Texgirly

Hello all - anyone else have Government Employees Health Assoc. Insurance (Federal employees?) Just wondering how it has worked with them for anyone else. I called before I even went to see a doc 6 months ago to make sure the procedure is covered - it is. My doc submitted on 1/14/08. Office already told me to make some calls starting next week - that I will have more success than they would. Thankfully, my docs office is proving to be really helpful. I was a little worried with some of the stories some of you have endured. I will keep everyone posted on my status.

Hello all. Crazy work and personal life day - I am in Junior league and we have a big project unfolding right now. No chance for exercise, but I am set for tomorrow. I am registered for Mardi Gras in Austin. Mindy, being native I think you gotta be the one to set us up with a meeting place. I am planning on coming up that morning, maybe hit RunTex while I am there. My birthday is later this month and I am planning on burning up some money on new runners. As for sports bras - do you have an academy? They basically have a wall of sports bras in an amazing array of sizes. I have 2 from there, they run about $35 each or so but well worth it. Hope this helps.

I did what is essentially the state side version of the Peace Corps - AmeriCorps. I worked with Habitat for Humanity for 1 year for a living allowance and an education award for completing my service. I loved the Habitat stuff so much I am now on staff as the fund raising manager. All of that said, AmeriCorps (they serve more than Habitat if that is not your thing - I have friends who worked with the American Red Cross) would be a very gentle way to see if that kind of service life is what you are looking for. I had a blast with my service and I learned a ton. In addition to our work at our assignment, we marched in the San Antonio Martin Luther King, Jr match, and a week long blitz build where 300 AmeriCorps Service members built 10 houses in 7 days. There were also a few state trips for different things. I wish you luck in your Quest. Working a the service side of this world makes every day special. Of course like with all things, there are moments or tasks you won't care for, but there is never a day I don't want to go to work. The families & especially the kids make it worth it.

Howdy All! Did the last day of week 1 yesterday. Went better than day 2; my feet were better yesterday. Looking forward to heading into week 2 tomorrow. Weekends are hard on the eating side for me. We tend to graze all weekend. We are also big football fans, so we have been in front on the TV for a while both yesterday and today (Whosya - congrats on Bret and the boys winning) Yesterday I did OK with a salad from Chili's (remember I am still pre-band.) Today, we went all football food - for me that means potato skins. Let's just say I not looking forward to logging my food on my spark page. I may talk the dog for a walk just to compensate some.

No, No. Love the name. I am huge Toby Keith fan. Love the song by the same name. And you are a dad - perfect name!

Good morning all. Off topic but hopefully funny for you, too. OK- I am LOL at the the way that Wombat shortened Daddy's name. While I have no children, I am a fan of Madagascar - animated film staring Ben Stiler and Chris Rock. Seen it? There is a predator called a Foosa (sp?) Upon learning of this carnivorous neighbor, there is an exchange between two of the main characters: "He scared away the Foosa. A Whosa? No a Foosa." So when I see Wombat's version of Whosyadaddy's name - I basically play out that scene in my mind. Then giggle out of control. I am betting you are either laughing with me mow, or you are like my DH and you are thinking, "Ok - we got a crazy one here."

Hey there fellow C25Kers. Hope everyone is well. Got in another 30 minutes today. The pace was slower because my feet were killing me. When I am in Austin for the 5K with Mindy I plan on heading out to one of the running stores for some new shoes. I love tennis shoes and can't wait for a proper fitting. I did one about 5 year s ago and there is nothing like it. Sorry to hear cedar is causing so many of you and your loved ones problems. My sister has suffered for years and she has finally just moved to West Virginia. OK - she had a few more reasons, but her allergies are way better up there. Hope it passes for all of you soon.

Howdy fellow 30 somethings. I will very shortly be 38. Married 3 years and we have one heck of a boxer named Dixie. No kids and no plans - we are big travelers and pretty adventurous. Always chubby but since entering my 30's chubby has become something more. So, after some investigation I decided this would be a good route. My doctor is submitting for final approval and hoping for a February surgery date.

Not even. Several folks have come up with an alternative. I use one more like shoepouch.com At least in my mind it offers a little more protection for the sensor. I got mine from Amazon.com. A quick search on there and a ton of stuff, including the Nike+ package will be at your fingertips. Another one is lacelid.com I have also seen them tucked into the laces an taped on. I guess that would be a quick, cheap fix.

Wow - lots of stuff going on tonight. Nike+ The best way to explain this is to say google it or take off to Nike.com. As for calibrating. I did that at the gym. I think I set the goal for 1 mile, then set my ipod to calibrate. However, my sister also had a problem with her's at first, too. 10 worst foods - I am happy to report I am clean. Now, if you start talking about sweets, I would be in serious trouble. Later!

