Ceradad

Thanks Stef, pretty sure I'll be getting one next Thursday. The PA seems to really want to do one, I just haven't given her a reason for one yet. Consistently losing 2+ lbs a week.:wub: For my workout this morning. I did an easy 2.33 mile walk on the treadmill for 35 minutes @ 4.0 mph and an incline of 2 and 3%. Then, 30 minutes of interval on the elliptical followed by 35 minutes on the elliptical at a steady pace. All told, I burn 1500 calories and went 7.2 miles combined.

That's a great way to combine the need for exercise and a way to make a difference. One of my best friends at work was diagnosed with breast cancer a couple of yrs ago. She had a double masectomy. She has had reconstructive ps, but she believes in the 3 day walk and has participated in it for a couple of years now. Good job and way to make a difference for others.

Thanks, Jess. Like I said, it can kick my butt hard when I get to the 11 and 12 rep week. Good luck on the fill. I hope it works for you. I've been considering throwing in one day a week for just whole liquids during the day and then, maybe, a small dinner at night. Like you said, to keep the weight moving. I just have to ponder whether that is right for me. Also, I've yet to have a fill. I am considering requesting one this month when I go in. I've been holding steady in the 290 range for a couple of weeks and not sure what is the reason. Quick question, does it hurt or do you feel anything at all?

Ok, so I said (I believe) that I would post my workouts/cycles here. So, here is a sampling of my lifting workouts: Upper body: Assisted chinups: 150 x 7 Bench: 185 x 7 DB flyes: 30 x 7 Preacher curls: 75 x 7 Tricep pushdowns w/ rope: 70 x 7 DB military press: 35 x 7 Back ext. on roman chair: 50 lb db x 7 BB shrug: 185 x 7 Repeat circuit 2 more times for a total of 3 circuits. Next time in, up reps by one rep each circuit. Continue this for 3 wks. By the end of 3 wk cycle, reps will be 12 reps for each exercise each circuit. Lower Body: Leg press: 540 x 7 Calf raise: 540 x 7 Strt leg deadlifts: 155 x 7 Leg ext.: 180 x 7 Abductor: 140 x 7 Adductor: 140 x 7 Same format as upper body. Days I work, I do cardio in the morning for 50 minutes most days. On days I am off, or work a late shift, I do anywhere from 1 to 2 hrs of cardio. I do both treadmill and elliptical.

Ok, so I said (I believe) that I would post my workouts/cycles here. So, here is a sampling of my lifting workouts: Upper body: Assisted chinups: 150 x 7 Bench: 185 x 7 DB flyes: 30 x 7 Preacher curls: 75 x 7 Tricep pushdowns w/ rope: 70 x 7 DB military press: 35 x 7 Back ext. on roman chair: 50 lb db x 7 BB shrug: 185 x 7 Repeat circuit 2 more times for a total of 3 circuits. Next time in, up reps by one rep each circuit. Continue this for 3 wks. By the end of 3 wk cycle, reps will be 12 reps for each exercise each circuit. Lower Body: Leg press: 540 x 7 Calf raise: 540 x 7 Strt leg deadlifts: 155 x 7 Leg ext.: 180 x 7 Abductor: 140 x 7 Adductor: 140 x 7 Same format as upper body. Days I work, I do cardio in the morning for 50 minutes most days. On days I am off, or work a late shift, I do anywhere from 1 to 2 hrs of cardio. I do both treadmill and elliptical.

Great to see everyone doing so well on their workouts. It's nice to have you guys here to make me keep up with all of you. I don't want to start falling behind you guys. Yesterday, I did my 12 rep lower body workout to finish off this 3 week cycle. Here is what I did: Leg Press: 540 x 12 Calf raise: 540 x 12 (on the hip sled) Strt leg deadlifts: 155 x 12 Leg Ext: 180 x 12 Abductor: 140 x 12 Adductor: 140 x 12 Repeat that two more times for a total of 3 circuits. Then, went into Cardio Cinema and did 30 minutes on the treadmill, including running 1.8 miles @ 5.5 mph. Then, 35 minutes of interval training on the elliptical. This morning before work, I hit cardio cinema again for the same times. Only difference was that I ran 2 miles this morning @ 5.5. mph. For those interested in my workouts, you could look at my blog (2/17/08 - Lap Band Talk Forum - The largest forum for Lap Band Surgery Discussion and Lap Band Surgery Support.) I'm posting my workouts today. It's an ass kicker sometimes, but worth it. Stef, great NSV's:thumbup:. It's always nice when a stranger makes comments like that.

