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Embarrassingly clueless to working out!



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I would start off slow walking... Do some laps around your house, then do more laps etc. keep increasing until you feel comfortable walking outside or on a treadmill. Then start increasing your speed slowly and increase how long you walk. Take in slow and steady and before you know it you will be walking or jogging miles!!! Also, after a month or two start adding some strength training so that you can keep your muscles firm and counter act some of the sagging skin! That's what my surgeon recommended and it worked for the most part. Good luck!!

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I'm very much intimidated by gyms and l the fit folks who seem to know a heck of a lot more about what's going on than I do. I made a friend who went with me and we stuck to a buddy system. I feel incredibly awkward and having her go with me helped. I still feel awkward and like the world would be standing there like wth is she doing when I run outside. Idk maybe it's something we will get past

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I'm very much intimidated by gyms and l the fit folks who seem to know a heck of a lot more about what's going on than I do. I made a friend who went with me and we stuck to a buddy system. I feel incredibly awkward and having her go with me helped. I still feel awkward and like the world would be standing there like wth is she doing when I run outside. Idk maybe it's something we will get past

Many first time gym goers understandably feel this way. It can be somewhat intimidating.....at least from their perspective. As a "gym rat", I'll be the typical one there just sticking to my workout, focused on it and not giving a second thought about anyone else in the gym. Not to be rude, as in not caring or considerate of others, but I'm just not interested in why someone else is there or what specifically they are doing or how they are doing it. I think most people there are similar to me.....their time is limited, they have a goal they want reached and in order to reach it, they can't concern themselves with what others are doing at the gym. There may be very few that differ from this and if so, they are usually more there to socialize than to exercise and apparently have all kinds of time on their hands to do so. Regardless, I don't think newbies have anything to worry about as far as what others at the gym may be thinking. And if someone would happen to be there watching your every move, judging and analyzing you, trust me, they have a lot bigger problems than someone new at the gym. Remember, you are there for YOU......not them. So I would not give a rip about what someone else may or may not be thinking. Those fit people there that you mentioned had to start somewhere as far as learning about the gym and if were them, I would actually be really happy for someone taking the reigns in regards to their fitness and would try to be the first to lend a hand in helping them learn. My advice......just stick with going to the gym, stay focused on what you want to accomplish and before you know it, you'll be one of those that knows what they are doing and perhaps will be in the position one day to help a newbie yourself. :) Good luck and I wish you the best!

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There are some less intimidating and, hence, more intimate gyms out there like anytime fitness where they limit memberships and members tend to be very down to earth. Just like you and me. These types of places sometimes work out a lot better for the average person who feels a little (or a lot) of intimidation at the standard franchises like LA fitness, 24 hour and Golds. Personally, I have done both in the past and found the big boxes a little sterile and it looked like there were a lot of hard bodies barely doing anything. Not very motivating. Now I work out at home, but did spend the last year in a more intimate gym environment (cross fit) where " everyone knew your name "( cue cheers theme). I guess you need to find out what works best for you and not be afraid to stick to your values when making a decision on it.

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No need to feel embarrassed.

Not sure of your planned exercise goals - stuff for free around the house or gym membership.

Free - start off walking and walking a lot. Look into the couch to 5k to get your body slowly used to running. I'm not much of a runner and actually hate running still.

Pinterest has tons of exercise plans/suggestions for home or the gym.

Gym - I tend to enjoy lifting weights more than cardio. Crazy to me to think that way. Lol. I usually will use a lower weight with lots of repetitions to try to get leaner muscle tone.

Either way just getting out and moving is the essential key at this point.

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I would start with a few exercise dvd that you can do at home. Then as you increase your endurance you will be able to go to the gym and start taking those small classes and see that you are able to do the class. Exercise is just like walking first you have to take the first step! You can do it!!

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Just dance :)

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    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

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    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
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      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

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