I get banded on March 4th.... Currently I'm doing the elliptical for 30 min 4-5 times a week with additional walking on lunch breaks etc. This to me is huge, compared to a lifetime of doing no physical activity. But after reading through forums about how people are "exercise freaks" and training for marathons etc etc, it's a bit discouraging. Am I REALLY going to need to devote 2 hrs a day to exercising!? I want to lose and I want to be healthy, but I also want to maintain my sanity and life the way it is. I work full time and go to school full time and I just know that I won't have that kind of time. The standards across the board are for 30 min physical activity every day (or 4/5 times a week) and so at what point beyond that does it go from over achieving to obsession?

it's sad to say but i've never worked out. i'm almost 3 years post-op and it's taken me that long to get to my goal weight probably because i haven't exercised. but... i haven't gained any weight back either.

i guess i just felt this was a more realistic goal for me. i knew i'd never keep the exercise up and i didn't want to gain weight when i stopped.

I am with you Kalipso, I was banded 12/20/08 and at goal of 90 pounds lost and kept off. the only exercise I did is what I knew I would continue throughout my life and that is to walk once or twice a day for 20 minutes. I am not and never have been an "exercise" person and probably would never be one. Do not compare yourself with other people, this journey is individual, as individual as the bands that are put in us. All different sizes and shapes, work with what you have and enjoy your results. I have gained 3 pds this winter, the coldest ever here in Arizona but once spring comes, I will get it off in the pool.

Good luck and enjoy the journey, I have and feel like a kid again, being able to do what I want because of losing all the weight.

My exercise routine consist of 25 mins on the elliptical, zumba activities depending on how much time i have and i just added some free weights. I try to get 5 days in during the week. With the zumba, i have DVDs that are 45-60 mins long or a 20 min express workout or just abs or sculpting & toning. I like to keep it all mixed up. In fact, thanks to my oldest one we just ordered INSANITY - i can wait for that cause i know i'm getting my butt kicked big time, but i'm gonna give it a go & see how it does. I've lost 55 lbs since being banded at the end of Oct. I would suggest, keeping your current routine and after surgery adjust as needed to your comfort levels.

I have been going to the gym 4-5 times per week doing at least 30 min elliptical and maybe 40 min on weight machines. What I really want to do is martial arts (not sure what form yet). I feel I am to fat right now. I would be very uncomfortable right now. I figure once I lose like 30 lbs I am going to find a dojo and start.