Ashbeaux

Hi Everyone,

I can not take credit for what I am posting. I have stepped up my exercise program and I am now walking 4 to 5 miles a day and I am walking 7 days a week. I NEVER walked this many days or this far when I was losting weight. I have been reading a lot of information on line and found this article to be very encouraging. Listed below is the Web Site that I got this information.

Hugs,
Suzanne

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http://www.the-fitne...of-walking.html

Improve Your Body and Mind With the Benefits of Walking

There are so many benefits of walking. As with any type of exercise, you can expect to experience:
* lower blood pressure
* increased energy
* ability to fall asleep quicker
* overall improved stamina In addition, there are more exciting benefits to share with you!

Benefits Of Walking

As promised, here are the health benefits that have been directly linked to fitness walking.

Live Longer. Yes, you read that correctly! A recent article published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), found that how fast you walk is related to your life expectancy. The researchers found that The those who walk about 2.25 miles per hour faster lived longer than those in their same sex and age category who walked slower.

Keep in mind this doesn't mean you will live longer if you start walking faster, warns researcher Dr. Stephanie Studenski. Instead, Dr. Studenski advises that you handle any medical issues that may be slowing you down, such as heart conditions or obesity. For more details on this incredible study, visit EmpowerHer.

Increase your resting metabolic rate. This helps to burn off extra calories and keep them off permanently. Fitness walking revs up your metabolism and you will burn more calories all the time, whether you are sleeping or watching TV!

Because it is considered a low to moderate impact activity, fitness walking is easy on your joints and bones and doesn’t cause injuries as often as high impact sports like running. Prevent or control coronary heart disease, some cancers, and diabetes. There have been many studies that have shown that walking can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, breast cancer and diabetes.

Improve your moods and reduce anxiety. A psychology professor at California State University, Long Beach studied individuals over a 20-day period and found that the more they walked, the higher they rated their overall mood, happiness and self-esteem. Other studies have found that exercise can help by reducing the symptoms of major depression.

Reduce the risk of memory loss and brain deterioration. In 2001, researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, found that women in their seventies who walked at least one mile a day were less likely to lose their cognitive abilities than women who walked only a half a mile a week.

In 2007, researchers from the University of Illinois found that exercise, such as brisk walking, reversed brain shrinkage and increased brain volume in older adults, ages 60-79.

Slows the physical signs of aging. Exercise is vital to keeping your body feeling younger. It can strengthen your bones and improve your circulation. Keeping your body in good physical condition makes you look and feel younger. If you would like more anti-aging tips, please visit Effective Antiaging Tipsfor more in-depth information.

Boost Brain Blood Flow. The Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital's Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine in Dallas found that women age 60 and older who walked briskly three or four times a week improved blood flow to the brain by 15 percent in just three months.

Improved blood flow to the brain increases oxygen, glucose and other nutrients that are important for the brains' health.

You can read more about this research and the benefits of walking on the brain at UPI.

Believe it or not, fitness walking can also strengthen your wallet and improve the environment! Here you can read more about these amazing benefits of fitness walking.

Wow! Are you inspired yet by the array of benefits of walking? Walking can help to improve your life in so many ways.

It is easy to see why fitness walking is the perfect exercise! You may begin to experience some of the emotional and health benefits of fitness walking during your very first walk. So, let’s get started!

Good luck Ash!!! I hope it all works out well this time!

I have been dreaming about weight-loss surgery for years. I talked to my Mom about it over Christmas break to talk about the sleeve option and I was really excited about it. My insurance doesn't cover WLS so I thought I was probably going to have to wait until I was done with school and worked a job that would hopefully have an insurance plan that did cover it. Long story short my dear Grandpa decided to help with financing my surgery. A few months later I was scheduled and began long-distance correspondence with my surgeon's office. I flew from Montana to Houston on 5/6/12 and I was sleeved on 5/9/12 by Dr. Yu of Texas Laparoscopic Consultants (http://www.tlcsurgery.com/). I am 3 days into the pureed food stage and actually find myself having to set reminders to eat because I'm just not hungry! I hope this is the beginning of a new healthier me and I'm excited for the journey. Hope to learn some things from this site and also make some friendships.

