Shells_Almost_There

That's an awesome goal!!! Obstacle races are a lot of fun. So is the color run. Look into that one too!!

This has been an interesting thread to read, because I have always hated running. I always loved sports, but never could run worth a darn. I don't currently aspire to run, you know, EVER, but I really want to do one of those obstacle courses with the mud and stuff. I doubt that qualifies as "running" really, but someday I will do one of those - what's that one where you jump over fire? Not. That. One. LOL
In order to get my 5k on, I do random walking events, and I even bought the event shirts last year because they finally fit me! I recently did a Turkey Trot in the pouring rain on Thanksgiving and it was fun despite the sogginess. I've set a goal for the new year to do at least 4 events in 2015 (only managed 2 in 2014), even if I'm only walking.

Perfect and what I needed to read today.
"I believe that it's the day-to-day challenges after the weight stops falling off that really makes or breaks this experience."
Yep.

It's smart to question such a huge decision, and a lot goes into deciding. Previous comments have mentioned much of what I would say, including that I waited an entire year to give myself that "last chance" to lose weight on my own. I think I ended up gaining weight in that 12 months - almost back to my highest weight ever! Looking back, I think that the gain was actually self-sabotage to finally give myself permission to have surgery...but at the time the struggle to try to win that battle was real and disheartening.
Many say to remember this surgery is a "tool" and that is correct, but also experiences post-op vary so much that we can defy the stereotypes in many ways. I was telling someone the other day that the true weight loss result from my sleeve surgery was losing exactly 40 pounds. That's it. I lost 20 during pre-op. Then I lost that very crucial 40 pounds in the first 4 months post op. After that, my "honeymoon" was over and every single change with my body since that time has been from my own effort and decision making. Yes, I have the benefits of less hunger (only a slight change, as my hunger came back at 6 months), and that helps. But I have the enormous benefit that those 60 total pounds from pre/post op made me brave enough to have another knee surgery that I had been putting off for at least 7 years, and light enough that I could get back to the gym without injury and total embarrassment about how I look. But surgery overall? A 40 pound loss. Sounds strange, right? But it was a 40 pound loss that completely changed my life!
I guess what I'm trying to say is that your experience will have all sorts of commonalities with the people on this site, but you will also have your very personal challenges and victories that are all for you. I believe that it's the day-to-day challenges after the weight stops falling off that really makes or breaks this experience. And without surgery, I know for 100% certain that I would have re-gained ALL my weight and then some by now - so there you go. I've lost 108 pounds from my highest recorded weight, finally hit 90 pounds lost since pre-op (yay!) and have about 50 to go for my first big goal. The surgical results for me personally are not what I would call "typical," but dang was it ever worth the ride!!!! And it still is -- I have this sleeve surgery to thank for everything that has happened since, and would do it over again with the same (sometimes frustrating) results in a heartbeat.
I hope this makes sense, it's the first time I've written this down in any sort of comprehensive way

It's smart to question such a huge decision, and a lot goes into deciding. Previous comments have mentioned much of what I would say, including that I waited an entire year to give myself that "last chance" to lose weight on my own. I think I ended up gaining weight in that 12 months - almost back to my highest weight ever! Looking back, I think that the gain was actually self-sabotage to finally give myself permission to have surgery...but at the time the struggle to try to win that battle was real and disheartening.
Many say to remember this surgery is a "tool" and that is correct, but also experiences post-op vary so much that we can defy the stereotypes in many ways. I was telling someone the other day that the true weight loss result from my sleeve surgery was losing exactly 40 pounds. That's it. I lost 20 during pre-op. Then I lost that very crucial 40 pounds in the first 4 months post op. After that, my "honeymoon" was over and every single change with my body since that time has been from my own effort and decision making. Yes, I have the benefits of less hunger (only a slight change, as my hunger came back at 6 months), and that helps. But I have the enormous benefit that those 60 total pounds from pre/post op made me brave enough to have another knee surgery that I had been putting off for at least 7 years, and light enough that I could get back to the gym without injury and total embarrassment about how I look. But surgery overall? A 40 pound loss. Sounds strange, right? But it was a 40 pound loss that completely changed my life!
I guess what I'm trying to say is that your experience will have all sorts of commonalities with the people on this site, but you will also have your very personal challenges and victories that are all for you. I believe that it's the day-to-day challenges after the weight stops falling off that really makes or breaks this experience. And without surgery, I know for 100% certain that I would have re-gained ALL my weight and then some by now - so there you go. I've lost 108 pounds from my highest recorded weight, finally hit 90 pounds lost since pre-op (yay!) and have about 50 to go for my first big goal. The surgical results for me personally are not what I would call "typical," but dang was it ever worth the ride!!!! And it still is -- I have this sleeve surgery to thank for everything that has happened since, and would do it over again with the same (sometimes frustrating) results in a heartbeat.
I hope this makes sense, it's the first time I've written this down in any sort of comprehensive way