Mike, got your PM. Sent one back. Good to hear all is going good. Support at home is the greatest resource you can have when going through this. Especially the first couple of weeks. My DW was great. She was scared as h#ll when I had the surgery, but knew it was best for me and our family. Carla, anyone associated with law enforcement are welcome. To answer your question, when I first started the process I didn't tell too many. Only because I didn't want to have it fall through and everyone asking questions as to what happened. When I got my surgery date, I alot of people. Mainly because I figured I was going to be losing weight/size. Also, I was, and am not, ashamed of the surgery. It has been a God send for me. Yes, I put in more time in the gym than anybody else in my dept., but it is because I use the lapband and the scars as a reminder of what I had become. I almost like to look in the mirror now. And, I tell my better friends and the most supportive people of all of my victories, both scale and non scale varieties. I hope all goes well for you Carla. Keep us updated. We know you guys care for us and we return the favor.

Couldn't agree with you more. We're all in this together and need to support each other.

Ok, I've got to share this story here. Yesterday was DD's Valentines Day party at kindergarten, obviously. But, when she and DW were discussing it a couple of weeks ago, DD asked if I could volunteer to help out at the party instead of DW. I, of course, said yes. When I showed up yesterday afternoon, she was extremely excited to see me there. Came running over to give me a hug and had to show me everything. Went we the class to the library to check out books. Then back to the classroom for the party. When the teacher started explaining each of the three stations the kids would be doing projects, DD immediately yelled out I would do the cookie decorating project. Two of the girls told DD in front of me that they really liked her dad. Her smile could not have been bigger. It was great to see her excited to see me at her school yesterday. So glad I didn't just say no (especially since I had to fight a little to get the afternoon off) Today, her school was out for teachers seminars and I am working the late shift. So, I got to spend the day with her today. I really enjoy those times. Ok, I know I'm becoming a big (not so much anymore :eek:) softie, but I had to share.

If you are with Carver, then you know two of our former officers that just started for you. Good guys. I'll discuss them on PM's. Also, I live in Shakopee, so not too far from you. As for being hungry, not so much. I have yet to be adjusted, though I think I am going to ask for one this month at my monthly check up. For the most part, I eat about 1 1/2 cups of food each meal 3 x's a day. Very limited snacking. I'm ususally good for about 4-5 hrs. You're lucky, I had to do 10 days of liquids leading up to surgery date. I got pretty dizzy during that time. Of course, some would say there was no difference.:eek: As for PM's, click on my name on the left hand side. Then, go down to "Send Private Message to...." Talk to you later.

Karey-that had to have been scary as h#ll! Your son was very lucky. Hope all goes well with the trial. Stef-I am a police officer. Not sure if I would call myself a tough cookie, but I guarantee a criminal doesn't want to see me coming at them.:eek: I was on the SWAT team previously, but had to drop due to weight issues. I'm now down to where they wanted me to be when I had to drop. Feeling good about the whole thing right now. Now then, upper body and cardio combined today as I am working the late shift for one of my officers (I'm actually a Sgt. here). So here is what I did: 40 minutes of strength training-upper body. 30 minutes on treadmill, including 1.6 miles @ 5.5 mph. 35 minutes of interval training on elliptical machine.

I'm in the gym every morning @ 0500 for cardio and 4 nights a week for strength training. If I didn't hit the weights so much, I know my weight loss would be bigger, but I've been doing that since I was 14 (over 23 yrs :cursing:). If you want someone to talk to that is going through the same issues, shoot me a PM. I'm by far no expert, but I can share what I've gone through. Which dept are you with? Good luck with your surgery tomorrow! Which Dr is doing yours? I had Dr. Jones with the Park Nicollet Bariatric Surgery in SLP

Yeah, I was the same way. I love this more than I can even express it here. Even better than watching the tv's the gyms have had for a long time.