Hi everybody, my surgery is scheduled for May 23rd., in Houston, TX by Dr. Yu. I was originally set for April 11th. but after I arrived and got prepped for surgery I found out I had a UTI that I had no symptoms of so I had to go home, take antibiotics, and reschedule. At the time I was devasted and felt like maybe it wasn't meant to happen, but now I'm ready to go again. I get the pleasure of doing the 2 week liquid pre-op diet all over again... YAY! The first 4-5 days were the worst but after that it was pretty easy. Good luck to everybody else and update!

My surgery went so good, I almost felt guilty. I was nauseous for about a day and a half, then never again. I was walking a mile then two within a couple days of surgery. If I overdid it, then I took a pain pill and a nap. But pain pill usage was very minimal. Don't hurry through your food stages and enjoy the ride. I'm 8 weeks post op and have lost almost half of my excess weight!
Good luck!!

Thanks and good luck!

Hello! My name is Samantha and I'm 23 years old. I'm currenlty living in New Orleans, La and I'm a full time bar tender. I was sleeved just 8 short days ago. So far I'm feeling amazing.
I had my sleeve done by Dr. David Treen at West Jefferson Hospital in Marrero, La on Monday April 30th at 7:30 am. It was a pretty easy time for me all and all. He said the surgery went perfect and there was nothing to worry about. I went to my mothers house after a one night hospital stay. I took my last dose of pain medication on Tuesday May 1st at 8:30pm. So far I haven't had any real pain to speak of.
I guess that I'm posting this to inruduce myself. When I started my jounrey I joined another forum, that I love, but have found that there is not many sleevers on there. I came here in hopes to find some of the answers me and the other sleevers are looking for.
I hope to be a strong part of this forum and that I get to make lots of new friends a long the way.
-Sammie

Hi everybody, my surgery is scheduled for May 23rd., in Houston, TX by Dr. Yu. I was originally set for April 11th. but after I arrived and got prepped for surgery I found out I had a UTI that I had no symptoms of so I had to go home, take antibiotics, and reschedule. At the time I was devasted and felt like maybe it wasn't meant to happen, but now I'm ready to go again. I get the pleasure of doing the 2 week liquid pre-op diet all over again... YAY! The first 4-5 days were the worst but after that it was pretty easy. Good luck to everybody else and update!

I hear ya! At first it was really hard to cook tasty things for son and husband. But once the weight started coming off I realized I'd rather not eat the same things as my family than not be able to enjoy family adventures because of my weight. What I also did is buy a pretty tablecloth, a pretty vase and pretty wine glasses. Then I drink my protein drink out of a nice glass and sit with my family at a beautiful table and make chit chat. You will survive this. Good luck!

Hi everyone! I went to the WLS seminar at Emerson Hospital in Concord, MA over a year ago, and something rubbed me the wrong way about the surgeon. I just didn't feel like it was right for me. He made a comment about how only 2% of obese people can lose the weight and keep it off. So I said forget, let me prove him wrong. I went out and bought an incline trainer and joined Weight Watchers (for the 3rd time) well a year later I was the same weight I was when I went to that first seminar! I work at Emerson Hospital so I had heard how they are no longer affiliated with that Surgeon (that I didn't care for), and that the WLS program was partnering up with Mass General. So I decided to go to another seminar and see if I felt any differently. The Surgeon started talking about the sleeve (which was not an option with the other Surgeon) I was suddenly excited and I knew this is what I wanted. I never wanted the lapband, but was scared of gastric bypass. I think I just knew instantly this was right for me. I made an appt that night for 1/16 and from there my journey started. I have a date for May16th for Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy at Mass General Hospital and my Surgeon is Dr. Ozanan Meireles.
I look forward to sharing my journey with you, and building friendships!

