JaGo

I hope you stay in touch with us throughout your process from the doctor's office to insurance approval to day of surgery and beyond! We were all at the point of where you are going. I have never regretted this decision.

Verna, congrats on your decision to become healthier! My surgery was Nov 2010 and shortly into my wt loss, my doctor took me off of the blood pressure meds because it became controlled. Even my knee and back pain reduced. Wt loss success is a daily CHOICE. Have patience and dont be too hard on yourself if and you fall short of your personal goals. This journey has taught me that. Im still looking to lose about 47lbs (total goal of 100lbs). You're in good company here!

Just finished the 60-mile challenge!!

3 miles and 2 days left to go!!

dk4k, Yes, you ARE a success story - I find that we must encourage OURSELVES to make it. Congrats to you too on your bandiversary!! I too am more active and fit than a year ago!!! We've all come a long way and this November challenge has been "just what the doctor ordered!" JaGo

CassieF, How are you doing post surgery and how was your surgery experience? JaGo

I had a lovely and blessed Thanksgiving with my siblings and our (very grown) children and my 86 year old mother. I ate what I wanted but in smaller portions - eating a little more than normal. But I'm still weight-loss conscious and walked 3 miles on Thanksgiving, 3 miles the day after and 3 miles this morning!!! Hey everybody, we're in the home stretch now!!! Even to those who may think they won't finish all 60 miles, you're doing an amazing feat with the miles that you're putting in!! Keep going and don't give up!! JaGo

Good morning everybody, I've slowed my walking pace as to not injure myself and still have the high expectation to reach the finish line by the 30th!! I had been doing 3 brisk miles daily (with Leslie Sansone) and it became a bit much. 2 miles is more manageable and less stress on the body. Also, today - November 22 - is my 1 year bandiversary!!! Woo-hoo!! I will continue on this journey until I reach my goal of 100lbs lost, So far I've lost 52 lbs. It would have been more but got distracted for a few months. This 60-mile challenge has given me a great boost to trek onward!! Though I've felt a difference already in my waistline, it has not registered on the scale yet. No matter, I am still encouraged and will stay motivated! JaGo

Joan, I think you may be right, I will slow it down. Thanks for the advice!! I'll let you know how it goes. I guess I was trying to be an over-achiever...not good!

Hey everybody, Question for you - how are you managing "body recovery" from practically non-stop exercise almost daily for this month? This challenge is doing wonders for me and I am so glad to participate; in 2 weeks I've lost 1lb (thought it would be more, but I guess it's coming). I'm finding deep muscle and spinal pain from the rigorous workout (with walking videos). I'm trying to get in 2-3 miles per day, but now am mixing it up to reduce the stress on my body. I may do 2 miles in the morning, then 1 mile at night. Or I might just do 1 mile period for that day to alleviate the body stress. I am very sore in the deep muscles and don't want to damage anything. I'd love to know how are you managing this? p.s. Got 2 miles in this morning and planning on another mile this evening! JaGo

Yep, this is awesome...just finished 3 miles with indoor walking with Leslie Sansone DVD!!

MizBev, I am a Believer as well and am thankful for this wonderful Lapband tool!. My surgery was Nov 22, 2010 and I don't regret it at all. It's been a wonderful, yet disciplining journey. This is a lifetime change. Stay positive and on track and keep in touch with your health providers when you run into snags. Your feelings are quite normal, I went through the same roller coaster of emotion as I near my surgery date. You will be fine. Let's keep in touch!! I have just prayed for your courage and strength and that the Lord would be with you. AMEN!!! You are in good hands. JaGo

Just completed 2 miles this morning with "Walk Away The Pounds." Boy, my butt is really feeling it now!

Got in 3 Really Big Miles at 6:45a today!! I think the stamina level is getting better!!!

