Albus

Hi all,
Been a while since I posted here but my 5 year surgiversary is coming up so thought I might…
I got into cycling about 3 years ago and it’s kind of taken over my life. Went to back Belgium (where I got my sleeve) last weekend and took part in a brutal cycling event - Tour of Flanders Cyclo, 177km with 2300m of climbing on often cobbled hills. Pro’s raced many of the next day.
Couple of pics below, quite pleased with myself but now focussed on losing a bit more timber - I did have a blip during lockdown and gained nearly 20kg but currently at my lowest since surgery. ~57kg off my heaviest.

 

Such an inspiration. I'm about 6 months out from surgery and have started training to run a marathon. Some days it is super difficult still. Seeing this post has given me hope that hard works really does pay off. Congrats on all your accomplishments.

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I haven't done a century in quite some time. I have an unstated goal to ride one next year hopefully one year post op. and 80 or so less poundage.

Hi all,
Been a while since I posted here but my 5 year surgiversary is coming up so thought I might…
I got into cycling about 3 years ago and it’s kind of taken over my life. Went to back Belgium (where I got my sleeve) last weekend and took part in a brutal cycling event - Tour of Flanders Cyclo, 177km with 2300m of climbing on often cobbled hills. Pro’s raced many of the next day.
Couple of pics below, quite pleased with myself but now focussed on losing a bit more timber - I did have a blip during lockdown and gained nearly 20kg but currently at my lowest since surgery. ~57kg off my heaviest.

 

Hi all,
Been a while since I posted here but my 5 year surgiversary is coming up so thought I might…
I got into cycling about 3 years ago and it’s kind of taken over my life. Went to back Belgium (where I got my sleeve) last weekend and took part in a brutal cycling event - Tour of Flanders Cyclo, 177km with 2300m of climbing on often cobbled hills. Pro’s raced many of the next day.
Couple of pics below, quite pleased with myself but now focussed on losing a bit more timber - I did have a blip during lockdown and gained nearly 20kg but currently at my lowest since surgery. ~57kg off my heaviest.

 

Hi all,
Been a while since I posted here but my 5 year surgiversary is coming up so thought I might…
I got into cycling about 3 years ago and it’s kind of taken over my life. Went to back Belgium (where I got my sleeve) last weekend and took part in a brutal cycling event - Tour of Flanders Cyclo, 177km with 2300m of climbing on often cobbled hills. Pro’s raced many of the next day.
Couple of pics below, quite pleased with myself but now focussed on losing a bit more timber - I did have a blip during lockdown and gained nearly 20kg but currently at my lowest since surgery. ~57kg off my heaviest.

 

Hi all,
Been a while since I posted here but my 5 year surgiversary is coming up so thought I might…
I got into cycling about 3 years ago and it’s kind of taken over my life. Went to back Belgium (where I got my sleeve) last weekend and took part in a brutal cycling event - Tour of Flanders Cyclo, 177km with 2300m of climbing on often cobbled hills. Pro’s raced many of the next day.
Couple of pics below, quite pleased with myself but now focussed on losing a bit more timber - I did have a blip during lockdown and gained nearly 20kg but currently at my lowest since surgery. ~57kg off my heaviest.

 

Hi all,
Been a while since I posted here but my 5 year surgiversary is coming up so thought I might…
I got into cycling about 3 years ago and it’s kind of taken over my life. Went to back Belgium (where I got my sleeve) last weekend and took part in a brutal cycling event - Tour of Flanders Cyclo, 177km with 2300m of climbing on often cobbled hills. Pro’s raced many of the next day.
Couple of pics below, quite pleased with myself but now focussed on losing a bit more timber - I did have a blip during lockdown and gained nearly 20kg but currently at my lowest since surgery. ~57kg off my heaviest.