This has been an interesting thread to read, because I have always hated running. I always loved sports, but never could run worth a darn. I don't currently aspire to run, you know, EVER, but I really want to do one of those obstacle courses with the mud and stuff. I doubt that qualifies as "running" really, but someday I will do one of those - what's that one where you jump over fire? Not. That. One. LOL
In order to get my 5k on, I do random walking events, and I even bought the event shirts last year because they finally fit me! I recently did a Turkey Trot in the pouring rain on Thanksgiving and it was fun despite the sogginess. I've set a goal for the new year to do at least 4 events in 2015 (only managed 2 in 2014), even if I'm only walking.

I have come to really love my gym. It's one of those 24-hour keycard places - so I just go in at 4:30 a.m. when there are few people around (and those who are there are just as crazy as me!) and just do my thing. I'm almost always the largest person there, so it took a while to get over the chip on my shoulder about the wiggle-n-jiggle, but I think no one really cares about that but me. I bought a couple of training sessions to keep my workouts fresh (and to keep them challenging!) - totally worth the money. I am a slow loser, but I am completely inspired by the way my body composition has been changing since I got serious about my workouts in August. I can't keep up with the clothing costs at this point, so I look a little "baggy" a lot of the time. Not a bad problem to have!
Other things that have really helped me: I got a Fitbit for Christmas a year ago, and it has helped me with tracking exercise and inspiring me to hit at least 10,000 steps per day. I'm still enjoying it, but I'm tempted to get a newer device (thinking Vivofit) for this year. I have also invested in nicer gym clothes, a new iPod and some wireless over-the-ear headphones. Essentially for the past year, for birthdays, holidays and other special occasions, I've asked for gift cards so that I could purchase fitness equipment and even a 1-year gym membership. It has been a really good year, and I'm looking forward to even better in 2015!

This has been an interesting thread to read, because I have always hated running. I always loved sports, but never could run worth a darn. I don't currently aspire to run, you know, EVER, but I really want to do one of those obstacle courses with the mud and stuff. I doubt that qualifies as "running" really, but someday I will do one of those - what's that one where you jump over fire? Not. That. One. LOL
In order to get my 5k on, I do random walking events, and I even bought the event shirts last year because they finally fit me! I recently did a Turkey Trot in the pouring rain on Thanksgiving and it was fun despite the sogginess. I've set a goal for the new year to do at least 4 events in 2015 (only managed 2 in 2014), even if I'm only walking.

This has been an interesting thread to read, because I have always hated running. I always loved sports, but never could run worth a darn. I don't currently aspire to run, you know, EVER, but I really want to do one of those obstacle courses with the mud and stuff. I doubt that qualifies as "running" really, but someday I will do one of those - what's that one where you jump over fire? Not. That. One. LOL
In order to get my 5k on, I do random walking events, and I even bought the event shirts last year because they finally fit me! I recently did a Turkey Trot in the pouring rain on Thanksgiving and it was fun despite the sogginess. I've set a goal for the new year to do at least 4 events in 2015 (only managed 2 in 2014), even if I'm only walking.

Wow, congrats! Awesome results and also very inspiring. I have a large overhang tummy already, and I'm still 50 to 70 pounds from my personal goal weight. I too plan to head to Mexico - thanks for sharing this!

