luckylinds

I'm getting my surgery done in Mexico, and wondering if anyone has used Dr. Rodriguez before? How was your experience? Did you have any complications getting fills at home, etc? Any info would be great - from those who have had the surgery done by him! Thanks!

Hi All, I noticed that there is a group of Couch to 5K'ers that started in June, and would love to start another one in August! It's August 15th today - and I'd like to officially kick it of on Monday, Aug 18th - who's in? Check out the program at Cool Running :: The Couch-to-5K Running Plan and slip on your running shoes and lets do it!! Linds :thumbup:

Wow - welcome to all the new runners - I've been away a little too long, my how our group is growing! :thumbup: It looks like everyone is have a good time here - I know I am. And while it can be so hard some days, man oh man do I feel awesome when I push myself to get through the whole workout routine! It's funny, I know what you mean livin about watching the clock thing, it can be easy to think, okay, I've done 17 minutes, what's a few minutes short today? But, I've been counting out my "reps" 8 x 60sec job/90sec walk and that totaly helps me! I know once I get to 4 (which is about when I start to burn) I'm half way done, and if I can just do one more, and one more...wow it gets so easy! Does anyone else find that by the 6th rep their legs start to ease up and not hurt as much like I do? :confused2: I'm doing week 1 over again for today and tomorrow, and then I'm moving on! I was lookin week two over, and 90 seconds of jogging, 2 minutes of walking is not that much more of a stretch, only 30 more seconds of jogging...easypeasy - plus a bonus 30 seconds of walking to let my legs chill out...I got it! We can all totally do that! :w00t: Good Luck to everyone today, make it a great workout! Linds :thumbup: PS - is anyone else doing other exercises (like the Water arobics)? I'm doing light weight cardio and weight lifting on the days I'm not running. I'm actually finding it easier to do that, compared to the running, and it seems to be helping my fitness improve over all so that the runs are easier too! Let me know...

Well - I was up at 6:30am this morning and I did it!! I completed the second workout (whew - I was a bit nervous) And...it was sooo much easier! I couldn't believe how fast the time flew by - I used the treadmill instead of the track today (which probably helped) but what I loved is that I could keep my speeds consistant (4.4 jog, 2.8 walk) - where as when I used the track, a few of my 60sec jogs were more shuffle like! It was great - and felt sooo amazing to finish another round! Also - no back ache or shin splints, so double bonus there. I definatley think running on the treadmill makes a difference! (And I just kept visualizing myself running on the beaches in Thailand) Kris - way to go on your first workout! And I'm doubly impressed that you did it in front of a bunch of fit military dudes - I don't know if I would have had the same confidance as you! But you know something - what do you think to yourself when you see an overweight person working out (and really going for it)? Do you laugh and snicker, or do you silently think "Yeah - way to go on making an effort to get healthy and in shape!"? If you're like me, I bet you are mentaly cheering for that person, as will be most people in your gym! Big pat on the back for you! Also - Congrats on getting your approval, you must be so relieved! Let us know when you're surgery is booked! Jen - thanks for the cheering on this morning - can't wait to hear how your workout went! Gloucester - haha I totaly know what you mean about wanting to run! But good call on taking it easy - I have to keep holding myself back too, but I know I have a tendancy to over do it and hurt myself! Didn't you find the walking way easier, after the run you did earlier? I totaly did - I walked for 20 min yesterday and couldn't believe how fast it flew by, and so painless...gotta love it! Well done everyone - keep the progress reports coming! Lind :smile2:

Thanks for the encouragement Leslie - I'm looking forward to feeling that runners high too! I've always wanted to be a runner, and now I'm in the process of becoming one, wahoo! Today is workout day #2 for me - I'm on my way after breaky in 20 minutes....I told myself if I can get through day two, then I know I'm serious...I'll be honest, I'm a little nervous that I may have a bit of a struggle today, :wub: some serious mental focus and prepping will be happening on the way to the gym! Good Luck everyone on your second day this week - can't wait to hear how you all do! Linds :smile2: PS - My knees and ankles don't hurt at all, so I'm jazzed about that...

Hey Jasmine, Welcome - it is definatley not too late to join! We've all started with workout #1 from the link at the top of this thread - so come on in! I'm glad to hear that running worked for you - I'm hoping it will jump start some serious weight loss for me as well! Good Luck with your first workout - looking forward to hearing how you like it (or hate it!) Linds :thumbup:

I totaly know what you mean with the dizzy thing - I hold onto the rails!! (Don't judge me..haha) You know, on the Biggest Loser, they are in a competition, and I figure I'm not trying to win a bunch of money, just get in shape, so I have no shame about holding on until I get more comfortable on the treadmill! haha I'm off to the gym right now for a nice easy walk and weight session - so I'll talk to you all later - make it a great day! Yeah for us for completing our first session yesturday! Linds :thumbup: PS - Kris - did you decide to join in? Let us know how it went! :thumbup:

Yeah Jen - way to go!! I'm with you on the treadmill/feeling dizzy thing! I just jogged/walked on an indoor track at my gym, because I can feel a little dizzy on the treadmill and I get annoyed having to push the buttons faster and slower every few minutes!! BUT I do know that running on the treadmill is easier on the joints for begginners and those of us who are a little cushy around the edges! (And running on the pavement, while it tends to burn a bit more calories, is really really hard on the knees/ankles). I'm going to go onto the treadmill to try it for workout #2 2 tricks: 1) Put the incline up 1/2 a grade (terminology??) - that will account for any extra calories you want to burn instead of using the pavement 2) My hubby looks straight ahead and focuses on a point on the wall directly in front of him, higher than eye level to keep both his chin up and neck/back straight, but also to keep from getting dizzy and losing his balance! Try it out and let me know how that works out for you - I'm hoping it will help ease a little pressure on my knees!

