MSnika3

I am a middle school teacher. During summer vacation, I can stick to any excercise schedule that I set for myself. However, I will be returning to work August 1 :-( . I'm going to have to start thinking of a schedule for next month once the new school year starts. Going back to work is definitely going to put a kink in my exercise plan. Mornings will no longer be an option for me with 2 elementary aged girls to get ready and out the door (my husband is responsible for our 2 year old son every morning). I've never been able to consistently exercise in the evenings...there's always some interference (running my kids back and forth to extracurriculars after labor day, housework, night class, husband working some nights, etc, etc). I thought about right after school, but I live on the MS Gulf Coast and August is the hottest month of the year. The heat and humidity is almost intolerable, literally. If I did manage to do it without dying...I'd have to come up with a new schedule in September because my daughters start dance (which translates as the beginning of taxi service at least 3-4 evenings during the week). Anytime after dark or before dawn is out...I don't feel comfortable alone in my area unless the sun is out. Woe is me...too much to do, so little time! I would appreciate any suggetions.

Checking in and modifying my goal for the month. 3 mornings a week: Couch to 5k (that remains unchanged) 4 mornings a week: 45 minutes of walking Originally, I reported that I would do the 3 mornings a week and walk every evening with my mom. She has proven to be an unreliable walking buddy (I'd never tell her that, though). So, I'd rather get my exercise in every morning on my own, and then if my mom wants to walk in the evening, it will just be added bonus, but I don't expect it more than 1 - 3 days a week.

I wonder what the heck is going on with my downloads. Week 1 and the Graduation week were the only ones that downloaded full length. Actually, the download dialogue box indicates a full download, but the playback is only a few minutes in length for all other weeks? Very strange.

I have never been much of a drinker, not water, juice, soda, etc. I rarely get thirsty unless a medicine gives me cotton mouth. I've committed to this whole water drinking thing. I've found it easier to consume all my water early in the day (before noon). If not, I will forget that I need it, won't get thirsty and won't get it in. Now, my question is.... is it more beneficial to spread the water out over the course of the day, or does it not make a difference as long as I get it in? Does my body dehydrate if I don't drink anything from about noon until night? Or does the ton of morning water last all day? Thanks

I also drink Slim Fast Low Carb. I only like the chocolate and it has 20g of Protein and 2 carbs. I have found it in Walmart in the pharmacy section, they will often have two different aisles with slim-fast. I've found the Low Carb on the aisle with the Vitamins, weight loss medication and appetite suppressants. It's rather expensive at $6.99 for 4. I normally buy it at Sam's $18 for 15 cans. I hope they never stop making it. It's the only protein supplement I can drink. I have a problem with textures...can't do powders, added fruits, etc.

I am joining in with you guys. I was banded on May 9th. After losing a total of 15 pounds (pre and post op diet), I lost nothing for 3 weeks. I decided to up my calories. So I did that and started low carbing. I lost an additional 5 lbs. Well, the week before I was scheduled for my first fill I decided that I NEEDED to have one last date with some of the foods I love. So I did. Over the course of the week, I gained back that 5 pounds. I figured, okay, no biggie, because I'm getting filled and will have restriction and the weight will fall right off. I'm sure I don't have to tell you what happened....NO RESTRICTION!!! I was banded last Friday and have been able to eat pretty large amounts of food. Just yesterday, I ate and entire small thin pizza. Not so bad if that was all I had eaten, but that was just my dinner. I kept trying to stop eating it, but I couldn't. Each square was so small and thin that it felt like eating a snack. So, I am recommitting to low-carb today. My husband began low carb the same week I started my pre-op diet. He has lost 40lbs (that SOB :thumbup:). So, I'm back to what I know works for me. It's the only way of eating that cuts my appetite and leaves me satisfied. So at least until I have restriction to help me out, I'll be strictly meats, cheeses, and salads.

Okay, I made it, through, well almost!! I had about 6 minutes left and hit the wrong spot on my ipod and the track started over. I tried to fine where I was but got confused with the walk/jog music. So, I just kinda trotted a couple times. I tried to watch the time, but it was too difficult. Oh well, I still call it an accomplishment. I will say, though, that day 2 was more difficult than day one because of the soreness of my legs. I am definitely doing Week One again, I'd probably pass out trying to start week 2 next week! :thumbup: Good luck to everyone!

