livvsmum

I started couch to 5k at about 4 months post op. I knew I wanted to go to the gym but felt very intimidated with all of the equipment so the treadmill seemed like the least intimidating thing to me. That is how I started my journey with running. I stuck to the plan on the app to start with and have my first 5k coming up in 10 days! I'm super excited and very nervous. I plan to keep working and train for a 1/2 marathon and marathon. I agree though, running does put stress on your joints. My knees are sometimes achy after a run where I have never really had any trouble before. Nothing unmanageable, but you have to take rest days especially when you are beginning.

Thank you! I appreciate it! I am actually super self-conscious of my arms! lol. I have done nothing specific to tone them. I run which does work your arms a little, but nothing targeted. I do things like the elliptical, cycling, zumba, yoga, but again, nothing really targeted for arms. Once I hit my goal weight I want to start strength training to tone them.

Amazing! Great job!

Nope, correction.... I just looked at her website and she did, indeed, have gastric bypass.... http://imperfectlife.net/

I try to keep to 40 carbs/day and it is totally do-able. However, I would say bananas are pretty much out of the picture.... lol

Have you all seen this blog post? It hit me like a ton of bricks and definitely got me a little teary-eyed. Ok, I literally cried after reading it. I know exactly how she feels and I needed this reminder. Even though we have come so far, it is super easy to get caught up in how "ugly" the excess skin is, or how we're not at "goal" or whatever your particular hang up might be. This is awesome.....http://imperfectlife.net/ilovemyuglybody/ I know I personally don't think enough about the awesome gifts my new body has given me, including better chances at a longer, healthier life. As far as I know this person didn't have surgery, but no matter how you lose large amounts of weight, you still face the same issues. Please, please read this blog post if you are getting discouraged or just need a little perspective!

Oh lord, I hope so!!!! I am super self-conscious of my flabby arms with the excess skin. Let's hope some good targeted strength training will help.

Congratule You!!!! What is MFP? MFP = Myfitnesspal It is a website (www.myfitnesspal.com) or app on your phone that allows you to track all of your food and exercise and connect with others like social media so you can cheer each other on. A lot of people on here use it I believe.

Yes! I never ran a day in my life and in February started using the Couch to 5K app. I'm running my first 5K on June 1st and am now training for my first 1/2 marathon. I think it was a great tool. I knew I wanted to go to the gym but was so intimidated.....treadmill seemed like the safest place to start. I just downloaded the app and started one day. Now I run 4 times a week for about 3 miles each time. Give it a shot!

Great post! I definitely have felt each of those things you said!

You look amazing! And also younger which is a nice added bonus!

Nice job!

Thank you! "tiny" is definitely not something I'm used to getting called.

Ok, so I finally get to post my LBD! I've been following this since I was pre-op. Now I'm posting at 8 months post op and down 120 pounds....12 to go until goal. And here's my first LBD....

Thanks for the kind words everyone. :-) It means a lot to me and is very encouraging because this last leg of the weight loss is TOUGH! lol.... For those who have asked, I try to stick as much as possible to my numbers..... it's pretty simple.... no more than 40g of carbs, at least 65g of Protein, and at least 10 8-oz glasses of Water each day. Also, I track every single thing I eat or drink in MFP. That has really kept me accountable and taught me a lot about nutrition. I've also learned a lot about myself. For example, I know that some sleevers are able to have a little treat here and there and keep it under control. I learned that I am NOT one of those people. food for me is a complete addiction and if I give myself an inch I WILL take a mile. So for that reason, I avoid my trigger foods like the plague (fried foods, chocolate, chips, pizza, pretzels, etc). It is just something that I have accepted. As far as exercise, I run a lot. I'm training for a 1/2 marathon now so I run about 4 times a week. Then I will fill in a day here or there with a class (zumba, spinning, etc) or some time on the elliptical. Pretty straightforward. I would like to start some strength training once I hit goal to start and tone up my arms and legs a little bit. Again, thank you all for your kindness and encouragement!!!

Today's weight - 157.6 That puts me down 3.2 for the week, and .6 away from my Memorial Day goal. Woohoo! :-)

Just did my 8 month post op comparison pics & seeing the drastic change has given me the encouragement I need to push through & lose the last 12.6 pounds. It seems like the closer I get to goal the harder it is! Anyhow here are my numbers... Starting weight - 8/5/13- 278.4 Surgery weight - 8/12/13- 270.6 Weight @ 8 mos- 8/12/14- 157.6 120.6 pounds lost & 90.55% of excess weight lost. Hopefully this can encourage someone who is struggling! :-)

I just started running outside this week. Up until now I completed the C25K program but I did it all in the gym on the treadmill. My 5K is June 1st so I figured I need to start running outside. It is VERY different and much harder in my humble opinion. Even though I was running 3 miles on the treadmill, the first time I ran outside I only got 1.7 miles. It was just a lot different. That and the fact that it is all hills where I live, so no where nice and flat to run. Hopefully I will be ready in only 2.5 short weeks! I'm super nervous. I don't even care at all about my time. I just care that I finish it and that I run it. Luckily the course itself is pretty flat.

My goal for next year is the Pittsburgh 1/2 marathon. I'm from Pittsburgh originally and it's always been a huge goal of mine (and totally out of reach until now) to the Pbg 1/2 marathon.

160.8 -1.2 for the week Would've liked to see more of a loss, but I guess a loss is a loss!

Good job! I know sometimes it is a chore to get there, but after you work out don't you feel great?? Like you accomplished something to help yourself. I am actually a much better mom and wife on the days I get to work out :-) For me it also has been the difference in breaking through when my weight loss slows down. If I really get slow, I up the running / cardio and it usually jump starts it in no time! Oh I also wanted to add that the first 2 weeks I was SUPER sore, but that passed and I don't really get sore anymore.

Here are my numbers. I had 133 pounds of excess weight to lose 1 month - 246 - 32 lbs lost - 24% excess wt. lost 3 months - 214 - 63 lbs lost - 47% excess wt lost 5 months - 189 - 89 lbs lost - 70% excess wt lost 7.5 months - 158 - 120 lbs lost - 90% excess wt lost

Yep, people always feel welcomed to give their opinion regarding my weight for some reason. lol. My mom likes to throw around the word "anorexic" which really infuriates me. I just NOW hit the "normal" BMI range, and I have about 13 more pounds to go to get to goal, which is well within the "normal" weight range and NOT under weight. Usually if someone at work will say something like that I should stop losing - or imply that - I just say....well, I guess i hide the extra weight well. :-)

Congratulations! That is remarkable! I'd love to see your before and after pics!

Congratulations! It's great to know that the loss can be maintained!