I'm 3 months post op and I have been working out 6 days a week including walking/jogging 3-4 miles a day. The spring semester starts tomorrow and I'm really nervous about losing focus of my eating habits and exercise routine. I know it may not seem like a big deal to folks who have already gone back to work within a few weeks after surgery, but I'm really afraid I'll lose focus and all that I have accomplished will be reversed. Argh! Being a mid forties college student is already tough enough adding my healthy life change to my goals are down right frightening. Any advice would be welcomed.

Like you said time management, is key. You may have to wake up earlier to go to the gym. If you are one of those folks that can study and walk on the treadmill, I say go for it. Also pack your food. Cook and package all your weekly meals on sunday. I am not sure what your campus is like but where I went I walked 2-3 miles just getting around, so maybe you could just that part out of your work out. Or you can go harder on weekends, maybe get a personally trainner once or twice a week, just to make sure your pushing yourself. Oh and dont forget all the great excerises you can do at home if you cant go to the gym like jump rope, squats, sit ups, push up, planks, pull ups etc.

Also I should note, dont beat yourself up if you cant work out one day. I know how important it is to get in those healthy life long routines but just try to do what you can. And If that is just going to the gym 3 day a wk then 6 while school is in, then just make it your goal to go 3 days a wk and stick to that.

Edited January 27, 201412 yr by hatters

I can so relate to your issue. I am a full-time student at 50 yrs-old. It can be challenging to get all the homework completed as well as your exercising. I take snacks with me to class so I am not tempted to stop somewhere and eat. I usually keep protein bars in my car and my backpack for emergencies. Make the time either in the morning or evening to exercise depending on your schedule. Sometimes between classes I walk around the campus.

Good luck with your classes. You got this!

My toughest days and nights for food are when I don't have anything planned. if I am sitting around the house I want to snack. I find things to do to keep my mind off snacking. So, look at the bright side it should be easier to manage your intake with minimal planning. As for the workouts, if you want to find the time you will. I used to get up and workout at 5 a.m., get it done for the day. Friends of mine were always the last ones at the gym, that was their time to "decompress". I liked the morning so things did not get in the way and it helped me think through my day and problem solve cases.

Your fear is that you will lose focus and everything will fall apart. You will keep it together because you love losing weight, getting healthy, and looking good.

Thanks guys I went to the campus today to pick up my course books and that's when my anxiety kicked. Today I've been getting great advice from many resources I didn't realize I had. One friend reminded me that I am not an island...it's really funny how old thoughts and habits can creep in so stealth like.

I really appreciate everyone's advice.

Get a couple of shakers and put your protein powder in them in the morning. Grab a bottle of water and shake. Also focus on other portable snacks. Take up walking to get from point A to B and get your exercise in at the same time. Good luck!

I would stick a cooler in my car with yogurt, cottage cheese, fruit, deli meats, cheeses and waters. I also try to carry almonds and jerky with me incase I get hungry. The smaller coolers are perfect size for lots of foods for us sleevers. I am not in school but carry a small cooler type lunchbox to work so I can choose from an assortment of foods and am not tempted by the vending machines.