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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!

So before I got my band, I read posts about how people started eating crap and their weight loss slowed, stopped or reversed. I always thought "Loser! You just paid like $10k to get something installed into your body and your screwing it up!" And then, I fell off the wagon - hard. I fell back to my old habits of emotional eating and drinking (wine, loaded with calories). I pushed the limits of my band and ate crappy stuff like thin crust pizza and cookies, even cake and bread. As a result? In the last 7 weeks I've only lost like 7 pounds. Still weight loss, but when you're loosing 3 pounds a week before the fall, it makes a big difference. I went to court to finalize my divorce, I totalled my car and my house went into foreclosure. These are not excuses. It would have been better for me to stick to my plan. I stopped takeing protein supplements regularly and now I'm going bald, really. Not sure if it's the lack of protein or stress, or both. But, it sucks. So, my point? Don't think it can't happen to you. See the warning signs early and don't ignore them. I got a fill yesterday, started running again last week and I am on my way! I REFUSE to weight more than 199 pounds when 2009 starts. REFUSE. So, I got 7 pounds to go. Time to hit it hard.

So before I got my band, I read posts about how people started eating crap and their weight loss slowed, stopped or reversed. I always thought "Loser! You just paid like $10k to get something installed into your body and your screwing it up!" And then, I fell off the wagon - hard. I fell back to my old habits of emotional eating and drinking (wine, loaded with calories). I pushed the limits of my band and ate crappy stuff like thin crust pizza and cookies, even cake and bread. As a result? In the last 7 weeks I've only lost like 7 pounds. Still weight loss, but when you're loosing 3 pounds a week before the fall, it makes a big difference. I went to court to finalize my divorce, I totalled my car and my house went into foreclosure. These are not excuses. It would have been better for me to stick to my plan. I stopped takeing protein supplements regularly and now I'm going bald, really. Not sure if it's the lack of protein or stress, or both. But, it sucks. So, my point? Don't think it can't happen to you. See the warning signs early and don't ignore them. I got a fill yesterday, started running again last week and I am on my way! I REFUSE to weight more than 199 pounds when 2009 starts. REFUSE. So, I got 7 pounds to go. Time to hit it hard.

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!

Thanks for the recipe - sounds yummy. Just waiting for it to get below the 90's here in Texas and I'll try it out!

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!

Last time I went in for a fill they told me my port was facing my when I lay down instead of facing up. Is this what happened to you? I think I am close to my "sweet spot" and not sure if I need another fill. Are they going to have to do a whole other surgery to move it? Which way is your port facing?

If anyone is having a hard time sticking to an exercise routine, I would really suggest running. I know it sounds crazy - I never thought I could do it. Six weeks later I'm totally addicted to the endorphin rush I get from running. I ran 1.5 miles in 23 minutes today - without stopping! Go me! If you've just had your surgery or are still in the process of getting approved - stick with it. I totally love my band and the opportunities it is affording me to a new, better healthier life! I hope to run my first 5k in October. And, I'm going to Las Vegas for my birthday in November. Man - life is great! Also - I need some new friends. Can I get a friend request out there? Guys - where are you all?

If anyone is having a hard time sticking to an exercise routine, I would really suggest running. I know it sounds crazy - I never thought I could do it. Six weeks later I'm totally addicted to the endorphin rush I get from running. I ran 1.5 miles in 23 minutes today - without stopping! Go me! If you've just had your surgery or are still in the process of getting approved - stick with it. I totally love my band and the opportunities it is affording me to a new, better healthier life! I hope to run my first 5k in October. And, I'm going to Las Vegas for my birthday in November. Man - life is great! Also - I need some new friends. Can I get a friend request out there? Guys - where are you all?

The pre surgery appts are a pain, but they are totally worth it and really do prepare you mentally for "life after the band". Stick with it - it's totally worth it. Good Luck!

We all hated being fat - that's why we got the surgery. I am not a patient person (and sounds like you aren't either). But, you will be able to see a difference soon. I am right at 49 pounds lost and I can't really see a difference but I can feel it. Focus on what has changed and try not to obsess your look on a daily basis. Keep it up - 70 pounds in 12 weeks is not an easy thing to accomplish.

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.

Getting the band was the best thing I ever did for myself. I was banded on July 16, 2008 and am doing great. The band doesn't make you weak - it still takes a lot of strength and perseverence to loose the weight. When I was deciding to get the band, I spent hours reading through the posts. Like anything else, there are people who take the band seriously and accomplish their goals. There are also people who are addicted to eating who aren't able to make the life changes required for the band to work. No one can tell you what is right for you. You really just have to decide what you are willing to sacrifice to get you what you want. Once you have a decision (either way) then you can focus on the next step. I know that was the hardest part for me - making the decision to go for it. Good Luck!

I still have not done any type of noodles - but that's just my choice. I did do mashed potatoes and mashed sweet potatoes. I am about 6 weeks post op and just now getitng up to the 1200-1400 calories a day I need and my weight has been coming off great. So, don't over eat just to get the calories in. Just concentrate on healing and adjusting to the new way of eating. Once you can eat fish, chicken the calories will add up.