!!!!!!!!!!! OOOOOO MMMMMMMM GGGGGGGG !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[coops 1,790]

Well done on getting into your goal jeans...not much else I can add reading the comments above! Great work and you look amazing xx

[mythreechildren2001 7]

You look FABULOUS!!!

[LilMissDiva Irene 3,281]

Everyone thanks so much!! You all have been here for me since day one! From even long before I really and seriously considered the sleeve. I would secretly come over here from time to time and read all the success stories and just dream of being able to revise to this incredible Weight Loss Surgery. I thought I'd never be able to do it. Yet here I am... so reading all of the old time posts from when Alex first created this site, it kept me dreaming away of the time when the time would be exactly right to have my lap band removed and have someone cut out my stomach. Who needs it anyway??? It held way too much food and drink!!!

In regards to the running, I can't say enough about it. It seems like when I'm really sticking to it, and ESPECIALLY when I'm circuit training with it and other workouts (especially before so I'm already warmed up and burning optimal calories) I simply and undoubtedly get results. Running and my Callanetics are the two physical activities are what have shaped my body. If you look at long time runners, you can see they are the epitome of physical fitness. They do get incredibly thin, some of them. For me however, I'm not interested in being that slender - but to each his/her own. Not knocking it either, but to be honest I kinda like my J-Lo booty and I think if I tried to it would be the next to go. My boobs are gone already!!

So I guess long story short, if you really are interesting in starting a running routine, start slow. It's easy to get burnt out on it. I even have to take a little break sometimes, but its NEVER more than a whole week. It's also easy to get out of form too, just in case someone else ends up taking a break.

Start with a walking routine. Work on your endurance, speed and distances. Once you can easily get a few miles under your belt, then go this website: http://www.fromcouchto5k.com/articles/training/the-couch-to-5k-training-plan/ and it will get you from walking to running a 5K (3.1 Miles) in about 10 full weeks. Don't feel daunted either, there are no rules and no need to compare yourself to others!!! If you need to do one of the weeks over again, do that. The main goal here is just to do it. I also HIGHLY ENCOURAGE all of you that want to start running to sign up for a 5K RUNNING event. It will really really motivate you to complete the task.

Much Love!!! Xoxo

[M2G 1,836]

WOW, just wow!!! THAT ROCKS and you look AMAZING!

[MegInNOLA 531]

Hoo, boy, now I know I'm getting my butt up off this couch and getting busy--you look AMAZING!!! And it's from all your hard work. Congratulations to you, and thank you for being such a motivator and sharing your successes!!

[AmandaG. 6]

You look amazing. I am going to start the cto5k very soon. What weight do you start it at? I added you on Facebook also.

[LilMissDiva Irene 3,281]

You look amazing. I am going to start the cto5k very soon. What weight do you start it at? I added you on Facebook also.

Yay Amanda!! Well, I started my running program around 230ish pounds. Sorry I don't remember the exact weight. However, I've seen folks of all weights doing some type of running. Just do the best you can! That is all that matters.

[TwoStepsBack 15]

You look awesome Irene! Such a transformation! xxx

[mistyk73 1]

AWESOME! Congratulations, you look great!!

[Amanda131 214]

Wow, Diva! You OWN those jeans (both literally and figuratively )! What I absolutely love is that you are a poster child for reminding the rest of us that the number on the scale and BMI are just numbers. I love that you are in the low 180s and toned, muscular, fit and a size-freakin'-four! I think seeing your success and small size at 180 is SOOOO healthy for the rest of us. My doctor had suggested that 180 may be my stopping place due to my current body fat and I just couldn't accept that... until I saw your photos! You make 180 look DANG GOOD! Thank you for sharing!

Also, if anyone is interested in learning to run, USA Fit is a relatively cheap organization that will help you train for a 5k, Half-Marathon and Full-Marathon. They are normal people just like us who happen to like running. There are all body types out there- including this 230 pounder! The best part is that most groups have a social aspect so you start making friends with like-minded, health-conscious, fun people. That has really helped me. As the weight fell off, I started to realize that I had cut-off a lot of my friendships and the ones I had left were food-centric and those friends wheren't always jazzed to hang out with the girl who was into eating right and fitness. I also enjoy having coaches and "people in the know" to help me with my questions and keep me accountable!

Congrats again, Diva!

Amanda

[Loooou 30]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW U ROCK!

[LilMissDiva Irene 3,281]

Again, thank you all so much, for your kind words, and just for being there to follow my journey with me. Most of all though for sharing all your wonderful journey's with us too.

Wow, Diva! You OWN those jeans (both literally and figuratively )! What I absolutely love is that you are a poster child for reminding the rest of us that the number on the scale and BMI are just numbers. I love that you are in the low 180s and toned, muscular, fit and a size-freakin'-four! I think seeing your success and small size at 180 is SOOOO healthy for the rest of us. My doctor had suggested that 180 may be my stopping place due to my current body fat and I just couldn't accept that... until I saw your photos! You make 180 look DANG GOOD! Thank you for sharing!

Also, if anyone is interested in learning to run, USA Fit is a relatively cheap organization that will help you train for a 5k, Half-Marathon and Full-Marathon. They are normal people just like us who happen to like running. There are all body types out there- including this 230 pounder! The best part is that most groups have a social aspect so you start making friends with like-minded, health-conscious, fun people. That has really helped me. As the weight fell off, I started to realize that I had cut-off a lot of my friendships and the ones I had left were food-centric and those friends wheren't always jazzed to hang out with the girl who was into eating right and fitness. I also enjoy having coaches and "people in the know" to help me with my questions and keep me accountable!

Congrats again, Diva!

Amanda

Amanda, sure the BMI scale is a good base for I think most normal folks who've never really had issues with obesity for years or for those who are not otherwise classified as the athletic or fit types. This is why I more need to be evaluated by having my body fat % checked. I clearly do not match what my BMI scales say I should weigh. Sure, I probably could and very well may even get into the very highest for my ideal weight. But I will be very frank here, I will absolutely feel I'm way too thin. According to the BMI charts I should NEVER be more than 154 Lbs. Where am I supposed to give up another 30 Lbs without looking emaciated? That to me is not healthy either.

Thanks for your idea about the running clubs!! We have one in my area and was asked to join, though I have not yet signed up. Not sure if I will, but it's nice to know they are out there if one day I decided to.

All the best to you!!!

[sleeve 4 me 910]

YAYYYYYYYYYYY! I have the same perfectly slimming Levis, same size, but with pockets with buttons on the butt...YOU LOOK WAAAAAAAAAAY better in them FOR SURE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have NO BUTT LOL! YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[kellyw74 258]

OOOOMMMMMMGGGG!!

You are hecka small!! You better be careful tho! When those Santa Anna winds pick up soon, you will blow away!!

Seriously tho, you look AWESOME!!! GOOD JOB!!

Kelly

[lsereno 2,525]

Congrats! You are rockin those jeans! And only a few days into the 30 day challenge!

Lynda