I have come to really love my gym. It's one of those 24-hour keycard places - so I just go in at 4:30 a.m. when there are few people around (and those who are there are just as crazy as me!) and just do my thing. I'm almost always the largest person there, so it took a while to get over the chip on my shoulder about the wiggle-n-jiggle, but I think no one really cares about that but me. I bought a couple of training sessions to keep my workouts fresh (and to keep them challenging!) - totally worth the money. I am a slow loser, but I am completely inspired by the way my body composition has been changing since I got serious about my workouts in August. I can't keep up with the clothing costs at this point, so I look a little "baggy" a lot of the time. Not a bad problem to have!
Other things that have really helped me: I got a Fitbit for Christmas a year ago, and it has helped me with tracking exercise and inspiring me to hit at least 10,000 steps per day. I'm still enjoying it, but I'm tempted to get a newer device (thinking Vivofit) for this year. I have also invested in nicer gym clothes, a new iPod and some wireless over-the-ear headphones. Essentially for the past year, for birthdays, holidays and other special occasions, I've asked for gift cards so that I could purchase fitness equipment and even a 1-year gym membership. It has been a really good year, and I'm looking forward to even better in 2015!

Wow, congrats! Awesome results and also very inspiring. I have a large overhang tummy already, and I'm still 50 to 70 pounds from my personal goal weight. I too plan to head to Mexico - thanks for sharing this!

I have come to really love my gym. It's one of those 24-hour keycard places - so I just go in at 4:30 a.m. when there are few people around (and those who are there are just as crazy as me!) and just do my thing. I'm almost always the largest person there, so it took a while to get over the chip on my shoulder about the wiggle-n-jiggle, but I think no one really cares about that but me. I bought a couple of training sessions to keep my workouts fresh (and to keep them challenging!) - totally worth the money. I am a slow loser, but I am completely inspired by the way my body composition has been changing since I got serious about my workouts in August. I can't keep up with the clothing costs at this point, so I look a little "baggy" a lot of the time. Not a bad problem to have!
Other things that have really helped me: I got a Fitbit for Christmas a year ago, and it has helped me with tracking exercise and inspiring me to hit at least 10,000 steps per day. I'm still enjoying it, but I'm tempted to get a newer device (thinking Vivofit) for this year. I have also invested in nicer gym clothes, a new iPod and some wireless over-the-ear headphones. Essentially for the past year, for birthdays, holidays and other special occasions, I've asked for gift cards so that I could purchase fitness equipment and even a 1-year gym membership. It has been a really good year, and I'm looking forward to even better in 2015!

Wow, congrats! Awesome results and also very inspiring. I have a large overhang tummy already, and I'm still 50 to 70 pounds from my personal goal weight. I too plan to head to Mexico - thanks for sharing this!

I have come to really love my gym. It's one of those 24-hour keycard places - so I just go in at 4:30 a.m. when there are few people around (and those who are there are just as crazy as me!) and just do my thing. I'm almost always the largest person there, so it took a while to get over the chip on my shoulder about the wiggle-n-jiggle, but I think no one really cares about that but me. I bought a couple of training sessions to keep my workouts fresh (and to keep them challenging!) - totally worth the money. I am a slow loser, but I am completely inspired by the way my body composition has been changing since I got serious about my workouts in August. I can't keep up with the clothing costs at this point, so I look a little "baggy" a lot of the time. Not a bad problem to have!
Other things that have really helped me: I got a Fitbit for Christmas a year ago, and it has helped me with tracking exercise and inspiring me to hit at least 10,000 steps per day. I'm still enjoying it, but I'm tempted to get a newer device (thinking Vivofit) for this year. I have also invested in nicer gym clothes, a new iPod and some wireless over-the-ear headphones. Essentially for the past year, for birthdays, holidays and other special occasions, I've asked for gift cards so that I could purchase fitness equipment and even a 1-year gym membership. It has been a really good year, and I'm looking forward to even better in 2015!

This has been an interesting thread to read, because I have always hated running. I always loved sports, but never could run worth a darn. I don't currently aspire to run, you know, EVER, but I really want to do one of those obstacle courses with the mud and stuff. I doubt that qualifies as "running" really, but someday I will do one of those - what's that one where you jump over fire? Not. That. One. LOL
In order to get my 5k on, I do random walking events, and I even bought the event shirts last year because they finally fit me! I recently did a Turkey Trot in the pouring rain on Thanksgiving and it was fun despite the sogginess. I've set a goal for the new year to do at least 4 events in 2015 (only managed 2 in 2014), even if I'm only walking.

