sawyer77

Thanks so much, gang! I definitely need to do stuff like this (post videos or photos) when I'm not seeing movement on the scale -- keeps me motivated. I love looking at other folks' pics, too -- hint hint! :thumbdown:

Hey, everyone! I feel a little like a Running Preacher! Every time I finish a run, I'm sad that more people don't "get" it, sad that folks miss out on this GREAT workout, sad that there are people out there that don't get to experience that endorphin rush that feels so good! I became a runner because of the marvelous Couch To 5K program: Cool Running :: The Couch-to-5K Running Plan I ran my first 5K on March 13th, with my next scheduled one on April 17th. I have had so much joy brought in to my life with running, and I truly feel that running changes everything. Actually one of the reasons I decided to become a runner was because it was free. Ha! I'm now addicted to running gear and goodies! :-) [And so much for just running -- two months ago, I also joined an (affordable) gym to crosstrain with free weights and take yoga classes to vary my workout. It's exciting to feel like you are truly doing something FOR YOURSELF and for your health.] I bought my second pair of running shoes in February, and it feels so good to know that I've worn through a pair of running shoes in four months. And just so you know, I'm not what anyone would look at and think, "Hey, she must be a runner!" In fact, I think the first week of running in November was the hardest week. I would never have been confused for someone who had athletic ability back in November. I still feel REALLY slow, and I know myself, and that I thrive on a "plan" -- so I signed up for Fleet Feet/New Balance's No Boundaries 5K training program. It's a 12-week program run out of the Fleet Feet store. No Boundaries I figured it can only help me become a better runner. It's very similar to starting C25K over again, but I'm really going to enjoy the social aspect of it, the coaching, and a new goal, a 5K on July 3rd. I wanted to mention the NB program thought it might be an exciting option for folks who need the social component, maybe that extra push! Do not allow yourself to be filled with self-doubt -- go after what you want! And one of my FAVORITE quotes, one that goes through my head when I'm trying to keep running, is: "It doesn't matter how slowly you go, so long as you do not stop." -Confucius Go do it! :-) Then tell us about it!

I'm way behind, trying to catch up -- but do want to say to Bobbie -- hang in there, sister! This, too, shall pass. Hugs! Here's my update -- I'm trying to find motivation EVERYWHERE! Photo Montage: YouTube - Progress Pics 4/2010 Vlog: YouTube - 11 Weeks Post-Op (My webcam is not great and doesn't sync audio/video. Wahh!) Enjoy! Thanks for watching.

Thanks, bgn! It's a battle, but it's a GOOD battle. :-) Go, you!

I learned pretty quickly to not compare myself to others. As far as the scale goes, yes -- I like to watch my BMI get lower, but I get a lot out of comparing pictures of myself as the weeks go by, and going out to see people I haven't seen in a few months! :-) Those things will all remind you that YOU are doing GREAT! Do not expect much before you get a few fills. Ive only gotten two and am feeling okay with "only*" 25 pounds lost because I know the best is yet to come. In the meantime, I am working my tush off! :-) *I say "only" with a wink because that's an awesome weight loss in 11 weeks, 12 if you count my one-week pre-op diet. Seriously. But if I compared myself to others who were banded in January, I'd know that others have lost more. Know this: there will always be someone who is greater or lesser than yourself. So best to focus on YOU!

Yep, there is a card from Allergan/Lap-Band that identifies you as a LB patient. My card came very quickly as well. (My surgeon gave me a packet that had a mail-in form, but you can also do it via the website, I believe.) In the meantime, there was a temporary card to use. I flew in February (there were not full-body scanners at security at that time) and I had no problems whatsoever.

I definitely relate to this. I am a voracious info-hound, and listened to everything that my surgeon said, everything that they told us at boot camp, went to support groups, and felt very well-prepared, but I did not expect the purgatory that I had entered. Now that I know, I'm fine with it. It's really just about realistic expections and being honest with ourselves. I'm 10 weeks post-op and going for my third fill in two weeks. CAN. NOT. WAIT. Every little one of those 25 begrudging pounds I've lost has been all me, eating right and exercising. Huzzah! I believe I am doing great, but it sure will be exciting when the band kicks in.

