She Smiles

Don't get me wrong Slim, I didn't actually RUN on the treadmill until about 4 months out from surgery, and even then it was a SLOW shuffle for about 5 minutes. I was incredibly unfit when I was banded, you know, I got puffed walking up 5 or 6 stairs. It won't happen fast, but over time you will notice you recover quicker after a work out (ie gain your breath back quicker) and can push your self a little harder each week. I just tried to up my work out for a minute each week. Keep track of what you are doing - you may feel silly but it will rally help you see the changes in your fitness. The first time I went tot he gym about 6 weeks post op, I did 10 minutes walk on the treadmill, 3 slow minutes on the elliptical and about 2 minutes on the rower before I felt like I was going to drop dead. Almost two years later, I am the most fit I have ever been in my life. Give your self time, but also celebrate those small milestones. You'll deserve it!

Running is my thing too, I really do love it. I was training for a half marathon earlier in the year and sustained serious knee injuries (illiotibial band syndrome, or "runners knee") three weeks out from the race, so was out of action for about 3 months undergoing pretty intense physiotherapy (my band also slipped at around the same time, so I put on 20 pounds - only 4 more to go til I have it all off again). In order to ease back into it, I am going to the gym now, 3-4 times a week. I run anywhere from 3-8km (do a mix of short and a bit longer runs every other workout to look after my knees) and then fill up the rest of the time (up to 60ish minutes) with the elliptical, rower and/or bike, whatever I am in the mood for on the day. I don't enjoy those as much as running, but the results keep me going back for now. For me, the variety is the key when it comes to the gym.

I'd have to say 6-8 weeks was about the point that I didn't feel like the fattest most uncoordinated person in my gym and started enjoying it. I think the real key is finding something you enjoy that is going to give you realistic results.

Oh Susan, if you do that I will LOVE you for ever and a day. I just don't understand how these people have so much time to write all these ginormous responses out. Passion for a cause is great, but seriously, if you're that passionate about this, go out and join the campaign team or something!! And I'm off to work. Slept terribly and will probably yell at the customers. Oh well.

OH. MY. GOD. ANOTHER political thread....started by you know who. Some of these people really have nothing better to do with their time, do they? Thank goodness this election is over next week. Maybe then they'll go into hiding for the next 4 years. (hey, a girl can dream can't she?). Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!

Shopping was GREAT!!! Got a dress, skirt, shorts and a top. AND the hottest pair of heels ever. And our new car is being delivered in 30 minutes. What an awesome day!

Let me make you feel better Donna. I bought some candy "just in case" we had trick or treaters. (We had some a couple of years back and had nothing to give them in the house and it was really sucky for them). Well of course, husband and I ate ever last one of those gummy skeletons waaay before yesterday. Lucky no kids came round! Oh my goodness. How adorable. I wonder how much live animal shipping to Australia is? *wants one*

As long as you washed it down with a big full cream milkshake with whipped cream on top!!! You know the rules!

Hmm not that early then. Maybe its me up late then! its 11:24 on Friday night here! Good morning ladies!!

How the heck are you guys awake now? Its got to be like 4 or 5am there now????

I had a wonderful day today and now here I am at Friday night. I have a couple of DVDs, a glass of wine and my PJs on. Whats better than that? Tomorrow I am hitting to shops for some new clothes. Now I'm back under that 70kg mark I'm keen to spend up big on new summer clothes! Wooooo!

Morning Slim! Its actually almost my bed time on Thursday night here!

Well us Aussies (well actually the English when they settled here) couldn't come up a unique name for the natives here, so they called them aborigines and that stuck as what they are called to this day. And about the photos - sensible/paranoid. Same difference really, right? There is your number 1 reason to come to Australia. We don't have Halloween! A hot Christmas is great fun. Especially if you're near a beach at all. I'm quite looking forward to a Chicago white christmas some time in my future.

Nope, I'm in our land's great (but small) capital. I wouldn't know the heat you've experienced down here Fanny. My 2 cents - I think what the Government is doing in the aboriginal communities is appalling. Throwing money at them and calling it an "intervention" isnt going to solve the drug and alcohol abuse and the sexual abuse that is rife and condoned. They need to get in there are educate the youth and provide training and job opportunities to stop the repetition of these horrible things. And they need to give the land back to its traditional owners, especially in NT. Theres nothing to be done with all that desert anyway, just give it back darnit! Anyway thats my rant for the day

Yeah its like Fanny's weather in Perth where I am. Its getting much warmer, but we still have the old cold snap like yesterday where I had to wear a jacket. I do love this in between season though, because summer is WAY too hot for my liking, and winter much too cold.

Congrats!!!

Posting to say I'm off to get a teeny unfill this morning. I'm hoping that will relieve me of the night time reflux I've been getting subtly for the last couple of weeks. Plus I think if I can eat a little bit more, my body won't be so susceptible to every sickness going around. Here's hoping it works. I'm also back to the gym today after all my illnesses, HOORAY!!!

And they increase the rate you HAVE to repay depending on how much you earn. I paid my $20,000 university debt off last year, but that's because I've been paying it off at the rate of 8% of my salary for quite a few years.

OMG so much activity today! Fanny, your guy is HOT. And no, I cannot believe he just turned 50. I'm SO happy for you! And Plain, do what you feel comfortable with. I've never ever seen any negative comments on the before and after thread, everyone is always so supportive. But I do understand your trepidation, hence why I post and then remove a few days later any pics I put up of myself. Perhaps you could do that if you didn't want them up for all eternity. Personally, I wish I had MORE photos of my journey. Just imagine how awesome it will be to look at the progression once you get to goal! BBK - Didn't I tell you that you'd get that weight off in no time!? How awesome! I've only got just a bit over a kilo (2.5 pounds maybe?) to go to the weight I was before my slip. Hooray!! And if geeks use facebook, I'll wear that badge along side LJM!

Fanny thats wonderful! You are SO in!!!! And SnT don't forget to eat a whole cheesecake too, you'll have room, for sure. I'm not that aware of my port at all. I carry most of my remaining fat in my stomach area (would love a tummy tuck) so its still pretty well buried under all of that.

I hope so too!

Haha I was actually just contemplating having a nana nap myself Hope work doesn't drag on too much Fanny!

Posting to say I'm boooooooooooooored.

Posting to say I just weighed myself and saw a 6 at the beginning of my weight again. Woot! I'm saying goodbye to the 70s hopefully for good this time!!

Aww thanks I can take or leave meat really. And your boofhead bf need a reality check I think!!