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So far I've list 10 lbs an it's been about 3 weeks so far

Yikes! I am behind. I am going to have to taper way back, from the 25th (today) to the 29th I'd like to pledge 10 points (twenty minutes of exercise daily.) Thank you so much for keeping this going Bookleen! What are you doing for your exercise and how is it working for you? I ordered a couple dvd's and have a big living room that we never use so I'm going to take it over as my gym!

A little disappointing (from a run perspecetive), but here are my race results Jerseyman Triathlon Place: 135/195 Swim Place: 78 23:13; T1: 4:08; Bike Place:104 1:14:56 MPH 15.6; T2: 1:19 Run Place: 178 35:17 Pace: 11:23 Total Time: 2:18:51 Age Group Place: 19/22 M35-39 Male Racers Place: 95/122. Race Day – Got up at 5:00 and onsite by 6:00. I had a cereal bar, sugar free red-bull, clif bar, and Gatorade by 7:00. Lots of room in transition, and it was not crowded at all. “Pool” opened at 7 for pre-race warm-up. Water temp was 74, but it was still a shock at first. I could not breathe at all for my first few strokes. Finally got my face into the water more and got a decent rhythm going. This was, by far, the best decision I made all day - to do the practice swim. I got out of the water at 7:15, as the race was supposed to be at 7:30, and there was supposed to be a pre-race briefing. Neither happened. At 7:30, I got back in the water, as it was apparent we were not swimming for awhile, and I wanted to get reacclimated. Out again at 7:45 (not a lot of swimming…just bobbing and getting used to the water). Around 8 we did a wade in start and somehow I ended up front and center. This did not bother me at all, other than thinking, “how did I get here, when I intentionally went to the right of everyone?” The moment was lightened, when a little girl yelled out, “Don’t stop swimming daddy!!” Great advice, huh? Swimming went pretty well, other than the occasional stop for those who swam in front of me and cut me off. One additional nag point was I guess the volunteers drove a boat close to us, and our glass flat lake had sudden rollers in it. I thought a storm (it was raining) had suddenly hit us or something. It was a bit disconcerting, but it went away quickly. I did get a good feeling once, when I realized I was swimming fast enough for someone to draft off me. This one guy stayed glued to me for at least ½ the race, but I lost him after the final buoy, when I turned it up a little. I was shocked, as I exited the water and my watch said 22 minutes and change. I thought for sure I had swam faster than that. I’d say the course distance was off, but a 22 YO woman from Philadelphia finished in 15:57…that’s just unbelievably fast to me. I guess my extra minute or so on the official time was running to the timing mat. I had a good 75-100 yard sandy run to the sidewalk, then decided to walk a little to transition, as it was still a ways away. The crowd was pretty supportive with us too. I did pretty well in the “changing” part of transition, and most of my time was running/walking into and out of transition. I did run my bike to the mount point though, even in my bike shoes, as I realized before the race it was all grass, and the cleats would not be so unwieldy on grass. Oh, and the weather was 65 and humid, when it wasn’t raining. I had planned on putting on another shirt (was wearing sleeveless compression shirt under wetsuit on swim) in T1, but left it there, as I was plenty warm enough. Wetsuit came off easy enough too. Onto the bike. Oh, those first few miles were hell. I had a splitting headache (back of head), and I did not feel like riding hard at all. In fact, I felt woozy and lightheaded for the rest of the day after the race. I got some Gu into me (powdered mix in water), and I started to feel a bit better. Steady rain started falling, and taking turns and downhills fast was a bit freaky. Some downhills, which I knew were straight I hammered at full speed, and others I braked quite a bit. About halfway into the ride I started to feel good, and I steadily increased the pace. I stopped to help another athlete who had a flat (gave him my spare), but that only cost me 20-30 seconds, and I knew I wasn’t winning any medals anyway. I was hammering the last few miles, as I felt strong, and I knew the end was near. I got into an easier gear about a mile out and started spinning, to get the legs ready for the run. I got to the dismount area, jumped off really nice, and ran my bike to T2 – the run to T2 felt great. Got into T2, and thought I made awesome time. I had already put my race belt on in T1, so T2 consisted of: run in, rack bike, change shoes, run out. Nothing too special. About 50 feet into my 5k run, my mind told me, “This is going to suck.” Now remember, my run off the bike into T2, felt great, legs were not beat up or anything, or so I thought. I jogged/shuffled for the first 1.5 miles, then started to walk/run for a minute each at a time. My hips were killing me, which is not a pain I have experienced before in training. I felt like I had nothing left, and my run time definitely suffered. If it hadn’t been a race or if I did not keep on getting support from other runners, I may have bagged it, had it just been training. Wrong thing to do, I know, but I was not doing well physically or mentally on the run. Summary: Swim Goal: 20 minutes; Actual 23:13 – not too worried about this, as distance could have been off (that’s my story, and I’m sticking to it. J ), and I was firmly MOP for this – expected result. Transition Times: < 6 minutes total; Actual 5:27 – I could have made T1 a little faster, but I could not have done much better on T2 Bike Goal: 75 Minutes; Actual 1:14:56. Hmm...I think I knew how fast I was going to go, huh? J Considering the weather and how I felt in the beginning, I’m pretty satisfied with this. Run Goal: Sub 30 minute; actual 35:17 – What can be said? This time sucks, and I know it. Time for lots of running this winter. Goals for next year – keep on training, keep on having fun, keep on getting better at running.

