catfish87

@Fiddleman That was about the last time I used that HR strap. I'd be dead with that HR....lol 178 is about my max. ( I think ) I used the garmin soft strap for right at a year then it started wizzing out at times...reading erratic. I've read on forums that is kinda common. I got a new one and it's rock solid. I ran it around 155 bpm. That was my first HM and I had a "goal" of 10:00, mile. I had only went that distance once before and thought I'd just run at a nice comfortable pace. I felt great afterwards....like I should have pushed a bit harder.

26 mile easy pace on the bike this morning. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/514327009

I would second the idea about requesting FMLA coverage. If you're a covered employee, and you work for a company that is required to provide it, I believe it's by far your best option to request it. You can use your companies normal sick leave policy requirements and use your paid sick time, or any other paid time off. By getting the surgery covered under FMLA, any future issues (related to the surgery, including doctor followups, fills, etc.) that could possibly arrive will be covered under the FMLA. Your surgeons office should be well schooled in filling out any necessary paperwork required by your employer and if you don't want them to know the specific procedure you're having done, let the person filling out the forms know that. Best wishes on your upcoming surgery! Congrats!

5k run/jog yesterday evening after work. Nice easy pace.

Just wanted to chime in with what little experience I have. And to follow along with this post because I find this stuff EXTREMELY interesting.....and helpful. Keep in mind, I am NOT a fast runner. I have a garmin 310xt that I use for cycling and running and occasionally swimming. I like the features although I don't use the training mode much. I'm 44, so I consider my "max" heart rate about 176....or so. I have been there or a couple bpm more a few times. What I've found is when doing shorter runs, say a 5k, I keep my HR around 160 for the first 4k, then if I feel fine will go up to around 170-172 bpm for the last K. Longer runs, say 10k, I'll stay at 150-155 for most of it, then kick what little I have left the last K or so. Distance runs.....I'll stay at 145 and feel like I could go all day usually. 162-164 seems to be my "threshold"....If I go much over that, even for a short distance, it takes a bit to recover. 5k max effort http://connect.garmin.com/activity/404517812 10k about 95% effort http://connect.garmin.com/activity/447719053 HM easy pace ( HRM was on the fritz the last few miles, but I ran about 155 bpm) http://connect.garmin.com/activity/465531831 Replaced HR strap and ran a 5k strictly targeting HR. 145 the first 2 miles...felt so easy, then picked up the pace for 1Km just to see what it showed. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/506131229

I looked back on her history and she has one of those docs who gives .5 CC fills once a month. And, she had some problems with her port site and wasn't able to get fills till the end of January. She's had 5 fills of .5 CC each fill. Lame huh? This is one of those instances where we choose our doc and have no idea how conservative they are? One must conclude that some of these docs get paid by the fill from insurance? .5 CCs is just way too conservative. Just my opinion. IF all surgeons were required to give "free" lifetime adjustments, using fluoroscopy, we wouldn't see such long drawn out bandster hell's, or as many problems. I believe getting/keeping people at correct adjustment sooner is better. To prevent people from "testing the waters" if you will. I'm not suggesting filling bands too tight, but I think some restriction right at the time you start reintroducing mushies would have been better for me. And I KNOW fluoro would have been.

Congrats again on your remarkable success....you are a great example of what giving "100%" means. I don't think your concern is unusual at all. I've read 100's of post about this very topic over the years. However, I haven't ever had a fear of not being able to level off or stop losing. You've gotten some great advice already from your surgeon and friends above, just relax a little and enjoy your new life. How much do you think your band has limited your eating vs self control? The reason I ask, is for me, self control is a limited quanity. Willpower only last(ed) so long. Thats why I'm so glad our surgery is adjustable. again....CONGRATS! You've earned it!

"barely run at 8mph"... not sure how far or long you're doing 8mph....but that is FAST in my book!! Thats about a 23:20 5k....WAY faster than I run. And faster than 90% of people who enter the runs in my area. My PR for a 5k is 26:28 (7.1mph)......so Kuddo's to you. Congrats!

Had a nice weeked at the lake...relaxing/swiming/hiking/drinking....you know....FUN! Happy Monday everyone

WOW! You look fantastic. Congrats on all your hard work and success. You rock!