Has anyone noticed a problem with the play time of the Podrunner downloads for most of the weeks after week 1. Some have a time of 13mins, 9 mins, 4mins, etc. Has anyone else experienced this or is it some strange occurance on my end?

Today is Day 2 for me. I'll be heading out as soon as my husband and son hit the door. My legs are still a little sore, which is supposed to be a good sign, I guess. I have such an urge to get back in bed!

I definitely have a lot to learn. Since my experience Sunday, I have been trying to listen to my body more. I'm still not sure about my restriction. I'm trying to keep my calories down and fill up on Water. I've not been extremely hungry, but I think it's due more to the water consumption, not positive though. This fill stuff is definitely a strange thing! Thanks for the insight!

I'm in! I just joined the couch to 5k and began walking with my mom. So 3 mornings a week I will be doing the couch to 5k interval training and I will also be walking every evening with my mom. I am determined to drop a pant size before the new school year begins.

Just a quick post because I have 25 minutes to shower and get out the door to an 8:30 workshop! Anyhoo...I did it and I didn't die! The first two jog intervals were pretty difficult and I was ready to quit. But just when I thought I could go no further, I heard the blessed ding to change back to walking. I definitely love the podrunner mixes. Once I got a rhythm to my jog and my breathing, the task became much easier! My jog was more of a trot, but it was enough to make my legs burn. I may do week 1 for 2 weeks. We'll see! I encourage anyone who thinks they need to wait a while to try it out. I feel awesome! Thanks y'all! Uh-oh, I've got 19 minutes now! Oh well! This is much more important and exciting! Until Thursday morning!!

Okay, I'm a day late, but I am joining in. I hope I can talk my hubby into it also!

NAME ____________weight now____ goal___ lbs lost *************** ********************* aJoneen............230.........220.......0....... Babs0101...........185.........170.......0....... blesdbyonmzur......159.........148.......0....... BTTRFLI1432........221.........210.......0....... Bunkey1965.........212.........205.......0....... Chocolate_Snaps....260.........240.......0....... FloridaGirl........235.........215.......0....... HeatherO...........172.........155.......0....... KarenG.............166.........158.......0....... Lunabeane..........221.........200.......0....... Luu2008............219.........189.......0....... Luv2Laugh..........232.........212.......0....... luvinke............206.........190.......0....... mcgreen............189.........175.......0....... MSnika3............229.........204.......0....... NANAbanded.........225.........199.......0....... Ollie..............242.........210.......0....... Redtulips..........194.........180.......0....... Renewedhope........179.........155.......0....... ronni_NC...........243.........220.......0....... slgandera..........185.........173.......0....... StartingOver.......220.........205.......0....... want_so_bad........170.........155.......0.......

Ooohhh! Now that makes sense. Well, I will keep my fingers crossed for that fluid to keep moving on in!! Thanks!

Friday, I had my first fill. I expected, rather hoped for restriction similar to what I had 2-4 weeks post op. After slurping down water, smoothies, yogurt, pudding, etc. I realized that may not be the case. Then Saturday, after being able to eat very large quantities of food (5 thin slices of pizza for lunch, tons of sushi for dinner, and a late night snack) I faced the realization that I had no restriction at all. Today, I started the day off quite frustrated. I had to accept the fact that I was one of the unfortunate bandsters that would have to rely solely on diet, exercise, and willpower in order to lose any weight until I reach the sweet spot. Well, I went out to dinner with my family and planned to eat my good bye to food dinner with a vengeance. I started off eating as normal. Then, about 1.5 cups into my meal I felt this tightness in my chest. I began to feel a familiar sharp pain radiating through my back. I thought....hmmm, this is how I felt way back when I had restriction after surgery. I figured that I just needed a good burp, because I had not come close to the volume that I had inhaled the evening before. So, I continued eating. Well, low and behold, after a few more bites, I felt my food sitting in my chest and throat going nowhere. I sat there hoping for a good belch, but praying it away for fear of vomiting. I was absolutely miserable to say the least. I felt like hell for the next few hours. I am now 5 hours past that terrible ordeal and I am shocked, confused, and still full as a tick. I didn't eat near as much as i did last night, nor could I have. Wish I had known this was coming, I would have started my dinner with my good ole crab legs. :thumbs_up: Sure hated to push those to the side, but finishing them off would have given me the unpleasant opportunity to see my entire meal again!! Seriously, though, what is the deal? Is my body playing tricks on me? Do I have restriction or not? If I do, then why now and not the past two days? I don't understand. Believe me, if I have restriction or am in the process of getting it, I am elated, but I sure would like to know how this delayed restriction works. Is it here today, gone tomorrow? Or is it developing? Or is it just my imagination running away with me? Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Sorry, so long!