 

Hi all,
Been a while since I posted here but my 5 year surgiversary is coming up so thought I might…
I got into cycling about 3 years ago and it’s kind of taken over my life. Went to back Belgium (where I got my sleeve) last weekend and took part in a brutal cycling event - Tour of Flanders Cyclo, 177km with 2300m of climbing on often cobbled hills. Pro’s raced many of the next day.
Couple of pics below, quite pleased with myself but now focussed on losing a bit more timber - I did have a blip during lockdown and gained nearly 20kg but currently at my lowest since surgery. ~57kg off my heaviest.

 

I cycle (a lot) now but did get into gym for a while and got into strongman type stuff.
Cycling has been amazing as it’s non weight bearing and I’m an amputee. Have cycled 5000 miles this year with the longest ride being 155 miles.
I could still do with getting more weight off as every pound matters on a hill 😬

Hi all,
Got sleeved 2 days ago and am feeling pretty decent!
I decided to travel to Belgium (from UK) as wait to get done on NHS was going to be too long and couldn’t afford private treatment. I have to say the experience was fantastic and would do it again in a heartbeat. Dr Dillemans and all of the staff at the hospital were excellent, op went smoothly (apparently my stomach was very large) and other than a rough hour or two immediately post op pain has been minimal! Flew home today after a nurse visit at the hotel and glad to be back home
Looking forward to things settling down and getting on with my new life 😃

Hi all,
Got sleeved 2 days ago and am feeling pretty decent!
I decided to travel to Belgium (from UK) as wait to get done on NHS was going to be too long and couldn’t afford private treatment. I have to say the experience was fantastic and would do it again in a heartbeat. Dr Dillemans and all of the staff at the hospital were excellent, op went smoothly (apparently my stomach was very large) and other than a rough hour or two immediately post op pain has been minimal! Flew home today after a nurse visit at the hotel and glad to be back home
Looking forward to things settling down and getting on with my new life 😃

Hi all,
Got sleeved 2 days ago and am feeling pretty decent!
I decided to travel to Belgium (from UK) as wait to get done on NHS was going to be too long and couldn’t afford private treatment. I have to say the experience was fantastic and would do it again in a heartbeat. Dr Dillemans and all of the staff at the hospital were excellent, op went smoothly (apparently my stomach was very large) and other than a rough hour or two immediately post op pain has been minimal! Flew home today after a nurse visit at the hotel and glad to be back home
Looking forward to things settling down and getting on with my new life 😃

Just keep at it and don’t over do it. Finding the right saddle and getting it set up right can be a bit tricky but you’ll get there, the padded shorts will help a bunch.
Getting out of puff on hills is normal for us more luxuriously padded folk - that’s why cyclists are all ridiculously thin. To make it easier just make sure you’re using your gears properly and don’t try and be a hero, try and keep the same rhythm regardless of slope by using the correct gear. It all takes a bit of time to get the right technique but you’ll get it.

Just keep at it and don’t over do it. Finding the right saddle and getting it set up right can be a bit tricky but you’ll get there, the padded shorts will help a bunch.
Getting out of puff on hills is normal for us more luxuriously padded folk - that’s why cyclists are all ridiculously thin. To make it easier just make sure you’re using your gears properly and don’t try and be a hero, try and keep the same rhythm regardless of slope by using the correct gear. It all takes a bit of time to get the right technique but you’ll get it.

Just keep at it and don’t over do it. Finding the right saddle and getting it set up right can be a bit tricky but you’ll get there, the padded shorts will help a bunch.
Getting out of puff on hills is normal for us more luxuriously padded folk - that’s why cyclists are all ridiculously thin. To make it easier just make sure you’re using your gears properly and don’t try and be a hero, try and keep the same rhythm regardless of slope by using the correct gear. It all takes a bit of time to get the right technique but you’ll get it.