@@JamieLogical You are amazing! WTG!! WHen I do my 10 mile race on the 9th, I will definitely be channeling my inner Jamie! So what's the next goal? And as I understand it, that desire to run again, means you're hooked! pam

My surgeon gave me the go ahead to swim/hot tub at 10 days post-op, so go figure. I waited a while as scars still looked a bit red. At 3 weeks I am ready to hit the hot tub.

Do your cardio first thing in the morning if you can. Try to get 20-40min. I find that gets me burning all day long! Don't get hung up on what kind youre doing or what machine you're on, if youre sweating, youre doing great! If the higher intensitry stuff is too much right now, stick to the bike. Showing up is what's most important. Don't set up hurdles for yourself. Make it a routine that you cant imagine breaking. Your body will adapt and improve and before you know it, you can start blending in a couple minutes of higher intensity machines. I started bike only and now I do 20 on the bike followed by 10-20 on a skiier or stair climber. Those things HURT!

You're still sweating because your body is still in fat burning mode! That was indeed an awesome workout! Replenish as much as you can and get lots of rest. Good job!! I bike 10 miles at the gym and I'm dying! I can't imagine 54!

And whatever time u set it up, it counted the calories u burned from midnight. I've had mine for about 3 weeks and still getting used to it. Sounds like alot of calories it burns for just doing nothing. And my sleep setting doesn't work well. Had to take back the original one cuz it didn't count my sleep at all. Now it counts 14-18 hrs for 6 hrs of sleep. Not sure why. I konk out after taking a sleeping pill about 10 and forget to tap it to put it to sleep. Just came up with the idea last nite to set my alarm on my phone for 10:30 to tap it. It worked! Finally! Good luck!

Hi, nice to hear from you all. I am in Hamilton, about 45 min from Toronto KristiK. And no, I haven't gone for a consultation. My husband also thinks I'm crazy, 1: to have surgery, 2: to think that spending that much $ is reasonable when all you have to do is "stop eating crap, and get out and exercise more." (Note: he did not say those words EXACTLY, but that is what he thinks). Majj, we don't have anything like that here, would be nice though. And Vickster50B, I could pull off the payments (how much are they, BTW?), but right now the problem is with my husband. He doesn't understand that I have given so much of myself to him and our daughters (10 & 5) over the years, combined with childhood abuse from my father, that I feel defeated, and that I have ignored my needs for so long that I can't find a way to start taking care of me. Ah. Very frustrating.

