long before you began to jog/run if you did this prior to banding, after surgery? I'm currently walking hills with my son in a jogging stroller. I get my heart rate up and I do sweat, I just don't feel its enough. I am itching to start jogging. 2 weeks after surgery (almost 3) and I don't feel any pain anymore at incision or port sight. Do you feel this is too soon? Very interested in other's experiences. Tha…

I started my lapband journey in Dec 2007 and have lost close to 80 pounds. I am a male that weighed 284 and this morning I am back around 215 with what feels like no fill. Anyway my latest discovery is that I am not losing the weight around the belly at the same speed that I am losing weight/muscles elsewhere. It never dawned on me that I could still have flab around the belly after hitting my goal weight. My point is that if I continue to lose weight and get a flat belly I will have no arms or legs. Lol My wife who is in much better shape has started using P90X which is a 90 day fitness program. Those night owls out there have surely seen the info commercials that ru…

Hey banders, I am looking for books that have exercises that will be good for helping gain tone after getting the band. I got my approval this weekend and would like to get a book and start some o fthe exercises before I even get the band so that I will be ready. I really don't want to just know that I will have to get a tummy tuck if I can help by doing some simple exercises instead. Any suggestions of titles will be greatly appreiciated. Thanks,

Hi Everyone, I am going to be training the Houston half marathon being held in January. My concern as a lap bander is nutrition. I can't eat lots of carbs (rice/pasta/bread etc due to it not wanting to go down), or even a lot of calories, especially in the mornings to fuel up for training. Even meat I can't eat a lot of..... So what have some of you done? Also, any training advice? I am working with an organized training group for my group runs on Saturdays. About 10 years ago, I use to run 3 miles a day, every single day. I've tried off on on during the years to get back into the running habit, but I haven't succeeded for any length of time, which is part of the …

I want to track how many miles i ride my bike. Is their some sort of counter or something i can buy and put on my bike to do this?? thanks, i so want to buy one if their is.

One article I read said not to exercise on an empty stomach, to have something to eat before. The lady at GNC said not to have a Protein Drink until After exercise ( saying that if I drink first, the body will be working on digesting and burning off those calories rather than working my body....). Advice, please. WHEN do I have a Protein drink??:thumbs_up:

My husband and I are currently looking into purchasing a couple of bikes. I currently weigh 359 and he is 313. We are needing to purchase sturdy bikes for obvisious reasons but do not want to go broke doing it. Any suggestions would be helpful and very appreciated. Thank you, Amy

I am in desperate need of a sports bra, a good one with great support. I am a 36F and have had great difficulty trying to find one that ftis and supports me, so I can run without knocking myself out, or looking like some b-rated movie, jogging scene.