Hiya,
Fellow Scot here
I had a sleeve done 2 years ago when I was 39. Would do it again tomorrow and twice the day after! I went to Belgium for my surgery with Dr Dillemanns in Brugges - 100% recommend!
I was advised to do a predominantly liquid diet for two weeks pre op but was allowed veg and some chicken. I did it for a month as figured it would all help.
As far as work goes everyone is different but if it's light packages I'd have thought couple of weeks.
I was on solids after 4 weeks I think, if I recall my first solid meal was steak and char grilled asparagus and tender stem broccoli
Carbonation is fine for me now, still enjoy and pint or several, the only difference is it's not really easy to drink soon after eating.
Feel free to PM if you want a chat and good luck with whatever you decide!

It probably depends just how overweight you are as to what would be suitable but also what you want to do with it.
A lot of road bikes now are rated for up to 120kg+ and even at that it’s usually the wheels that are the weak link and they can easily be upgraded. Mountain bikes and hybrids can be more robust but can be harder work on the road.
As far as your knees go getting the bike set up right should make them comfy and it then should be a good way of getting some low impact exercise. When I first started cycling my knee bothered me a bit so I went for a bike fit and haven’t looked back!

If you cycled 40 miles you earned the fries 🤷🏻‍♂️

I still enjoy a wine or three, probably hits me a bit quicker that’s all!

I started off doing StrongLifts 5x5 which is good to get started and doesn’t over complicate things as all you do is two barbell workouts - squat/overhead press/deadlift and squat/bench/bent over row. Gives you a full body workout and the initial strength comes on quickly, there’s an app to take you through it all too.
After a couple of months doing that I got a trainer and did some other things too whilst still concentrating on main lifts, also had a play doing strongman which was fun!
I’ve now gotten into road cycling so gone back to just doing the 2 5x5 workouts a week alongside lots of miles on the bike. I’m enjoying the simplicity again!

I started off doing StrongLifts 5x5 which is good to get started and doesn’t over complicate things as all you do is two barbell workouts - squat/overhead press/deadlift and squat/bench/bent over row. Gives you a full body workout and the initial strength comes on quickly, there’s an app to take you through it all too.
After a couple of months doing that I got a trainer and did some other things too whilst still concentrating on main lifts, also had a play doing strongman which was fun!
I’ve now gotten into road cycling so gone back to just doing the 2 5x5 workouts a week alongside lots of miles on the bike. I’m enjoying the simplicity again!

When did you have surgery?
You may want to check with your dietician and hire a sports medicine dietician. Trust the professionals over my two cents 😉
What works for me, may not work for you. I carb load (seven days) and do a pre race and taper. I eat low glycemic carbohydrates. Sweet potatoes, fruits, veggies, oatmeal, whole wheat with my Protein. Hydration NUUN tabs/electrolytes added to my Water in my hydration vest. I add powdered carbs to my water for calories. I run fasted race day. (I don’t eat products with sugar - example running gels/Gatorade)
these links will give you an idea of how athletes fuel.
https://www.foodcoach.me/eat-runningbiking-weight-loss-surgery/
https://keepmovingweekly.com/2015/06/11/nutrition-for-the-bariatric-athlete-endurance-events/
Running taper:
https://www.teamhotshot.com/blog/tips-taper-race-day/
https://www.runnersworld.com/training/a20072822/marathon-taper/
runners stomach
https://www.bucketlisttummy.com/5-nutrition-tips-to-help-runners-stomach/

I made a decision to “run” the LA Marathon this coming March and I am currently training for it. I recently completed my first half-marathon utilizing 2 bananas and about a liter of Water to power me through. I know thats not going to work for the marathon and I am here asking for suggestions on fueling during the race.

Thanks in advance.

I rode and finished the 52 mile bike race/ride of El Tour de Tucson today! (Hubby did the 100 mile.) It was an amazing experience and just even more amazing to think that I could do this at all. It would have been unthinkable a year ago. I am so proud of my finishing medal!
I used my new hydration and nutrition strategy and felt great - not even thirsty at the end. I don't feel sore anywhere except my poor bony bottom that no amount of cushioning seems to help. I may tell a different tale tomorrow when I wake up, but I sure feel good now. I maintained a strict whole food plant base diet this week and did not experience any lack of energy, muscle weakness, or extreme fatigue.