Hey all.

So there's a bunch of us in this group, all split up into our different banding days. I was thinking that it might be a good idea to have one master thread as we move through the month, in which all of us could post as we go, from the pioneers going on March 1st to the finalists on March 31st.

I'd love to talk about our anticipation and any worries as we approach our banding date, for people to talk about exactly what happened from the moment they walked into the hospital door until the second they walked out, about how recovery is going, about weight loss and plateaus, about non-scale victories and challenges.

I was thinking that if we all contribute to one thread, it'll form a more substantial channel for information and support. At the moment, I was thinking that we might be too spread out into individual date, and that a central thread would be a really good backbone for the group, in addition to the date-specific threads.

What do you think?

Fenton

NYCM-Sorry to hear about your MIL, that doesn't sound good...

I know what you mean about ice cream. I have certain trigger foods, and I just can't keep those things in the house!

Rhonda - Great job!!! You are doing awesome.

Tess - Hellooo... we are human, there will be days that we do not eat right (especially on vacation). I am glad to see you moving back in the right direction.

I have been doing Couch to 5K. I am finishing up Week 3. It is amazing how much better I feel physically and emotionally. I never thought I could run, but I am doing it.

SugarBean-WOW. That must feel great to be able to run!!!! :thumbup::thumbup:

I can't imagine running... That is so wonderful!!!!

As I'm sitting here in my family room, typing on LBT, I am also watching "Big Medicine" on Discovery Health Channel. They are showing gastric bypass, and this lady had an unbelievable amount of excess skin after her weight loss, and

had a total body lift!! This is a really neat show!! Wed at 10pm.

Check out the Exercise & Fitness thread. Here is the website: Cool Running :: The Couch-to-5K Running Plan

It is a walking/running interval program. It start out slow and builds up. In nine weeks you should be able to run a 5k (3.2 miles) Some of the girls are repeating each week. I have not done that thus far, I hope not to, but we will see. I never thought I could run (especially at this weight)

Check it out, it might boost your weight loss.

I have seen that show before. Boy, I hope I do not have to have surgery. Although I do want a Breast reduction/lift. My arms look like bat wings, but I do have 50 -75 pounds more to lose. We will see.

I know what you mean about not wanting to have PS. I am trying to keep open mind though. This lady weighed 575, and got down to 260 and had such an unbelievable amount of skin!!! Her forearms and calves actually hang on her, but they only did the upper arms with the total body lift!!

I just pray that I won't be too bothered with the skin thing... but I won't know til I get there.

I will check out the thread for the couch to 5K... that sounds like a good idea in the future for me, I would like to get down to about 250 before attempting to run... don't want to hurt myself!!! I really like to walk... just me and my Ipod!!!

Tess - there is a guy on this thread that was over 400 pounds when he started and is now 269 and had been running and biking for some time. He runs 5ks and 10ks and has even done duathalons (running/bike) I remember one of his posts that said something about if you stick to the intervals week by week, day by day that your knees will get stronger as you go. And do this every other day and not everyday to prevent injury.

My running is more like a slow jog. I run the time not necessarily the distance they have listed. I run on a one lane country road, so I really do not know how far I am going. There is a pod cast you can down load to.

Wow... that's impressive!!!! I'll check it out... I might need to buy some duct tape to secure "the girls", and keep myself from getting 2 black eyes!!!LOL:lol:

Too Funny!!! I just wear a sports bra over my regular bra and I also bought a pair of spandex shorts so I don't flop all over. sorry

I think your way sounds way less painful to secure them!!!:thumbup:

Rhonda--You are doing so well! I can't even imagine how much better you have to be feeling! What an inspiration.

Tess--I think that eating while on vacation is fine, as long as we don't do it to the point of making ourself sick. I think it becomes a problem if we continue to eat like we are on vaction after we are home. It is easy to do, but it looks like you got a hold of it before it was out of control--that is a victory!

SugarBean--I was doing the couch program after surgery, and loved it. I have gotten away from it--no reason why--but YOU have motivated me to try it again, Thanks!

Niki - I am glad that I have inspired you to get off the couch again and start running. The c25k gives me a great sense of accomplishment. I never knew I had it in me to be a runner. Step by step, little by little I am improving. I actually enjoy it.

I used the C25k to help train for the Triathlon. It is a great program. You can adapt it to walking too. Just speed up your walk at the run intervals. The music is peppy and gets you moving.

I've said this before but if bares repeating. Enell sports bras are super!! Enell Sports Bra - Welcome They come in ALOT of sizes and can also be custom made. It is a wonderful investment in your health. OK commercial over.