WAY TO GO GLOUCESTER!!! The first step is often the hardest, eh? Big pats on the back all around today!

Hi Kris, Welcome - what a great idea - getting a jump start on your weight loss before the band. Here is the link for the program - we're all starting on Workout #1 so go for it and have fun! Cool Running :: The Couch-to-5K Running Plan Linds

Jen - I'm also doing some toning (weight training) on the days I'm not running (3x week) with a little kick boxing thrown in! My hubby and I are heading off to Thailand for 7 weeks in November to follow one of our dreams of going to a Thai Boxing camp out there - so it's definately time to get into shape for me! (Nothing like a little pressure and a deadline to make myself get serious!) :cool2: Do what ever you're comfortable with - if you've not been exercising a lot lately, you may want to just focus on the cardio and stretching for the first few weeks (the worst thing we could all do is over do it! Slow and STEADY really will win the race!) But if you're used to being more active, then throw a little toning in and have some fun with it! I know for me - stretching and iceing my knees after I jog/walk is crucial to keeping my going! Gloucester - Welcome! I totaly know what you mean about being scared (and committed) I'm with you - LBT is a way for me to be accountable, and also supported in this challenge - A 5K jog in 9 weeks yikes!! But I know we can do, people do it all the time - and we have each other to cheer one another on!! Good Luck on your first workout - let us all know how it went - and seriously girls - Ice/Heat those joints and Stretch those muscles to keep your legs/back etc in the game! Make it a great day! Linds :thumbup:

Hey Jen, Welcome aboard! You are definately not too late - I just came home from doing workout #1 - wow, what a great feeling to have accomplished it (now of course if I stick with it for workout #2 I'll know I'm serious!) I'm with you - I've not lost much more weight since being banded 6 months ago - it's time to kick it into high gear! They say the most weight is lost in the first year, and I've managed to piss away half that time (oops) so off I go! Let me know how your first workout goes - you can download the program from the link above! Good Luck, Have Fun, Linds :thumbup:

Cool Val - glad to have you on board! I'm starting tomorrow morning - did you download the program from the link above? Have you ever done something like this before? This is my first time, so we'll see how it goes - Keep me posted on how your first day goes for you! Have a great day, good luck and have fun! Linds

I was just banded last week, and am a long way from solid foods...but I was in the mall today and smelt popcorn...and thought...OMG -Will I never be able to eat popcorn again?? Please, say it isn't so! :drool:

Hi All, I'm starting my mushie stage in a few days and am wondering if anyone has eaten sushi while on this phase? I've done two weeks of liquids, and now I'm able to eat mushy food, and fish/rice are listed....my concern is the seaweed....thoughts? Thanks, Lucky :smile:

I had gas pains for about 9 days!! It was so bad, I could barely breath as the gas moved around in my chest. It goes away almost without notice, and you'll forget you even had it! Heating pad and lots of walking is the best thing to relieve the pain! You'll make it through, hang in there!

I know what you mean about the sharp pains...both my mom and I had those. Not constantly, but sometimes I would feel a stabbing pain. When ever I turn or bend it hurts/stings, but the pain is subsiding more everyday, and I can move more everyday (3 weeks since banding). I noticed it more once I ran out of pain pills, but really, our bodies are adjusting, scar tissue is forming, healing is happening...it sounds like the same normal stuff we've been feeling! But - if you are concerned definately see your Dr. to put your mind at ease!

Congratulations Cindy - You must feel soooo amazing! Way to go! I've weighed myself for the 1st time since surgery (it's been a week) and I'm down 4lbs - wahoo!!

Tina - I'll have to look for that puffcorn...do you know if it's microwavable or regular so I can use my own popper? I don't have a microwave and heard way too much bad info about the microwavable popcorn's link to cancer...:thumbup:

WOW!! Thanks everyone, what a relief!! (Although knowing I can polish off a bag at the theatre...not so much! I'll have to watch myself on that one!) Thanks again, Lindsay :thumbup:

Okay, so, my surgery is in a couple of days, and I'm starting to freak out!! Am I really going to have to give up all of my favorites? Potatoes...Sandwhiches...Sushi...Pizza (with a few sips of coke)? Now, I'm not saying I want to eat these things with every meal, but I don't think I could face a lifetime of meat and salad (aka Atkins)...please, somebody tell me is this really how life is after the band, or can you still eat these things? Help!

Cal - thank you!! I feel better now....it is one of my favorite "diet" snacks...I was worried that the skin from the kernals might get stuck or something!

Congratulations and Good Luck! My mom and I were banded 02/28 and it went great! My mom said she had hangnails that hurt more that the surgery...I on the other hand woke up to a rough time...I felt good until I got up to walk and then it hit me. I was litterally white as a ghost and could barely talk...ugh! But luckily, each day when I wake up, I'm so much better...it's been 4 days and I just have a dull pain at my port and a bit of left over gas...feeling good! (The pain pills help of course!) My mom said it's because I've never had surgery or kids before, so no point of reference....I think I'm being a baby too! You're going to do great....just ride it out and follow your Dr's orders! Linds

Hi All, I was banded 4 days ago, and was hoping to wake up to no more gas today..but no such luck. My stomach is soooo bloated and sore! Uck! Any suggestions on what to do, and how long this will last? Thanks, Lucky

Thanks to all for more great advice - and some perspective! I had my banding a couple of days ago...all went well! I am soooooo bloated and gassy - uh! Can't wait for this to pass, but I can tell you for right now, I am not concerned the least bit about food! (Well, occasionaly, the chicken broth from the hospital!) :huggie: I look forward to more advice! Lindsay :w00t: