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Exercise that will work for you is whatever you will do consistently, whether walking, going to the gym, working out to a dvd at home, or whatever. The key is regular exercise. I am waiting to be banded and was going to Curves 2-3 times a week, but nothing was happening because I ate too much. When I started this journey I looked for a way to increase my exercise and decided walking was how I wanted to do it. I asked around because I wanted an interesting place to walk or I knew I wouldn't stick to it. I found a park about 10 minutes from my home. It is on a river, has piers for fishing and just watching the wildlife (mallard ducks are gorgeous) picnic areas, and a walking path about a mile or so in length. It has variations in the direction you can go, but basically circles the outer edge of the park. It is technically closed from Nov/Apr but they don't lock the gates, so people go there all year to walk their dogs, or just walk for exercise. One of my coworkers told me to be sure and take peanuts for the squirrels, so I am one of several squirrel feeders that come there. They are so tame that many of them will come right up to you and take the peanut from your fingers. It makes the walk fun and I usually go around twice. I even keep peanuts in the trunk because one time I ran out and found myself apologizing to a hopeful squirrel because I didn't have a peanut for him, LOL! Sometimes there are few squirrels out, sometimes lots. I even found myself walking in the rain juggling my umbrella and a bag of peanuts in case I saw any critters! So sometimes I walk briskly and continuously, and other times I stop a lot to feed nuts to the squirrels. I look forward to going and can't wait until the daylight lasts longer so I can stop during the week on the way home from work. Right now I can only do weekends. If it is cold I layer up and still go. I use Curves during the week. It might not sound like much, but the walking (I lost about 10 lbs during my 6 month diet) added to my exercise has brought me down from 2x slacks to 1x so it is working. Now if the band helps with quantity I will be on my way. Good luck with your journey.

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Hi Pat! That's great exercise advice.

Dreamsize8, I'm struggling with this area of my long-term commitment to good habits. I agree with Pat that you need to find the type of exercise you're going to enjoy the most. I once ordered a DVD workout program from a TV infomercial, and I never used it! I enjoy riding my exercise bike and walking, but I'm not doing it nearly as much as I need to be successful. One thing that has helped is this. I bought a small TV and DVD player to have near my exercise bike. So now I can choose between my favorite sitcom or listening to music. The key for us is to GET ACTIVE! I don't recommend investing in a gym membership until you're ready to commit to going. You may have to lock into a year-long contract. If you need access to exercise equipment, and at some point weights, shop around for the best deal. Until you make a decision, at least go for a walk. It's a great workout for your heart, legs, and butt!

~Anne

:rolleyes2:

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for me its timing I workout at home I have 2 young kids so I workout at different time a day sometime in the middle of the night I enjoy my new DVD the biggest loser working out with people who struggle with their weight like I do gave me that pick me up I needed I also power walk (treadmill) and ride a exercise bike, so while dinner is cooking I am working out.

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Hi Pat! That's great exercise advice.

Dreamsize8, I'm struggling with this area of my long-term commitment to good habits. I agree with Pat that you need to find the type of exercise you're going to enjoy the most. I once ordered a DVD workout program from a TV infomercial, and I never used it! I enjoy riding my exercise bike and walking, but I'm not doing it nearly as much as I need to be successful. One thing that has helped is this. I bought a small TV and DVD player to have near my exercise bike. So now I can choose between my favorite sitcom or listening to music. The key for us is to GET ACTIVE! I don't recommend investing in a gym membership until you're ready to commit to going. You may have to lock into a year-long contract. If you need access to exercise equipment, and at some point weights, shop around for the best deal. Until you make a decision, at least go for a walk. It's a great workout for your heart, legs, and butt!

~Anne

I was interested in some Jazz and Ballet videos and some others. I actually took jazz and Ballet for 10 years. Its fun and I know I can commit to that. I've tried the gym membership..waste of money...lmao But the apartment complex I live at has a cardio gym. so...thats good. not wasting money again..lol And their opening the Hard rock theme park down the street from my house. So looking forword to getting a season Pass and walking around there lots.

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for me its timing I workout at home I have 2 young kids so I workout at different time a day sometime in the middle of the night I enjoy my new DVD the biggest loser working out with people who struggle with their weight like I do gave me that pick me up I needed I also power walk (treadmill) and ride a exercise bike, so while dinner is cooking I am working out.

I work weird hours so at like 1am its dinner for me. and at noon its Breakfast and such...So when I come home I eat and go to bed around 3..So i figured a work out video before I go to bed will be good. then get up at noon and go to the gym and use the treadmill.

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I was interested in some Jazz and Ballet videos and some others. I actually took jazz and Ballet for 10 years. Its fun and I know I can commit to that. I've tried the gym membership..waste of money...lmao But the apartment complex I live at has a cardio gym. so...thats good. not wasting money again..lol And their opening the Hard rock theme park down the street from my house. So looking forword to getting a season Pass and walking around there lots.

They sound like great ideas! Dance would be a great way to burn calories and tone your body. Sometimes I'll sing and dance around the house. :hurray: I also like the idea of the season pass at the theme park... just stay away from the food vendors. The smells might drive you crazy. Some people like to walk at shopping malls, but I haven't had any desire to do this.

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I work out at the gym because I am the type of person who has to leave the house to exercise. When the weather is nice, I go on long bike rides or runs outside, but for the basic daily stuff, I have to go to the gym. SO, consider your lifestyle and personality. I have bought lots of equipment that I ended up giving away or selling cheap...but I always will hit the gym! Just a thought!

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    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • 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
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 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!

    • 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
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
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