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Kelly, I had to do the walk of shame at Cedar Point before I lost my weight. It was one of several catalysts that combined to get me moving. I will never forget the attendant not being able to latch the safety bar. I had retired from the Marine Corps just about 5 years prior to that so the embarrassment was overwhelming. Sorry you had to experience that same trauma (and it was traumatic). Be thankful for where you are now and resolve to never go back there. Success to you.

Skratch Labs Products don't have the sorbitol in them that causes the gas. They have very light flavoring too.

Daveintx, what ever your trigger was, you tripped it, had the surgery, and are now travelling a new road. Make sure you keep this about yourself and your journey. I would give her time to see if she trips her trigger. My wife had lap band after I had my GBP. She gained most of her weight back. It's disappointing to me, but...I keep in mind that it is doubly defeating to her, having gained the weight back. She didn't give up on me when I was 305 pounds, even after we had spent 20 physically fit years in the Marine Corps, so I would not give up on her now. I think she'll come around, and I think your wife will too. Just set a good example. You can do this.

I had the GBP because I had diabetes. I am 6 years out, do extreme ultra distance events, and am just now starting to need Iron infusions and I take b-12 shots. Other than that, no complications, and I am still good with my decision.

Honolulu Marathon December 12 2015 Sebring 24 Hour Bike Race Sebring Florida Feb 2016

Hoka running shoes have extra cushioning ( a lot more than any other shoe) and are great for beginners since they help protect your joints from the pounding we experience running on asphalt and cement. At 200 pounds, I still beat my legs up pretty bad, but the Hokas have made a vast difference in recovery and being able to increase distances without a great deal of added discomfort. They are expensive. In the 6 years since my surgery, the Hokas have been the biggest running benefit I have found. Game changers! You can try them at local running stores.

Indieflickers, comfort is paramount or you won't ride much. If you buy a road bike and try to ride on the drops, or God forbid, a tri bike and try to ride in the Aero position, you will not be a happy camper. A heavy bike in the beginning is actually a great training tool. Sit up. Look around. Enjoy the ride. You are not after speed. The goal should be to extend your riding time/and or get your heart rate up. Spinning high RPMs in lower gears can do that without putting too much stress on the knees. I personally switched over to recumbent bikes because I wanted comfort AND the ability to go fast and far. If you are time crunched, think about intervals. Doesn't have to be crazy hard to achieve new levels of fitness. If you are experiencing fueling issues at the end of an hour, just go 45 minutes or 30 minutes. It's all about the journey. Enjoy it!

Rodney Transformation.docxJust a short posting that will hopefully motivate some and confirm we can go LONG. December 9, 2009 was Bypass at 305 pounds with all the co-morbid boxes checked. I have now completed over 30 marathons and ultra runs, 2 Iron distance races, and now race recumbent bikes at up to 400 miles per event. Took a long time and a lot of experimentation to home in on fueling that works after GBP to avoid dumping, cramping, and sugar spikes. I currently use UCAN powder while doing any endurance events, but see several products on here that may fit the bill too. I have a pretty full racing schedule for 2016 so I will try some of the Protein based shakes as the year progresses. I would like to hear from others that go LONG and have used some of the products here or found other suitable fuels. I gladly identify myself as a just to finish athlete, so I might be out on the course longer than most, but I have yet to run up against the distance that can stop me. I am thankful to be where I am, considering where I was headed. My cycling goal for 2016 is to qualify for RAAM ( I believe I will be the first GB Athlete to do so, but there may already be one that has). I'm glad to help if I can.