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I have been looking at getting that game - is it mostly cardio stuff or is it toning/strengthening exercises?

I am going through the same thing! And, it sucks. I just cut my hair shorter to try and hide the thinning but it's quite ridiculous. I am about 5 months out from my surgery and lost about 60 pounds. I did slack off on my Protein a bit. My doc says he wants me back up to 90 grams of protein a day. I do take my multi Vitamin and my Calcium. The girl who cut my hair did reccommend the nioxin Shampoo, but it's $40. I'd rather spend that on Protein Powder. Again, does any of this work?

Sounds like your throat may just be hurting from the throwing up. I just got my 3rd fill yesterday, so still on liquids. I would definitely avoid the bread if it's giving you trouble. If you can eat some foods like tuna, chicken, etc then you probably aren't to tight. Remember to take at least 30 minutes to eat. If you can eat high Protein foods when you eat slowly, you are probably ok. If you can't keep down any food even when eating slow, I'd go back and get some taken out. And, it may be your port you feel when you bend over. I have a lot of movement in mine - it even sticks out some times! My doc says some of the stitches on my port probably came loose but they won't worry unless they can't access it at all. I think I started running too soon after. Either that - or all the crazy "adult activity" I started when I lost my first 20-30 pounds!

Hey there!

My doctor had me on Opt-fast shakes which tasted good enough and had all the Vitamins you need in a day, in addition to a good amount of Protein.I also do SlimFast Protein Shakes - I prefer the powder because it tastes fresher. I also love a Protein Powder called Maximum Protein that is only sold at a few GNC stores (in my area anyway). Your doctor may have some samples in his office, so try that. The only thing I would warn you against is the huge can of whey Protein at Walmart that only costs like $12. Yuck! You get what you pay for!

Lyn - so sorry about your race. Your grandaughter's comment has me on the verge of tears. How sweet!

I recently got a skinny butt comment too and looked around like "Who you talking to". Funny.

SO, I ran my first 5k on Saturday. I was so nervous. I ran the whole thing and did it in 40:30. I was pretty proud since my goal was 45:00 or less. I cried so hard after I crossed the finish line - have had a lot of stress lately. I was also bummed that no one was there to see me cross. My family is unreliable and with the divorce . . .

But anyway, I did it. I trained, I ran, I beat my goal. My next goal is to add some vertical to the run and get my time closer to 30 minutes by Thanksgiving so I can run the Turkey Trot here in Dallas. Woo hoo!

Thanks to everyone for your encouragement and answering all my "beginner" questions!

Quick question for the pros out there. I often feel dehydrated and it's starting to take a toll on my muscles now that the runs are getting longer. Is there a bariatric version of Gatorade that's not loaded with sugar? What do you drink? I am drinking my Water and crystal light - about 48-60 ounces a day but some days it just doesn't seem like enough. Suggestions?

Georgia - I hope the baby feels better! My daughter went through a stint last year where she was sick (with something or other) for like 2 months, so I feel your pain!

Kathy - good vibes headed your way!

Renewed - I was also told that you can get an adapter made by MarWare and use the Nike+ with any shoe.

Well, I did my first 30 minute interval yesterday! For the first time, I am a little sore today. I don't think I took enough time to stretch after I finished. But, I did 2.1 miles in that 30 minutes - woo hoo. If you include warm up and cool down, I'm up to about 2.6 miles total. Doing my first running 5k on the 18th. I'm not sure if I'll be able to run the whole thing, but it should be fun!

Kathy - congratulations! I have my first run scheduled for October 18th and I'm so excited. Ya'll are hilarious with all this music, glad I'm not the only one. People look at me crazy when I pretend to sing and run at the same time.

Also, thought you all would appreciate this. I am waiting for my divorce to finalize and just started dating. I was shocked at how many runners I've attracted - woo hoo. So, I've decided my first date will always be a walk or run. Hehe. I don't expect everyone to be able to run but their willingness to try it out should be interesting.

Ok, here are my songs:

Piel Morena -Thalia (Spanish for warm up)

When Worlds Collide - Powerman 5000

Crazy B**ch - Buck Cherry

So Happy - Theory of a Deadman

The Pretender - Foofighters

Hammerhead - The Offspring

Lit Up - Buck Cherry

When Worlds Collide - Powerman 5000 (again to get me thru the end)

Amor a la Mexicana - Thalia (Spanish for cool down)

This gets me through 28 minutes of running - still trying to finish it out, but got up to 24 minutes on Saturday!

Wow - great news all around. Congrats to everybody on your runs and weight loss. I want to be just like ya'll when I grow up!

I finished Week 5 on Sunday with the first 20 minute run. Man, that really pushed me. But, I made it and felt great. I think I am now officially addicted to running! Who woulda thunk it? Although I was confused that week 6 goes back to 5 and 8 minute intervals. So, I'm going with my own music as I've heard so many of you have done. Longer intervals do help me regulate my breathing more.

I walked a 5k over the weekend, just to get a better feel for the distance. A friend of mine (who used to run daily) walked with me and can you believe I am encouraging HER to run? This is crazy, but super fun. I love my band and C25K!

