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As I reflect further, 15K seems awfully ambitious right out of the gate. For now I'm signing up for a Halloween-themed 5K that takes place on 10/27/2018. I feel like that gives me time to do C25K (or at least some of it) and 'dip my toe in the water' in terms of racing!

It sounds like after the Band something just makes you want to exercise. I love to walk. I live in MN and it is really cold, right now 10 degrees or so so I can't go out side. People here mall walk. For me that would mean shopping. I guess I need more self control. I guess that is the name of the game for everything, self control. For all of you that have lost weight Congrats. For those of you who have not, keep trying like I am. I hope the Lap band will work for me like is has most of you. I can't wait for this new chapter in my life. Jen; MN, BUUURRRR

I had an hour session with a trainer at the gym and was told that it is best to warm up for 10 minutes and than begin 30 minute cardio before weights. She said that you burn more fat since your body is still going after the cardio. She also said do not stretch before doing the weights.

Bob, that sounds like a really nice place. I would love the Water aerobics. The little place I signed up with for a month is just a room on the back of a little country grocery store. There is about 10 different machines in a circle. You just begin on any machine until a tape recording yells "change", about 2 or 3 mins. on each machine. You go around 3 times on all the machines and jog in place between each machine. My hubby thought he would suprise me and went to yard sales, thrift shops, ect. and bought 5 different exercise machines and put them in the basement for me. He spent less than $50 and I can use them everyday. Sometimes we workout together. I'm really having fun with this. My young teenage grandchildren enjoy it too when they come for a visit. Enjoy the exercise Bob. I know it is going to be so worth it. Judy

5-3 today! I really started feeling it after 15 mins! Finally, at 16:30, I was like, "there is NO WAY I can sustain another 3:30 of this!!!" so I slowed down and walked for 30 seconds. I felt SO much better after that short break! The remaining 3 minutes were....well, I wouldn't say "a breeze," but much more bearable! I actually did much better than I thought I would, I expected to have to stop after like 10 mins. Thankfully, the next few runs are intervals again!

*waves to Bariatric Pal Folks* I'm in the final stretch of the pre op six month trial period! Just had my pre surgery appointments (breast exam, GI exam, Psyche etc.) scheduled this June and I'm very excited! I liked having the time before hand as I've gotten to know the weight loss staff very well from January of this year to now. I've been focusing on getting as fit as I can before surgery so the healing will be that much better. I've gone from a 49 inch waist in January 2016 to now a 43 inch waist! Gained lean mussel mass and trimmed up all over. One thing i look forward to is not feeling so tired after workouts. Lord you should see my sweaty mug after walking out yawing. :-/ I mean I feel better, but yea I won't miss the post workout ZZzz. I've been in the 200's for almost 12 years now and almost got to 199 but shot back up due to medications. Been preparing for surgery for ten months now and I'm very excited. Here is my workout regimen I currently am on: I typically will spend 12 minutes on the stair stepper and 15 speed walking at 3.5 mph or on an elliptical stair stepper for 30 minutes or 30 on the treadmill speed-walking. I try to mix up the cardio as much as I can, same for the weights. The machines I'm on are hammer strength MAS incline press 1 set of 15 with at 30 pounds and I rest for 120 seconds (yes I count) The the ISO Lateral Low Row 2 sets of 8 reps with 25 pounds on both ends again I rest for 120 seconds The ISO Lateral Front Military Press (I love this machine ) 2 sets of 8 with 25 pounds on both ends rest for 120 seconds Lateral Bench Press again 25 on each end and 2 sets of 8 reps sometimes 25 reps depending again 120 second rest between each set Squat Machine 8 reps at 80 pounds and sometimes another 4 reps. I take this machine slow and controlled to avoid injury and because my coordination is not that great. On the other days I use the leg press machine in place of the squat machine 3 sets of 8 reps rest of 60 seconds between each. I use the abductor machine (looks weird but works) 3 sets of 8 at 60 pounds. (I switch up the days for this machine too.) And every time I go to the gym I finish off the weights with the pull up/dip machine I am in lust with this thing! My goal is to be able to do a pull up one day without any counterweights! Then it's ab work for about 10 minutes to finish up with stretching for 15 minutes. I get to the gym about 3 to 4 times a week, but this is usually what I do while there.

I think walking is a great way to start. Typically, it is recommended that people aim to get their heart rate up for about 30 minutes on most days of the week. Work up to it if you need to. You want to walk at a pace that is like you are late for a meeting. It should make you breathe through your mouth. Again, work up to that if you've not been exercising at all. Eventually, you will have to pick up the pace to have the same workout. At some point you can start to add in 2-3 weight lifting sessions, and some stretching. It is important to pick/find something that you can find enjoyment in-- that's what helps people stick to a routine. Some people like group exercise, some people like to be alone. Try something new if you want. One thing that will really help your body (and keep you from getting really bored) is to switch things up from time to time. I often recommend to people (I work at the YMCA) to use several different machines at several different speeds during the same workout. Instead of spending 30 min at one speed on the treadmill, do 5 min on the bike at a slow speed, 10 min on the treadmill at medium, 5 min on the elliptical at a high speed, then 5 min slow on the bike again... or whatever. mixing it up is great for your body. And "fast" or "slow" is relative for everyone. Do you have any "special" needs-- like painful joints, etc? That would also affect what exercise routine you choose.

I'm also doing optifast for a month. My surgery is May 19. I've been on it for about 2 weeks and so far I've lost 11.5 pounds. That's exactly what I'm doing.