I feel amazing today! I am 3 weeks postop today and am down 35 lbs. from my highest weight (287), 21 since surgery day (273). I had a stall of sorts for almost a week but the scale is moving again now (252). My incisions are completely healed and really feel like I never had surgery, except for the lack of hunger and the tiny amounts I can eat I am still on purees for another week and am doing great - everything has really gone down quite well, I just get full really fast. I am getting in liquids just fine and still struggling to get enough calories and Protein, but working on it every day. I've been hitting the gym since last week and doing just cardio for now - elliptical and treadmill. I am still able to wear most of the same clothes I started in (mostly size 20) but they are getting really baggy and feel way different and TODAY I put on a top (size 14/16!!) I bought quite a while back to "shrink into" and it fits! It is just a stretchy knit top and isn't super loose but with my shapewear (ha!) I feel comfortable and confident in it and that hasn't happened to me for AGES! I am by no means in a 14/16 in pants (I think I am solidly in an 18 now) but I will take what I can get, considering I am only a fraction of the way to my goal weight
I think this is just one of many wonderful days to come and I just cannot say how happy I am that I took this huge step for myself and my family - I would recommend the sleeve to anyone contemplating WLS!

Well, I am on my full pre-op diet now. I sort of eased into it before I had to be on it. I did have a grilled steak this past week and last night I had some Pasta, but now, I have gone full tilt on the liquid. I truly don't have to start it until April 11, but to be honest, I am afraid that if I don't start today, I will "fall off" and not do what I am supposed to do. So, I opted to make today, Monday, a clean break of all the old past and move on with the new.
It was good read other's posts about the pre-op diet phase. I think I will get some sugar free candy and some sugar free gum in different flavors just to have that boost if I feel like I am going to stray. So far I have had a Protein Shake and now I am "enjoying" a cup of hot chicken broth. I was getting too hungry and feeling sick to my stomach.
One week from today I will be in surgery and truly on my way to a new life. My congrats to all those that have been sleeved so far this month and my very best wishes to all those getting sleeved this week.

Hi All--
I was sleeved in Buffalo, NY with Dr. Posner on April 3rd.
Surgery went very smoothly and I was home the following evening (the 4th). Had some pain from the 'pumped in gas' from surgery (shoulders and chest) but that subsided more and more the past couple days. They found I had a hiatal hernia and fixed that at the same time as surgery (got a two-fer..lol).
Today I'm kind of wiped out as I had my first post-surgical visit and my drain removed...glad it's out but wow, that was intense for me. Many people have told me it was not a problem for them at all but it was almost passing-out kind of pain for me. I'd recommend taking a lortab before if you're having this done just in case.
Still on liquids for another week, then moving into purees, then softs a week later. Looking forward to some texture...they explained to me that the reason I"ve been hungry is that liquid just moves through quicker than solids (makes sense to me).
Happy to have our group of 'aprils'...nice to know that there are other people in our same shoes out there...we can do this.
Amy

This happens to everyone. I know it is hard to see past a stall, but it will happen. What is going on is you are losing fat, and your body is replacing it with water and the exercise is creating new muscle, which we all know weighs more than fat. You need to measure your body with a tape measure and record that...I am willing to bet that although the scale isnt moving.....the inches are still coming off. Keep your spirits up.....it will start to move again!

Today I have enough energy to hang out with family and friends outside all day long. I am now able to eat a little bit of cottage cheese, a little bit of yogurt, plenty of Water and even a small sliver of cheeseburger patty. I'm down a total of 25 lbs today (including that which i lost during the pre op diet).
I can actually say that I feel pretty good about my decision to get surgery.
Cynthia

I'm five days post-op and my skin looks amazeballs!!!!

Had my VSG surgery on 3/22 at Scripps Green hospital in La Jolla. I was up and walking (slowly) within 3 hours of getting to my room. Of course the initial pain was there, but I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly I improved. I was not allowed to drink anything until the noon the next day and after that I struggled to get 3 oz of chicken broth down. Once they removed the catheter (fun) I was able to get out of bed and walk without the nurse. I was released to go home later in the evening, 36 hours after my surgery began. All in all, it was much easier than I anticipated.
I struggled a bit with getting the whole sipping thing down, but like the surgery, each day it has gotten easier. That being said, I'm sure getting tired of broth!

If you can weigh yourself monthly, you'll be MUCH happier, trust me. In the beginning, when the big changes occur, you'll be even happier because you'll see even more weight dropping.
And when you get further along on your weight loss journey, you'll also be happier because you won't drive yourself bonkers over normal little weight fluctuations.
That being said, most sleevers are glued to the scale at the beginning, with some even weighing themselves daily, and beating themselves up for "not losing a pound yesterday." That's just crazy, in my opinion.