I agree with you regarding the benefits of weight training. I do nearly no formal cardio exercises anymore, aside from incidental exercising, because I'm in maintenance and am no longer trying to lose weight. I am active, I swim and walk and cycle recreationally but I don't have a cardio 'routine' as such anymore. I am, however, doing weight training so that I build muscle (not seeking to be muscular, but strong), lower my body fat percentage, increase my metabolism and strengthen my core (which is helpful as we get older and lose our balance more easily). The side effect of that is that I expect to gain a little as I get stronger. And yet at a BMI of 24 and a BFP of 19% now, I'm actually only one clothing size bigger than I was at a BMI of 21 (with a BFP of 22%). So yes I think a holistic view of all of your body composition is important in the long run.

A few Clichés come to mind as I was reading your post....Misery loves company seems to fit your BFF. If thats the case, when people make a change to end the misery... the "company" often doesnt respond. And thats ok... its your life not theirs. And as you travel on your journey, you will have the confidence to make new friends and of course keep many of the old friends.... but maybe you will find that all you had in common with some was being overweight. Since 11/24/10 when I started my journey I realized I was the one having to adapt to the world around me... not the other way around. Other lives go on while mine is seemingly stuck in a world of counting calories, worrying about what I am supposed to eat and spending hours in the closet trying to adapt my too large wardrobe. But for the first time ever I am finally doing something for me and finding the joy in the controlling of my life. My friends are pretty supportive but they dont ask about it all the time and yet they still invite me to dinner parties and know that I dont need any special considerations... I will adapt. I assume you made the decision to be banded on your own. You may have sought out information or support but by in large you had to be the one who said... this will work for me. So naturally it is on the formost of your mind. Just remember it wont be that way with others.

100 squats 90 reverse lunges 80 dead leg lifts 70 mt climbers 60 bridge lifts 50 calf raises 40 plié squats 30 crossover lunges 20 squat jumps 10 bicycle lunges

Hi all. I am post op (11/19) and just joined a gym (24 Hour Fitness). I cannot afford a trainer so I was wondering if anyone can tell me their workout plan or routine? So far I have been doing treadmill for 20 minutes and then I go to different weight machines to work my muscles. I swim for an hour and a half twice a week replacing the workout above. I am obviously looking to lose but also tone. Any advice??? Thank you. Kacey B.

typically i begin with 20 minutes of cardio (elliptical, bike, treadmill with incline) then i begin my weight training for 40 minutes and that includes doing 3-4 sets on each weight training machine. a set includes 10 repetitions on each machine. i usually do 3-4 sets on each machine. i hope this helps!

So i started to go to ballys in kew gardens...right know they have a special 19 a month not bad!!!

Hi guys my surgery is nov 19, my pre-testing for blood work is nov 1st. I hope and pray there's no interruptions, Sandy really showed her tail lol 2013 is my year....SD 11/19 Methodist Hosp in NY

I am in WA state near Everett in a small community called Lake Stevens. We have a Team Fitness very close and another another gym not much further ( both less than 10 min away). If I drive about 15-20 min, I can find LA fitness and 24 hour fitness. I have been a member of both in the past. I like LA fitness because of sheer size, number of machines, pool, sauna, etc, but the dues tend to be high and I usually always only see the gym rats there. No normal folks like myself. The 24 hour clubs tend to smell like locker rooms and are over crowded. For some reason, they tend not to maintain their machines as well. The Team fitness is nice because it is small, has a good set of high quality machines and typically has the normal people in it. However, they have a high enrollment fee and high month dues. I like that they interview everyone and keep the membership low. I have not joined any gym yet since surgery because I have two good Precor machines in my house to use. They are older ( off Craigslist), but have served me well. Both are commercial quality. treadmill is from 12 years ago and elliptical is from 15-20 years ago. They both do the basics very well, but tend not to have the bells and whistles you see on newer machines. Besides, i enjoy working out at home because it gives me less of an excuse to miss my workout. i have dumbbells of 2, 3, 5 10, 15, 20, 30, 50 lbs and use them occasionally, but have not committed to a program that leads to results. I think I like running too much and give less attention to the strength training. I have Bob Harper Inside and Out, but I think his easy workout is too easy and can only make it 20 minutes into his hour long workout. It is very challenging. Maybe I should just keep Bob as my trainer and keep at it. For some reason, I think that having a personal trainer (in person)would help me focus better and would not allow me to push stop on the DVD. I need to get to a point in my strength training where I am progressing from week to week, much like my running has progressed. For some reason, I have no problem kicking my own butt when running. It comes naturally.