I will definitely want to be there. When is the last day to register? I won't be able to register until the 30th. CoachCher - please let me know if I can register on/after the 30th or maybe even onsite. Thanks!

Yes, I do know what you're talking about! I'm on week 4 of the couch to 5k program. Here is the website: Couch to 5k - C25K Running Program

There is also a whole thread on this website just for c25k questions and encouragement, etc.

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f81/couch-5k-come-join-me-67829/

Good Luck!

Jbrad - I started week 4 on Tuesday and today will be my second day running that program. I felt great on Tuesday so I'm really looking forward to my run. I hope I don't hit the wall this week! I have noticed that what I eat on the days I run can make or break me. Today I am keeping it very high Protein with tons of Water.

I do have another question though - at this point how far should I be running. I think I'm at about 2.2 miles, including cool down.

Well, I had a 2 week pre-op liquid diet and no food the night before. Mine was an out patient procedure. It lasted about an hour and a half and I went home the same day. Before you leave they'll ask you to swallow some barium liquid in front of an xray to make sure you can swallow. I went home with some liquid vicadin for pain, but was able to check email that night, etc. My doc had already filled my band about 1/3 of the way so I had to have some taken out a few days later. I went back to work about a week after the surgery and was fine. I was still on liquids, so a bit tired. At my 6 week follow up I got my first fill and started exercising at about 4 weeks out. Let me know if you have any specific questsions.

My pre-op diet of 2 weeks was full liquids - so I had Protein Shakes, broth, Jello and popsicles only. But every doctor is different so you'll have to ask your surgeon.

I will definitely take your 20's when you are done with them. I have found a few garage sale type sales through craigslist.

And, if there is a freecycle group in your area, people give stuff away for free so that it won't go in the landfill!

Good Luck!

Hello all - new to the thread and I was so happy to find it! I first heard about Couch to 5k on this site and now have several friends involved. I start week 4 tomorrow and I LOVE RUNNING!

I never thought I could actually run, but it's super invigorating. I do have a question for those of you who have been doing this longer. On the C25K, I'm doing my program 3 times a week (Tues, Thurs, Sat). And, I'm loosing weight at a good pace (2-3 pounds a week). But, I'm loosing it so fast, I'm getting a bit "flabby". Will it hurt my training for the 5k if I do some toning exercises on my "days off"? I'm thinking sit ups and leg lifts - nothing aerobic.

If you can share your thoughts or how you did, that would be AWESOME! Thanks!

I live in Dallas and was so excited the conference is going to be here in October. Who all is going? I'd love to meet you guys! Here is more info: 2008 LAP-BAND CONFERENCE

What I did was take my goal weight at one year post op then divided it to see what # I should be at each month in order to get to my first year's goal. I am going to weigh myself each month and if I hit the goal, I get a "prize". The first few are small like $25 of work out clothes, new make up, etc. The bigger ones are like laser hair removal and lasik eye surgery is the final reward. I tried to make sure they are all supporting my weight loss or something specifically for ME!

I am still on mushies and was told to get 90 grams of Protein a day and limit to 1400 calories.

I had my surgery on the 16th also. I am also having trouble breathing - more when I lay down. On Friday morning I couldn't breath or swallow very well and when I drank Water I thought I would vomit. So I had to go in for an unfill already! My standard AP band holds 10 cc's and my doc had left in 3.4 during surgery and took it ALL out. But at this point I don't care - drinking is possible and breathing easier. I'm glad I'm not the only one having trouble breathing. Today I have really started to regret getting the band but I guess I'll reserve that for 2-3 weeks and see how I am doing then. But, you're right it doesn't seem soon enough.

Centrum has an over the counter liquid and also chewable tablets.

I really don't know about the differences. I just got banded yesterday and know I got the Standard AP. If I remember correctly it holds 10ccs. My doc did leave some of the saline in it from te start so he said I'll have a little more restriction than most from the beginning. My doc said he only uses AP now. But, I'm not sure why. Sorry can't be of more help.

I stuck to my liquid diet religously. So, in the first few days I had a few sips of diet soda. The only other things I drank were Water and Peach Tea Crystal light and of course my Protein Shakes and sugar free jello/popsicles/puiddings. Watch the sugar and calories on juice.< /p>

I don't know about the bleeding - definitely check in with your doctor on that one. But crushed ice is really helping me to stay hydrated. This way you're not really "drinking" Water but the ice gets the chewing I am craving and liquids in me. Try it.

I got banded yesterday and the only chest pain I've had was when I needed to take a real deep breath. You know how they give you the little breathing thing after surgery? Once I do that a few times the chest pain is mostly gone. My sister just had lap band and was having lower abdominal and shoulder pain after her surgery. She went to the ER and they told her she was dehydrated and the pain may have been coming from the way she was laying during surgery.

I had a c-section about 2 years ago and the pain from the lap band surgery is really nothing compared to that. Remember that everyone's experience is different. A lot of it depends on your physical condition and age before the surgery, etc. Don't let others' experience scare you off - just ask A TON of questions.