I was happy I was told I could go swimming 2 weeks post op. I am moving a lot around the water lately, yesterday I walked around the pool at least a dozen times. Dove underneath water tons of times. the only thing I felt was a small tiny tugging around my port area when I had to get out of the pool to climb the ladder, I was very careful, actually I really crawled up the ladder and just took my time, but let me tell you when you are wet climbing out of the water it feels like you weight 10 pounds heavier! blah! I spent 5 hours straight moving around the water and it felt good, .. no pressure, no pain. It felt really good to be in the water. I soooo love the water!!

I have also used Dr. Halmi's office. They are the best. I wouldn't have chosen anyone else. My surgery was on June 21st. I have lost 82 lbs in 3 1/2 months. I see Ronado on Monday, October 10 to go over bloodwork. Good luck and if you have questions about anything let us know.

Yes, I think and have been told that building some muscle will help with sagging skin. Also, the best time to take carbs are right after a workout, because your glycogen (spelling?) has been depleted during a workout, so taking in carbs, along with Protein helps your muscles to rebuild and must be done pretty soon after a workout. I've been back at the gym for a couple of weeks now lifting and it helps me to feel great! I would just caution you to maybe not weigh yourself constantly. I weigh about once every 10 days or so. If you hit a stall (which will be temporary), weighing everyday or every other day will just drive you nuts during the stall. Good luck!!

Mostly, I believe we figure out what our body tolerates the easiest. ( and is healthy). For whatever reason, I'm stuck on my home made split pea soup. Enough fiber and small bits of ham for protein.carrots for vege in there too I still eat fairly slow. And chew a lot. My protein bests: Fairlife milk. Yogurt BAKED tofu,. (Big difference) some nuts. Protein bars. Sometimes protein drinksSometimes eggs/ occasionally rejected ? String cheese Chicken thighs braised, fish After 10 years of experimenting, that is my go to list. Hope you find your list. It helps!

Just wanted to get a comparison view from others on what your workout routine is. I was banded 12/3/09 and have lost just shy of 100 lbs. so far. I hired a personal trainer that I meet twice per week starting in January 2010. I also workout on 2-3 other days per week. Here's a rundown of what I do for exercise. Thoughts? Trainer: 45 minute session combining cardio, circuit training, weight lifting (running stairs, sprints, power-lifting, metabolic training, toning) followed by 60 minutes of walking at 3.5 mph and a 6.0-7.5 gradient on the treadmill. This is twice per week. On own: -I do zumba 2-3 times per week for 60 minutes. -I do interval training on the treadmill of 7.4 mph for 90 seconds, followed by 3.5 mph for 90 seconds all at a 2.0 gradient for 30 minutes. I will sometimes walk for 10-20 minutes after this or do 15 minutes of abdominal workout or 15 minutes on the spinning bike, but not all on the same day. -Recently started doing elliptical instead of the full interval session as I am getting bored with intervals. Working my way up on the elliptical. Did 6 for the level with 90 seconds at maximum effort and 90 seconds of recovery effort for 12 minutes today (first time I tried it). My legs were shaking! I've worked my way up to dead-lifting 145 lbs with the trainer and can benchpress about 70 lbs repeatedly. I've been able to run a 5K on the treadmill, although I haven't tried it outside as the weather is horrible here. Am planning on completing my first outdoors 5K in April and doing a 5K with 12 obstacles next fall! nursemidwife86

I started with 10 minutes and added a minute a day, sometimes 2. At about 20 minutes, I started increasing the speed. Then I alternated increasing the speed and the time. I have a bad back, so cannot use the incline as it adds stress on the back. I was up to about 40 minutes a day walking faster, but then a bulging dicc started pressing on my spine. Now, I am lucky if I can tolerate 5 minutes on the treadmill. I am getting a corizone injection on Monday, so hopefully I will be able to start walking more. I'll probably do the same thing as before, increase the time and speed slowly. Also, resistance training or weight training is great to start as soon as you doctor allows. Again, start slow. With my back issues, I've been unable to do weight training. Can't wait to start again. Good luck and listen to your body. You want to push yourself without hurting yourself. Weightloss is not a race, but a journey.

I'm going to hire a nanny. I have a 10 month old and a 2 year old Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi there! I' also in San Jose, sleeved 10/12/13. Loving my sleeve. This looks fun! I'm the world's slowest walker (short stride), if that wouldn't drive u crazy, I'm interested!

Lapbandfan, I am going for my trial run at curves tomorrow and I'm pretty sure I will join. I would also like to lose 10 pounds by Christmas. That would take me from 184 pounds to 174 in 6 weeks. Lets see if we can do it together.

my fills we as follows: Banded 10/16/08 weight 316 lbs I have a 14cc band First fill 12/16/08 ~ 7cc's no real restriction weight 300 lbs Second fill 2/04/09 ~ 2.04 cc felt it weight 285 lbs Third fill 7/20/09 ~ 1 cc weight 216 lbs. This is my fill I am working with now and today 8/14/09 weight 194 lbs I have 11 cc in my 14 cc band I hope this helps Rae :thumbup:

I have been doing water aerobics on and off for the last 10 years. When I hurt my knees before the surgery it was a life saver. Now I do it twice a week on the days where it is more carbo driven. I have now moved on to the elliptical which is now my favorite machine. I think that if you are happy with it, stick to it. It does help tone and the baggy skin will go away.

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.

I can't believe you lost 29 lbs in 13 days!! Unless this included your pre op diet. I'm so mad at myself for not weighing on my scale right before my surgery. So I don't know exactly what I've lost. I think 10 lbs, I'm 9 days out.