Fluoroscopy is when they use what I refer to as similar to a live X-Ray during the adjustment. It can be helpful for locating some peoples port. But the main reason is to physically SEE placement of the band, and how much restriction a person has, and that all is well. You drink a contrast Fluid and the surgeon and you can SEE how fast or slow the barium fluid passes through the band area. In my opinion, due to my experience, ALL doctors should be using this method, at least occasionally. It can show other things besides restriction levels.... Here's a link to my surgeons page describing it. http://www.hoab.org/fluoroscopy-st-louis-missouri/ Heres a video of my band from last year.

I have BCBS insurance through my employer. If I get an adjustment, my insurance gets billed $700, the negotiated rate is $486.25. They pay $389.00, and I "should" pay $97.25 ( after meeting my yearly insurance deductible I've got an 80/20 plan ) This include's the normal office visit and discussion with the SURGEON, and prob 15 min discussion with a NUT. AND ALWAYS Fluoroscopy guidance/viewing....wouldn't have it any other way.

Great job everyone! 5k run this morning after work. It feels like summer time in the midwest......95% humidity this morning. Happy Thursday all!

I usually will "gain" 2-4 pounds during a couple hour bike ride...and thats my goal now. But I will drink 10 pounds of water or more during longer rides. I weigh myself before and after most all longer exercise sessions....just to make sure I'm not getting dehydrated. Easier said than done, but don't fret over the daily fluctuations...It'll drive ya crazy.

Nice 26 mile easy pace on the bike this afternoon. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/508418293

Participated in the Highland Biathlon ( 5 mile run, 15 mile bike ) yesterday, with mixed results/fellings. This would be my first multisport competive event. I had to work the night before, so I'd be doing this on no sleep. (probably a mistake) The temps were HOT and humid for the 8am start. 70 degrees and 90% humidity! I had hoped to complete it in 1:40, thinking about 47 minutes for the run, 3 transition, then 50 minutes on the bike. The run was an utter fail! The course had some hills in it and I just didn't have it in me...actually walked some around mile 3.5. Finally got the run done a little over 50 minutes. Transistion to the biking shoes/helmet/etc went pretty good at around 3 minutes as expected. ( I wasn't gonna push the transition ) Then the bike ride...what I thought would be my "strong" point. I passed several people on the bike leg...and only had one person pass me. Finished the bike portion in 49 minutes. Too bad there wasn't more bike involved. Overall, it was a good learning experience. I'll do more of these, but not sure I'll do another after working the previous night. I just really felt exhaused halfway through the run. I forgot to have my garmin set for multisport, but heres the course Run/transition with the first 1/2 mile of the bike: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/507540030 Last 14 miles of the bike: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/507540035

PERFECT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I had this for "breakfast" this afternoon after my run. If I enter it into my LoseIt app, I get the following results. 1 scoop bodylogix chocolate Protein powder 120 cal 1 banana ( medium ) 105 cal 1 cup Almond Breeze Almond milk (unsweetened) 30 cal 2 tbls PB2 45 cal Crushed Ice totals 300 cal 31 grams protein 36 grams carbs 5 grams fat I put it in the Ninja and it is great...just like a Thick "Frosty". Edited to add, I find peeling and freezing banana's in a Ziploc bag and using them, makes this even better than using unfrozen bananas...and you don't have to add as much ice.

5k HR target run for me today. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/506131229

Congrats to you!! Enjoy your first organized 5k June 7th. High 5's on the accomplishment...You've earned it!

My thoughts exactly. Best wishes.....

Congrats and job well done!

This is very similar to what I'll do occasionally. http://coloradobariatric.com/2012/04/5-day-pouch-test/

Hi ToyToy, Welcome! Have you been following up with your surgeon, and getting adjustments to your band? Are you saying you are 15 lbs heavier than when you had your surgery, or have recently gained 15 lbs? Did your band ever provide you with any help or has it just seemed like a diet for you? I'm just trying to get an idea where you may be with restriction level. As far as the 5 day pouch test, it is used by many, to varying degrees of success....depending somewhat on how your band may or may not be adjusted.

Congrats on a job well done!!!!!, and thanks for coming back and sharing your success story. I think I remember we talked about a year or so ago. Best wishes for continued success!