Ya know... You guys have become such a big part of my life and I anxiously await updates on so many of you that I feel like you've become this special little family I've chosen to be a part of.
I'm bursting at the seems to share something that makes me feel so alive and really confirms in my mind just how far I've come since VSG 12/5/11.
In the year and a half prior to surgery I had no interest in sex. AT ALL. The very thought of it made me want to crawl under a table and die. There was no drive or desire for it, I felt fat, ugly- definitely not sexy!
The last month of my life since I started seeing who I will refer to as Mr. Motorcycle and I feel alive. I've known him four years, and there has always been a flirty thing between us... But when we met I was actually dating his friend- then he was in a relationship, and we have just been friends supporting each other through lifes ups and downs. In the last month though I feel beautiful, sexy, desired, and comfortable with who I am and the changes I am going through, and comfortable with him being a part of my life during this amazing journey. I swore when I started all this I was going to stay single and work exclusively on me until I was done getting where I want to be. But he just fits into my life right now.... Maybe it wont be forever or anything but right now he's the perfect fit.
So.... last night... I don't know if it's because it has been two years for me or because of him, or because of my body.. But WOW!
I feel so cheesy this morning... Why? Well, who here watched Breaking Dawn? That scene the morning after the honey moon where Bella is all in awe and flashing back while she washes her face? Yeah, that's been me all morning. I'm never gonna survive a day of co-workers teasing me.
And why am I sharing this with you guys? Because I'm lame and have no one else to share it with right now and I'm bursting! My best fiend is at work and I won't get to talk to her until like 6 tonight so- gotta share..... I'll prolly just end up deleting this, but...
Am I alone in this whole- I hated the thought of it and now it's better than ever?

Yes, it's amazing how much longer your arms are when you and the spouse aren't both fat We can actually touch our wrists around the other now!

OMG! Almost to 3 weeks and easing into mushies... And I had no idea that grits and eggs could be so good!! All mixed up in a bowl... And so much like real food! Maybe I'm just desperate... But it's so good!

It sure is tough not to let our nerves to hold of us, but we are all going to be GREAT!!

I start my pre-op diet on Sunday. 4 shakes per day and clear liquid for one week. I just bought a kitchen ninja pulse for my smoothies. it makes them go down easier. I also went to pier 1 and got some cute tasting dishes. they are just the right portion.

I researched the sleeve extensively before I had my surgery and also followed many of the experiences on the boards/YouTube. I was interested in how quickly the weight actually comes off and how soon changes in measurements happen after surgery. Well I now have my firsthand answer to those questions - at least for the beginning of the journey
I am 5'10". My highest weight was 287 - I lost a few pounds before my preop liquid diet and then lost 11 lbs. on my one-week liquid diet. I lost 14 lbs. the first week after surgery. My total loss from my highest weight is now 32 lbs.
I got curious about my measurements this morning and decided to just see how much they had changed in 32 lbs. In basically 2 1/2 weeks (I took measurements the day before my liquid diet started) I have lost 22 1/4 inches. That includes 3 inches off my waist, 3 inches off my hips and 2 inches off each thigh.
I haven't gone down a full size in my clothes yet but the size I started in (20, with a couple of 22's) is getting very loose and everything feels different. The best part is that these 32 lbs. (which btw is just 2 lbs. shy of my tall 3 year old!) will never be on my body to carry around and despise ever again and this is just the very beginning of all the lbs to be lost.
I LOVE MY SLEEVE!!!!!

LOL!!! This guy is full of comedy!
I do my workouts on my own every single day, 6 days per week. I workout hard too, to the point I almost want to throw up sometimes. I am able to push my body to the limits, and I don't need no one else to get me there. Let alone some crazy man telling me lies and trying to charge me a mortgage payment to do it.
Yikes. Run away fast!!
I agree with Rootman, try it on your own, you and your Husband. I think you two can work together to train. If you have to watch some DVD's and pick up on how the trainer talks to you, motivates you... then try that on each other at the gym.