Pain yes but that's why they give you Med's take them it will relax you and help you heal. Gas pain is the worst but walking helps and is a good start to getting more exersice. So walk but don't over do it take it ez in the beginning. Incision pain will go way in a few days. You will be tired all the time this to will pass. What I dident expect was rapid weight loss or as much as I have lost in the first month. I con only hope I lose 28 more pounds in the next month. Just remember after surgery do as your doctor says and you will be fine Good luck on the 10 We always room on the losers team for more losers, on this team it's good to be a loser. Anymore questions just ask Surgery Anniversary 7/30/12

Hey! So my name is Mary and I'm 21 years of age. I'm new to this..and very nervous. I really don't know what to say. I just scheduled my surgery for Aug. 11 with Dr. Ortiz in Mexico. I leave for T.J. on Sunday, Aug. 10 and come back home on Wednesday, Aug. 13. For those that are questioning prices (as which I did), the total cost is a little less than $8,000. This covers surgery, pre-op tests, hospital stay as well as 2 nights at a 5 star hotel, and transportation to and from San Dieago Airport. I think it is a pretty sweet deal :biggrin: Umm...so a little background about me. I currently work for an airline, so I have free travel benefits. I can fly down to San Dieago and back for nothing. However, a week after my surgery will be my last week with the company. I received a new job with the FAA as an air traffic controller and will be going to government training at the end of August. Here comes my tricky part. I want to get the surgery done before I quit so I have the free flights, and also my training consists of Monday thru Friday and definently no days off allowed. However, I will be relocating from Kentucky to Oklahoma, where the training is held. That is for 3 months, and then I will be relocating to Stockton, CA to start my career. I'm going to try to get down to T.J. at least for my first fill while in Oklahoma, but not sure if that is going to be possible. I'm going to need to find a fill doctor in Oklahoma, and then in Cali. I feel like it would be smarter to wait off...but I will get this surgery done and then be able to relax in a class room for 3 months. Well, anyways that is me. I hope that didn't sound stupid lol.

Banded 2/10. Starting weight was 284. Now at 233. And I'm not worried about how long it will take. I just know it will happen!

i am a size 48 f i but great sportsbras at walmart! 2 for 10$$$ they are the hanes sport..they are so soft and i wear them to work with hy dressy outfits too.

I can't wait to be where you are! I remember in high school I was able to run miles without feeling exhausted. Now I can't even run 10 feet without feeling winded. Proud of you! Keep it up!

i would love to be able to have the band op, i have thought about it for years! i'm only 23 but i have been very over weight from the age of 10.. i dont have a doctors but feel like by asking i'm taking the easier option? even tho i know it wont be the easier option.. well i say i thought about it for years and read the stories but never looked into if i meet the standards they have..

hiya! my name's dani and i am 21 yrs old. I was banded on January 11th and in 6 months i've lost 60 lbs. =) (68 today). I exercise at the very least twice a week and I stick to my diet 90 percent of the time =) (nobody's perfect) I was petrified minutes before I was taken back for surgery. I had a hernia that was repaired at the same time. Everything went well, and I'm so happy now. I went from 240 to 172 today and from a size 18-20 to now a 10-12! I wish you well and hope you stay strong! YOU CAN DO THIS!

You have had a life change here girl! Start off slow, don't expect to be able to handle the gym right off. . . i started off with 10 minutes on the treadmill and 5 to 6 minutes on the ellipitical, slowly increasing the time by 1 minute each week. . . now i'm up to 30 minutes on the treadmill and 20 minutes on the ellipitical. . .i've added some weights in there too. . . but i haven't gone in a while, life is too demanding and there are priorities beyone the gym. . . good luck!