This has been an interesting thread to read, because I have always hated running. I always loved sports, but never could run worth a darn. I don't currently aspire to run, you know, EVER, but I really want to do one of those obstacle courses with the mud and stuff. I doubt that qualifies as "running" really, but someday I will do one of those - what's that one where you jump over fire? Not. That. One. LOL
In order to get my 5k on, I do random walking events, and I even bought the event shirts last year because they finally fit me! I recently did a Turkey Trot in the pouring rain on Thanksgiving and it was fun despite the sogginess. I've set a goal for the new year to do at least 4 events in 2015 (only managed 2 in 2014), even if I'm only walking.

I've never been a fan of yoga so I haven't given it much of a shot in the past. On the spur of the moment the other day I bought a yoga workout DVD - I'm hoping to get into it. Although I've lost weight and have gained strength from my regular workouts, I still don't feel like I have a lot of core strength. I'm hoping this will help!

I've never been a fan of yoga so I haven't given it much of a shot in the past. On the spur of the moment the other day I bought a yoga workout DVD - I'm hoping to get into it. Although I've lost weight and have gained strength from my regular workouts, I still don't feel like I have a lot of core strength. I'm hoping this will help!

You're getting some great advice here, all different outlooks and ideas. My tactic was to only tell a few people (in confidence) about my surgery, and that was my choice. Now, 15 months later, a very small number of people are even aware. If some of them "suspect" or want to gossip about me, that's their issue. I'm too busy trying to get healthy to worry about them.
You're under no obligation to tell anyone, including your supervisor, as people have mentioned above. But, since the weight loss will be noticeable, the backstory is important. I made a huge deal for 6 to 8 weeks before surgery about my new diet/lifestyle and working with a nutritionist. It all worked out fine. And who knows, you may end up telling people by choice later on. Some will tell you not to lie, some will help you lie (if even just by omission), but this journey is yours - so you'll end up doing what's best for you!
By the way, my surgeon's office automatically writes patients out for 4 weeks after any WL surgery, so I had to plan as if I would be out a month. I ended up taking 2 weeks (had a lot of pain initially) then worked from home for a week. When I returned to work after those 3 weeks, I was 22 pounds lighter. It wasn't super noticeable, but some did ask and I just said that my new diet seemed to be paying off finally. Good luck!

I notice it as well, and feel a bit guilty because I would probably still be eating like that if I could. What I also notice is really heavy people - I used to notice them before and wonder if their weight and physical issues were my future. Now I notice them with a lot of sympathy (which also makes me feel a little guilty!) and wish I could lead them toward this journey. It is so strange how our lives change...

sadly, i do notice/look at larger people eating huge amounts
i went out to dinner recently with my mom
she is an average/weight size
she barely took a bite of food before she shoved more food in her mouth
also the drinking Water while she eats (i used to do that too)
what is "upsetting" to me is that i ate just like other heavy people before i had WLS
so glad i had surgery
its amazing how life has changed for me
kathy

I notice it as well, and feel a bit guilty because I would probably still be eating like that if I could. What I also notice is really heavy people - I used to notice them before and wonder if their weight and physical issues were my future. Now I notice them with a lot of sympathy (which also makes me feel a little guilty!) and wish I could lead them toward this journey. It is so strange how our lives change...

I notice it as well, and feel a bit guilty because I would probably still be eating like that if I could. What I also notice is really heavy people - I used to notice them before and wonder if their weight and physical issues were my future. Now I notice them with a lot of sympathy (which also makes me feel a little guilty!) and wish I could lead them toward this journey. It is so strange how our lives change...

I notice it as well, and feel a bit guilty because I would probably still be eating like that if I could. What I also notice is really heavy people - I used to notice them before and wonder if their weight and physical issues were my future. Now I notice them with a lot of sympathy (which also makes me feel a little guilty!) and wish I could lead them toward this journey. It is so strange how our lives change...