Hey Y'all

I'm finally motivated (kinda) and ready to start working out. I've stared swimming (when I can) roller blading and I might even get on the dreaded treadmill. I just thought i'd ask what excersise people had found to be most effective. Also maybe you could share w/ me how you keep up the motivation to work out every day. I'm sure the answer will be that loosing weight is enough motivation but, if it doesn't happen over night for me I loose intrest. I'm hoping to change that w/ some much needed help. Look forward to hearing from every one.

Day of surgery 1/24/07 252lbs

As of today 7/18/07 198lbs :whoo:

Well, first things first. You are not going to see a huge difference overnight. I always look at myself and think, okay, I got banded because I did not want to die young. I exercise because I do not want to die young. If I get to live to be old, very old, I want to have muscle and stamina to live life not just be locked up in a house or a home somewhere waiting to die. I want to be able to live life. At 24 you probably havent gotten to the point of realizing that life is sooo short and it will come to an end one day, but it will for everyone. I just want to be able to be strong and doing for myself in old age. Ya know, I look at my parents and think, they sure have slowed down lately, WAY DOWN. I don't want to do that. EVER!!

You need to give exercise a good 4 to 6 weeks to show results. It might take even longer than that. The best motivation is not only losing weight and toning your body, but you will also have more energy and sleep better and you will be doing good things for your body overall. I don't mean to be rude, but if you wanted overnight success, you should have had gastric bypass.

With that said, I think the elliptical machine is a very effective way to work out. You need to spend at least 30-45 minutes on it and you should aim for 5 days a week. I've had a lot of ankle problems, so I've been swimming 5 days a week.

For me it is seeing the scale move of course. I don't go every day but I did get a personal trainer. Adding the weight lifting in with the cardio makes a huge difference for me. After 3 months of that I could tell a huge difference and of course had to pitch all my old clothes.

Oh, I was gonna add in to cycle!!!! It is great and great exercise. Start slow and work your way up, plus see lots of things as you bike so you won't get bored. Come look at the bicycle thread!!!