JaGo

Verna, congrats on your decision to become healthier! My surgery was Nov 2010 and shortly into my wt loss, my doctor took me off of the blood pressure meds because it became controlled. Even my knee and back pain reduced. Wt loss success is a daily CHOICE. Have patience and dont be too hard on yourself if and you fall short of your personal goals. This journey has taught me that. Im still looking to lose about 47lbs (total goal of 100lbs). You're in good company here!

Just finished the 60-mile challenge!!

3 miles and 2 days left to go!!

dk4k, Yes, you ARE a success story - I find that we must encourage OURSELVES to make it. Congrats to you too on your bandiversary!! I too am more active and fit than a year ago!!! We've all come a long way and this November challenge has been "just what the doctor ordered!" JaGo

CassieF, How are you doing post surgery and how was your surgery experience? JaGo

I had a lovely and blessed Thanksgiving with my siblings and our (very grown) children and my 86 year old mother. I ate what I wanted but in smaller portions - eating a little more than normal. But I'm still weight-loss conscious and walked 3 miles on Thanksgiving, 3 miles the day after and 3 miles this morning!!! Hey everybody, we're in the home stretch now!!! Even to those who may think they won't finish all 60 miles, you're doing an amazing feat with the miles that you're putting in!! Keep going and don't give up!! JaGo

Good morning everybody, I've slowed my walking pace as to not injure myself and still have the high expectation to reach the finish line by the 30th!! I had been doing 3 brisk miles daily (with Leslie Sansone) and it became a bit much. 2 miles is more manageable and less stress on the body. Also, today - November 22 - is my 1 year bandiversary!!! Woo-hoo!! I will continue on this journey until I reach my goal of 100lbs lost, So far I've lost 52 lbs. It would have been more but got distracted for a few months. This 60-mile challenge has given me a great boost to trek onward!! Though I've felt a difference already in my waistline, it has not registered on the scale yet. No matter, I am still encouraged and will stay motivated! JaGo

Joan, I think you may be right, I will slow it down. Thanks for the advice!! I'll let you know how it goes. I guess I was trying to be an over-achiever...not good!

Hey everybody, Question for you - how are you managing "body recovery" from practically non-stop exercise almost daily for this month? This challenge is doing wonders for me and I am so glad to participate; in 2 weeks I've lost 1lb (thought it would be more, but I guess it's coming). I'm finding deep muscle and spinal pain from the rigorous workout (with walking videos). I'm trying to get in 2-3 miles per day, but now am mixing it up to reduce the stress on my body. I may do 2 miles in the morning, then 1 mile at night. Or I might just do 1 mile period for that day to alleviate the body stress. I am very sore in the deep muscles and don't want to damage anything. I'd love to know how are you managing this? p.s. Got 2 miles in this morning and planning on another mile this evening! JaGo

Yep, this is awesome...just finished 3 miles with indoor walking with Leslie Sansone DVD!!

MizBev, I am a Believer as well and am thankful for this wonderful Lapband tool!. My surgery was Nov 22, 2010 and I don't regret it at all. It's been a wonderful, yet disciplining journey. This is a lifetime change. Stay positive and on track and keep in touch with your health providers when you run into snags. Your feelings are quite normal, I went through the same roller coaster of emotion as I near my surgery date. You will be fine. Let's keep in touch!! I have just prayed for your courage and strength and that the Lord would be with you. AMEN!!! You are in good hands. JaGo

Just completed 2 miles this morning with "Walk Away The Pounds." Boy, my butt is really feeling it now!

Got in 3 Really Big Miles at 6:45a today!! I think the stamina level is getting better!!!

Amanda, Today, I walked outside for about a mile, realizing I'd have to get in another mile before day's end. I stopped by Target and bought Leslie Sansone's Walk Away the Pounds Ultimate Colllection ($12.99) with 4 complete workouts on one DVD. It includes: 1 mile get up and get started 2 mile brisk walk 3 mile advanced walk 4 mile super challenge It also included a stretch band strip (I suppose for the later workouts). I got my other mile in with the DVD. I couldn't believe how great it was! I thought it would be boring, but not only was it not boring, but the time went by so fast. The 1 mile walk only lasted 15 mins. It seems to take me over 20 mins on the treadmill or when outside. I guess her pace maximizes the time better. It also includes a warm up and warm down which I'm guilty of not doing. Because my time and energy level is so limited, these may be the perfect solution for me! So 7:30p this evening, I got my second mile in - thanks to Leslie Sansone!! Thanks to you too Amanda!! This challenge is just what I needed!!! JaGo

DebWS, I love your post! You not only have a great outlook, you are so positive. I too am 60 (as of July 2011) and am feeling better and better. I do not regret this decision either! JaGo

DebWS, I love your post! You not only have a great outlook, you are so positive. I too am 60 (as of July 2011) and am feeling better and better. I do not regret this decision either! JaGo

Congratulations on your significant progress!! I hope one day to be able to run with stamina myself...I'll get there!!

dk4k, I know you're right about the stretching first - I haven't been doing that. My time is so limited, I just dive right into the walk, so I suppose I'm not doing my muscles good. I will change that. Thanks!! JaGo

So far I've been walking daily - mostly on the treadmill. By doing about 2 miles a day that seems more manageable for me. However, I am beginning to tack on a few blocks over my daily goal so that I've got time in in case I missed a day. It seems that I don't really have the time or energy to do more than 2 miles on a daily basis. However, if I were outdoors walking maybe just 2-3 times a week, I could do 5 miles. Right now, I am very sore and tuckered out during the day; so it's nightly hot baths to relieve the soreness (which I hope will subside soon). This is an amazing challenge (and so far tough for me).

Amanda and everyone, I look forward to this challenge!! What are some of your favorite indoor workouts? I have a treadmill and small space to work indoors but want to mix it up.

Amanda, I'd love to join the November challenge. Can you post me as to what to do? This might be just the jumpstart I need.

I just saw this and though it's almost over, I'm going to start on Oct 20 for 31 days! Great idea!! What a motivator to get off the couch!!!

Hi November 2010 bandsters, I have allowed "life" to interrupt my focus and progress. Since March I have had some transitions and distractions and finding it hard to get back on track. I am very surprised at myself because since even pre-surgery, I was so hyped to do all the right things - and was doing them very welll. I weigh myself every week still so that things don't get too out of control before I take action. I've been flucuating between 212 and 216 for several months now (with no exercise). I've got to get it back together...and will! I am not in need of any fills right now because I feel pretty tight to the point I've got to watch how I consume anything. However, my stress level is such that I have emotional cravings and hunger. I'm getting away for 2 days to regroup and rest this week. Hopefully, when I return I can refocus on the right things. Any added advice from anybody? One last thing, I need to change my weight loss goals. Originally wanted to lose 100 lbs by Nov 22, 2011. I'm at about 52 lbs loss. I'm not too disappointed because I went in wanting to do this slowly. I am hoping now that by Dec 31, 2011, to at least hit "Onederland." Now THAT would be a wonderful goal to meet!! But if I don't make some changes NOW, that won't happen either.

Ask your doctor abt water aerobics. It has less stress on the joints. It was prescribed for me due to back issue and heel spurs. I'm looking for a YWCA near me with a pool.

Hey LowPSI, it seems many of us are all learning similar lessons. It cannot be drumed into our head any harder to slowly and properly chew...what a difference a chew makes!