The issues you brought up concerning confusion were all ones I experienced, and still experience now that we are in the process on trying to adopt again. The biggest being, how would DD feel if our 2nd child has an open adoption and gets to see their birthparent(s). Also, if our 2nd child, assuming we are picked again, has an open adoption, and their birthparent then has another baby and decides to keep that child, what does that do to our child? So many issues can arise from open adoptions. However, the agencies are very good at helping out with the experiences they have had and are a very good resource. So, still alot to consider with adoption and everyone just needs to remember to respect each other in these debates. Hope everyone has a great Valentines Day!

When you have the properties copied from the ticker, go into your autosignature area. Then on the toolbar, go to the "insert image". Click on that and paste the url into the box. That should do it.

Been fighting it the last couple of days. Tuesday afternoon I found out that I have to have surgery for varicose veins in both legs. I went in for a problem I thought had to do with my right shin last week and got sent to a vascular surgeon and ultrasound for that area. On the ultrasound, they found valves in my lower right leg that were "incomplete" and not working properly. Those veins have to be removed. Then, when I was with the surgeon, he noticed bulging veins on both legs that I, naively, thought were normal. He immediately had them do another ultrasound on my left leg and that one was even worse. Upper leg has a vein that is 4x's the normal size and lower leg has "incomplete" veins as well. I still have to check with insurance as to what they need from surgeon before we can schedule, but it will be soon. I'll be out of work and working out for 1-2 wks. That is just alot to take right now. So, I've been fighting it the last couple of mornings to get up and hit the cardio, but I've done it. Yesterday: 60 minutes interval training on elliptical machine (thanks Stef, forgot how good that is) Today: 65 minutes on treadmill, including 1.5 mile run @ 6.1 mph. I'm trying to work my way up to 5 miles at a time as I am about to get back on the SWAT team at work (hopefully) and will be sent to SWAT school where I will have to do it then. May as well get ready for it now.

As did I and my sister. We were never told otherwise. As a sidenote, that is one thing about shows that make it out as a dirty secret and that some parents are ashamed to have adopted so they hide it from their children. I did forget to mention that this was not a major concern for me until DW and I started the adoption process for ourselves and went through classes through the agency. As I stated previously, adoptions are more and more being open adoptions. At first, I found this to be a very alien way of doing it to me. The more I learned, and the more I thought about it, I thought it was a great idea because it gives the child a chance to learn more about themselves. Ashley, DD's birthmother, chose to have a closed adoption as she didn't think she could handle seeing her very much. However, she is open to meeting sometime when DD is old enough to start to have questions and then we will revisit the arrangement at that time. Also, I did not mean to come across as being offended. Sometimes, it is hard to read it to peoples words only what their emotions are. I am guilty of this myself. Just so you know, I was not offended. I actually am happy to be having civil discussions about this topic.

Been a couple of days since I last posted on here. Been keeping up with my cardio and lifting. Problem was, I had my guys weekend with some guys from church this past weekend. While I didn't drink very much, I still had some and ate like crap. Been a little tired this week from as a consequence I think. Oh well, no sense beating myself up over it. So, Monday, Tues and today, I did 65 minutes of cardio each day on the elliptical machines at the gym. Interval training. Been burning almost 1100 calories each day. Monday and yesterday were my strength training nights. Upper and lower body respectively. I'll get back to a habit of posting more again.

Been a couple of days since I last posted on here. Been keeping up with my cardio and lifting. Problem was, I had my guys weekend with some guys from church this past weekend. While I didn't drink very much, I still had some and ate like crap. Been a little tired this week from as a consequence I think. Oh well, no sense beating myself up over it. So, Monday, Tues and today, I did 65 minutes of cardio each day on the elliptical machines at the gym. Interval training. Been burning almost 1100 calories each day. Monday and yesterday were my strength training nights. Upper and lower body respectively. I'll get back to a habit of posting more again.

Just a couple for me: 1-Last May DW's cousin was getting married in IL. I tried on almost all of the clothes in my closet to find something to wear to both the rehearsal and the wedding. Nothing fit, way to small. Had to go out and buy new clothes for both. Last month I tried on all those clothes that didn't fit. I had to get rid of all of them because they are way too big. 2-Jeans have gone from size 48 to 44 with pleating (sp) from the belt being too tight. 3-had measurements done at the gym. Bf% has gone from almost 31% to 19% and lost almost 40 inches off my body.