LOL, I just told my friend almost the exact same thing yesterday! I said that my fill did nothing for me and that I could probably swallow a Water buffalo and it would slip right through my band! I can't get another fill for 6 weeks, this is the pits!!

Hi everyone! I had my first fill today. I was banded May 9th with the Realize band. The fill went very well. I had to do the leg lift while he poked me with that big ole needle. I didn't have to drink any water or anything else. Just lift, stick, fill, goodbye. It was really a cinch. I have 3 cc's. I drank about half of a small smoothie on the way home. I wasn't hungry afterward, but not sure if that has anything to do with the band or just happy to have something in my starving body. About 4 hours later, I began to feel hungry, so I had a Low Carb Slim Fast and I'm now sipping water. I am on liquids for 2, pureed for 2, soft for 5. I think this is going to be much more difficult than the few days after surgery when I wasn't hungry at all and it took all day to drink half a bottle of water or protein shake. I sure hope this leads to some positive results because i've gained a few pounds this week.

My doc has made it very clear that his policy is no fills before 6week post op appt. NO Matter what!

I agree with all the other posters that you should definitely go to the doctor. I'm a new bandster and have yet to have a fill. But I have a few questions if you don't mind. Have you had a fill? How many? When was the last one? Does your back pain occur after you eat and feel the food scraping? Or does it just hurt on it's own? How long? I had a similar problem/experience for a while and just wanted some more info before sharing my diagnosis and/or prognosis.

Well, that makes sense. Well, I guess I need to work on a calorie range that makes my body realize that it will be continuosly fed. Gosh, I wish it would just eat up all those delicious fat cells and be happy!:biggrin2: Well, with more calories and some added exercise, I hope things get moving. I've got a goal I'm racing to. Thank you both, i feel much better, now! Guess I won't ask my doc for a refund just yet!

Okay, so nevermind the caffiene, here's some info i googled: Side Effects of Atkins Induction Phase 1: You may experience some withdrawal pains on atkins induction such as headaches, nausea, fatigue and sore muscles.. These sides effects are usually due to your body's period of adjustment to giving up carbohydrates, also known as "Carb Withdrawal". This may last up to a week or more, but usually dissapears by the second week. It is extremely important to take Vitamin supplements as they can lessen the severity of symptoms. A good Multivitaminis essential, as well as Calcium, and potassium The Atkins Diet tends to cause a diuretic effect and causes the body to lose calcium and potassium, especially during phase one of the Atkins Diet. You may want to speed up your weight loss with the Dieter's Advantage Supplement which contains many nutrients for suppressing appetite and speeding up weight loss.

I did Atkins quite strictly in the past. I don't recall having headaches during induction and I am Queen of the Headaches. I do know that whatever difficulties I did have were a thing of the past by day 3 or 4. Did you also stop drinking caffeine at the same time, by chance? I know that has done a number on me a time or two.

I'm with Brownie on this one. Actually, everyone has good points, but I can relate to the bed thing. I had to get out of my bed. Couldn't find a comfortable position at all. I don't have a recliner, but I have a huge comfy chair that I positioned myself in comfortably with pillows propped everywhich way. It was the only way I could lounge or sleep in comfort.

That's what they all seem to say, but I guess I just need to understand WHY that is the case. I analyze everything and I can't function without knowing WHY. It's eating me up, not knowing. Jewel, the daily plate is awesome. I joined yesterday! Thanks! Thanks, Kalipso, but still, my not knowing the rational behind not losing weight during a month of light eating is killing me. I'm trying to be patient, but I am just a little aggravated with not having sound reasoning. I don't think for a second that the lapband was meant to be quick and easy. I just expected a consistent pattern of weight loss. Not 8 lbs in 8 days and nothing for 3 weeks except the constant up and down of the scale. If the surgery does something to throw off metabolism, digestion, hormones, blood supply, Water, cells, gravity, etc then that's what I want to know. I've accepted that I may not lose anything else before my fill 3 MORE weeks from now, but I just want to know why.:incazzato: I decided to begin walking, this morning. I will see how things progress! hopefully things will get moving! Thanks!