Weighing in today at 172. I will be 162 by Mothers' Day. :-D

Before: I hated pictures of myself. I hated people taking pictures of my face, my body -- YUCK! Now: I love finding one of those rare horrifying pictures, because it's not me anymore. I'm done, done, done with who I was in that picture. You will get there, and you will get to the point where a fat picture is a treasured one, because it's so different from where you're headed. Chin up! Do what Catherine said -- save those pics and move on! :-)

This is so wonderful! Y'know how awesome you are?! Soak it all in -- you deserve it! :-)

I think a little doubt is healthy and normal. I'm a very motivated and positive person, and I don't think there was anything wrong that I was unsure of my surgery success for a bit there. I'm the type of person that always wants to know "why?" and "how?," so when I hit little two-week stalls (this seems to be my pattern so far! Lose three pounds, stay the same for two weeks, lose three pounds, stay the same for two weeks, heh), I'm examining and analyzing. I'm going on record to say I believe it's okay to doubt, but don't let it own you. Get motivated, and learn from the doubt. Why do you doubt? That can answer a lot of deep lingering questions. I know for me it did. I doubted because I was in a no-good relationship the last 7 years. I knew it was time to cut that loose, and do it for ME! Don't allow the doubt to stick around. Don't let yourself down. You're MORE than worth it.

Thanks for the responses. Ouch, Christie! No fun! I hope it settles in for you.

Go, Todd! I just started a Running Preacher thread after my run -- blame it on the endorphins! :-) Rock it out! And hey, you're in NJ? If you ever want to plan on getting a LB group together for a 5K race, I'm game! My pace is around 14:00 right now, but I'm working on improving! :thumbup:

PB means "productive burp." It's not a good thing. I've only done it once and it's not fun. I'm sorry to hear of your troubles, but like the others said, it's great that everyone is committed to solving the problem -- and let's hope this is just a tiny roadblock that has a scenic detour!

Oh, yep! I still kind of feel that way sometimes! I thought, "Oh no, my band didn't take." Heh. I'm right now matched up on pace for my weekly weight loss goals, and I have that creeping doubt still there, thinking that things may go awry. Bandster hell, oh boy! Leigha, when was your surgery?

Hey, good for you on the 19 pounds! :thumbup: To get started, I bought running shoes, I downloaded the C25K app onto my iPhone, and I got a knee strap to keep my luxating patella in place -- definitely a necessity for me to have that knee strap! As far as motivation, I started talking about it on facebook and twitter A LOT. Then *I JUST DID IT!* I dove in! And I immediately had a whole network of folks cheering me on (and of course, holding me accountable!) -- another great thing I did was join a gym where I know a lot of the other members. During the winter, when I couldn't run on the road due to the unending snow and ice, I would run on the treadmill at the gym. I certainly couldn't give up when those folks (facebook friends, you bet!) were right there watching! Heh. :thumbup::thumbup:

Yay! I'm in for 10. :thumbup:

Hey, everyone! I am a C25K graduate, and ran my first 5K on March 13th, with my next scheduled on April 17th. I still feel REALLY slow, and I know myself, and that I thrive on a "plan" -- so I signed up for Fleet Feet/New Balance's No Boundaries 5K training program. It's a 12-week program run out of the Fleet Feet store. No Boundaries I figured it can only help me become a better runner. It's very similar to starting C25K over again, but I'm really going to enjoy the social aspect of it, the coaching, and a new goal, a 5K on July 3rd. I thought it might be an exciting option for folks who need that extra push!

Betsy, thinking of you and Mark. IL, congrats to your daughter! She must love having your help and guidance! I just found this picture of myself from one week before surgery. I used to groan at seeing pictures of myself, but now, I get so excited to find a fat picture because IT'S IN THE PAST! :-) Isn't it funny how your perspective changes? I love my fat pictures now! :thumbup:

The March one was great! They cooked quinoa polenta for us. Mmmm! They mentioned no more overnights and no more swallow tests at the support group. I'm so thankful that I got to stay overnight. I needed it -- I was nauseous and glad I had the nurses there to help me. I live in western Atlantic County, yep. :frown:

Dr. O is my surgeon, too. Just love him and his staff. :frown: Do you go to the support group? When was your surgery?