Ok, been awhile since I've checked in on this thread. It's great to see everyone doing so well. Keep up the great work and remember, don't compare yourselves to others, everyone is different. As for me, I am experiencing my first plateau. Not sure what to make of it, but I am not losing weight (even added a lb or two this week with last weekend being a guys weekend:frown:. Oh well, gotta live a little, right?) Anyway, last Friday I had a personal trainer at the gym do my measurements for the first time since last April when we joined. In that time, I've lost almost 40 inches off my body and my bf % went from nearly 31% down to 19%.:thumbup:. I could not believe it. I do think part of my plateau is the fact that I lift 4 days a week with some pretty heavy weights. I do a circuit training routine, but the weights are getting up there in some cases. I just think the muscle is starting to really come on. Maybe I'm just deluding myself. As for the a.m vs. p.m. deal, I was told early on that after sleeping all night your pouch is smaller. As the day wears on, your pouch relaxes a little and gets a little bigger. That is the reason why we can eat more at night than in the morning. Keep up the good work all.:smile: I'll try to check on you all more often.

Ok, I'm going to assume that you did not mean the "feel" as a personal attack upon the hurt/scars that other adoptees may feel. As such, I would assume that a fellow adoptee would be a little more P.C. when it comes to others in the same group. Now, to answer your query, I would like to SEE who I take after. I would like to KNOW if I have birth siblings. I would like to KNOW all the circumstances about the decisions made. I would like more info about my heritage than a simple questionaire that was filled out 37 yrs ago. I'd like to KNOW where I came from and who I look like. My siblings (one adopted from a different family, one biological to adoptive parents) look nothing like me. My little brother, who is the biological child, knows who he looks like. He knows who he takes after. To me, that is an important aspect of life. As for rights for adoptees from previous generations, the biggest thing is just to have rights. The birthparents hold all the cards. If I go through the agency I was adopted through to conduct a search for my birthparents, and they are found, they can say they do not want contact and that is that. I have no choice as far as the law is concerned outside of going through a private investigator and surprise them. I'm not saying I want a relationship with my birthparents. I just would like some information for my own benefit. Anything beyond that, may or may not be great. I am happy for you if you are truly that well adjusted. However, how can you seemingly make light of others in your position?

I am an officer with an EMT-B certification. I use both often on the job. But, I really love it when the "real" EMT's/Paramedics show up to take over for me.:scared2: Great job guys!!!!

Just an update: Today was the shooting portion of the tests to get back on SWAT here at work. Handgun-did pretty bad, even for me. Shot 240 out of 300. I am normally in the 280-285 range. Still passed, but disappointing. Can't say for sure what the problem was. Rifle-244 out of 250. Much better, was told that was the one to do better as they reminded me that rifle is the main weapon on SWAT. Shotgun-passed. No score given. One more step next week, oral interviews. Wish me luck.

And to try to state that abortion is the perfect solution is also a bad idea. I'm not saying there is a "perfect option" for every situation. Just that there are other options. The thread was for a poll to vote on where you stand on the issue. I voted how I felt and explained my reasoning for my views. Without attacking anyone. Now, there has been some very good discussion since I opted to vote and explain, but there have been some very nasty statements from ladies basically telling to F*#k off since I am a man. That is the problem on both sides for the most part. The fanatics refuse to have a calm discussion. As for the whole issue concerning women who are incapable of getting pregnant. Do not minimalize their pain. My DW is a great mother who went through 7 yrs of infertility before we were finally able to adopt Cera. The pain in her eyes I had to witness each and every month when her period came was devastating. I prayed to God daily to allow us to become pregnant. It was not to be. God had other plans for us. Luckily, Ashley chose to turn a bad situation for her into a great situation for us. She had just graduated h.s. and was to start college in the fall. She knew she could not handle that and a child and her child deserved better than she could give by just getting a job. Not downplaying single mothers as I was raised by one, just stating. She could have chosen to have an abortion, but chose the other route. And DW and I thank God every day for blessing us with Cera. So, please, do not EVER downplay the pain and suffering of an infertile women. If you have not gone through the pain, suffering, and mental anguish of a woman going through it, or know of a close friend/relative who has, you know nothing of true pain.