I was banded on March 1, 2011. Since I was cleared by my doctor to exercise I have been walking on a daily basis, weather permitting. I started off just going around the block and have progressed to 1.5 miles. I set myself a goal to reach 2 miles by June 7th.

Sunday I went for a walk and decided I would push myself so I did 2 miles and boy did it wear me out. I took Monday as a rest day and last night I went for another walk. I set a goal to do 1.5 miles and was going to push myself to a brisk walk. When I got about a half mile into it I noticed my feet start to burn a little bit, it got progressively more intense. I ended up walking just over a mile. When I got into the shower I noticed I have huge blisters on both my feet, hence the burning.

Is it possible to get a blister that quickly? Does anyone have any advice on how to prevent them? I need to continue this exercise and dont want the blisters to continue. Because of the ones I have now I am going to have to take atleast a day or two to rest.

What kind of shoes are you walking in? You might need to get some that are better fitted. And if you're not wearing socks, I recommend getting some good comfortable socks. And not super thin ones either.

I had to get special insoles for my feet when I first started walking. I got intense pain at the place where all the toes join, at the bottom of my foot. I looked it up and it's called metatarsalgia. The inserts that work best for me are called Sofsoles and I buy them at Famous Footwear.

I think I have read about putting vasaline on the areas that tend to blister. As said above, be sure to wear socks and good, comfortable sneakers. I bought a pricey pair of sneakers at a place by me called Fleet Feet. They have people there who really know what they are doing and helped me to pick out a pair. Maybe there is something like that near you. Great job excersising! Keep it up as best you can!

I have New Balance shoes which are designed for walking however they are about 6 months old so I should get a new pair. I definitely could use new socks, mine are quite thin.

Thanks for the advice everyone.

I walk for exercise as well. I started out by parking far away from my destination, then I went to the park and walked the track. I started on the track at one mile. I now walk 2.5 miles every morning before work and 3 miles on Saturday and Sunday at the Marina -- it's soooo beautiful when I finally make it to the Water. I do a power walk through the week, starting moderate and building to almost a jog (can't run due to back surgery in 2004). Several weeks ago I added a 2 mile walk during my lunch hour and tried to add a mile after work as well. My feet went CRAZY! They hurt soooo bad. I went to the podiatrist and he gave me orthotics. Eventually I will have them made to order ... I think. I am not sure I will because I have been having more trouble with my feet lately (not to mention my back, but that's another story for another time -- I am now in physical therapy). Back to the feet. When my feet became very sore I started soaking them every night before bed. I soaked them in RiteAid/CVS/Walgreens Foot Soap (whichever is on sale). It helps a lot. I have been having problems with my feet again lately, but I refuse to let anything get in the way of my walking. I will see the podiatrist again soon and the physical therapist and ortho doc next week. One of my toes has been numb for a week!

Congratulations on your commitment to exercise! Take good care of your feet. Pamper them. Walking is great exercise, especially when you first start out.

All the best to you on your journey!

~F