A few posts ago some of you were chatting about podcasts for C25K. It occurs tome that there is another great tool if you are an Ipod Nano user. I bought a Nike+ for my Ipod last year sometime. I love it. It does a ton of stuff for you: Tracks your distance and time for each run/walk Tells you how far into your workout/how much is left when you set a goal Tracks your calories burned Tells you the pace you are running/walking - ie: 15 min/mile Links you to Nikeplus.com and keeps track of all your run/walks over time (I have mine from last year) When you are using it, you can still use whatever playlist (or podcast I am sure) that you wish to run to. It is worth the $30. Well, it is really $60 as you will have to also buy the Nike armband to fit the ipod nano with the Nike+ insert. And my favorite little feature, when you hit a personal record of some sort like your fastest run, Lance Armstrong pipes in to your ears and congratulates you. Lance is a fellow Texan, so this was like a supreme surprise for me personally.

Got my workout in - I hate that I forget how good I feel after a good workout. I don't know how it is for others, but when I get out of the routine, get a little (or a lot) lazy, then I am scared to get back to the gym because I think it will hurt, I will not be able to do what I wanted, etc. When I finally get back on the wagon, I find myself almost skipping out of teh gym I feel so good. If I could just keep that feeling in my brain and recall it when that lazy feeling creeps in. At any rate, we are back home safe and sound and the C25K has begun. Thanks to everyone for the support and encouragement.

Thanks for all the support you guys! And welcome papagirl. Looking forward to running in the am. Have a great night all.

Hey Lauren (and everyone) - due to a death in my extended family, I have had to delay me start as well. I am going to start with day one on Monday this coming week.

Wombat - I am in Victoria - about 2 hours south of Austin. I am a big country fan, but have some of that other stuff in my workout playlist. Here are a few different ones: In the Ghetto - Elvis If you're going through Hell - Rodney Atkins Jive Talkin' and Stayin' Aline - Bee Gees Comin' To Your City - Big & Rich Fighter - Christina Aguilera What I want - Daughtry Steve McQuinn - Sheryl Crow Sexy Back - Justin Timberlake American Woman - Lenny Kravitz Ticks - Brad Paisley (ok- just about anything bu him will do for me) Promised Land - Elvis and of course - end on Gonna Fly Now - Bill Conti form Rocky I would say these are all pretty great list.

Hey Wombat172 - where are you in Texas?

I am in too. I am in line to get insurance approval and then surgery, so I will get as far into the plan as I can. For those of you in the Houston area, the ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run is on March 1. Nothing like a goal to get you moving.<br /> <br /> Link for the race:<br /> 2008 ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run

You are way ahead of me, but I hope to follow in your footsteps. I started running last year - not fast and not often enough. At my current weight it is pretty tough on my feet. I am waiting on insurance final approval. Hopefullly I will be scheduled sometime in February or so. I would love to hear more as you get further into endurance. Good luck!

You have all made me feel much better about this one. Thank you all for your input.

What is the scoop on caffeine? I know they want us to leave it in the past, but it is my favorite vice. Since making the decision to go for the lap band, I have stopped a six-pack a day Diet Coke habit. I get why the need to stop carbonation, but the lack of caffeine nearly killed me (and everyone around me for that matter.) Now I have a daily a small non-fat latte with 1 Equal. I just don't know how I am going to give up the caffeine. So: 1. Why do we have to give it up? 2. If you did it - what is your advice?

So wow - this is the first I have heard of this. What can be taken for simple headache pain? I am posting another post on caffeine (it is my biggest evil) and why no caffeine. Couple these two together and I may be in big trouble come surgery time. Ideas?

Hi Aubrie - I too am seeing one of the Victoria docs - Dr. Dean McDaniel. Just thought I would say Hi!

From a pre-op'er: I want to run a marathon someday. I want to enjoy shopping. I want to wear cool shoes again and not just cool flip-flops. I want my energy back. I want to be able to pull that airplane seat belt tight. I want to be able to enjoy physical outings on my travel adventures - backpacking in Alaska, zip lining in Costa Rica, hiking on the volcano in HI, etc...

They just moved to WV -she had her LB done in Beaumont. She has been a great source of info. We are both about 5'1" and have started this journey above 200. She was right at 240 at the time of her surgery and is down by 75 pounds - but she has not had a fill in over a year. She is actually waiting until life is settled now that they have moved. I am meeting with my surgeon next week and will weigh in at 230. Good luck with the guinea pig thing. I would think being part of the "team" they will do everything they can to make sure your procedure is picture perfect. Not they won't for every other patient but being one of the own has to count for something.

Where in WV are you? My sister (3 years into her LB) live in Summerville. I am in Texas and am in the process - looks like Feb for the procedure, but I will know more later this week.