Amanda, Today, I walked outside for about a mile, realizing I'd have to get in another mile before day's end. I stopped by Target and bought Leslie Sansone's Walk Away the Pounds Ultimate Colllection ($12.99) with 4 complete workouts on one DVD. It includes: 1 mile get up and get started 2 mile brisk walk 3 mile advanced walk 4 mile super challenge It also included a stretch band strip (I suppose for the later workouts). I got my other mile in with the DVD. I couldn't believe how great it was! I thought it would be boring, but not only was it not boring, but the time went by so fast. The 1 mile walk only lasted 15 mins. It seems to take me over 20 mins on the treadmill or when outside. I guess her pace maximizes the time better. It also includes a warm up and warm down which I'm guilty of not doing. Because my time and energy level is so limited, these may be the perfect solution for me! So 7:30p this evening, I got my second mile in - thanks to Leslie Sansone!! Thanks to you too Amanda!! This challenge is just what I needed!!! JaGo

dk4k, I know you're right about the stretching first - I haven't been doing that. My time is so limited, I just dive right into the walk, so I suppose I'm not doing my muscles good. I will change that. Thanks!! JaGo

So far I've been walking daily - mostly on the treadmill. By doing about 2 miles a day that seems more manageable for me. However, I am beginning to tack on a few blocks over my daily goal so that I've got time in in case I missed a day. It seems that I don't really have the time or energy to do more than 2 miles on a daily basis. However, if I were outdoors walking maybe just 2-3 times a week, I could do 5 miles. Right now, I am very sore and tuckered out during the day; so it's nightly hot baths to relieve the soreness (which I hope will subside soon). This is an amazing challenge (and so far tough for me).

Amanda and everyone, I look forward to this challenge!! What are some of your favorite indoor workouts? I have a treadmill and small space to work indoors but want to mix it up.

Amanda, I'd love to join the November challenge. Can you post me as to what to do? This might be just the jumpstart I need.

I just saw this and though it's almost over, I'm going to start on Oct 20 for 31 days! Great idea!! What a motivator to get off the couch!!!

MommaB, Any update on your progress and journey? Are you closer to a surgery date yet? JaGo

I turned 60 years old on July 3. My surgery was Nov 22, 2010. As others have shared, it's good to connect with those in this age range. My surgery was successful with no complaints. After 5 fills now, I am beginning to feel significant restriction. I need to get back to exercising and I know the weight will come off even faster. I do not regret one bit my choice and am happy to be feeling much healthier!!! No more high blood pressure, my knees feel better as well as my lower back!!!

The advice the above two individual suggested is good advice. By all means, don't panic and try not to think about gastric bypass, give the band a chance to help you. You've done the right thing, now let it work for you as you do what you need to do. Going back to the doctor will help get you back on track. If you don't feel comfortable telling people about your surgery, then don't tell them - the results will show up soon enough (and you still don't have to tell them if you don't want to)!!

Jenn, I see myself in you - a couple of months ago, the scale wouldn't budge for me either and it does tend to make you feel as you've described. As I looked at your progress, I found it to be amazing!! You ARE doing so well, sometimes we just need to tweak what we've been doing. My last fill has been doing the trick. At first I thought I was too tight because I couldn't keep anything down. But soon learned that I since being tighter, I had to readjust how I was eating and eat much slower and chew much longer. Until I learned this (after upchucking for 2 weeks), I was miserable. You're doing great and have come so far. You are to be congratulated - keep up the good work - despite what the scale says. You probably just needed a little encouragement to hang in there. Let me know how things are after your fill. But remember, take it easy and you may have to chew longer with the new fill. Lastly, you are correct in saying that this journey is not easy, but it is doable and WE CAN DO IT - we just need some support every now and then - we can thank God for this forum!!! Jago

This question and initial response was very helpful to me because I too feel the need for counseling. Focusing on losing the weight is one thing, how you feel about yourself and the excess weight is quite another. Sometimes it's much bigger than how we approach food and staying on a healthy eating plan. Sometimes we also need a healthy mind plan. Getting to the root of our "addiction" would be a well-rounded plan. I thought that I needed to find someone versed in WLS patients, but you are right, they don't have to specialize in that - they may only need to hone in on what's "eating" you. I will start my search there!! Thanks to the both of you!!