wednesday

These are all doable goals, Alexandra. I found it very inspiring to set mini goals for myself. It was awesome when I actually hit them! I look forward to watching you conquer your goals!

It's totally doable, Alexandra. How I started was when I was walking I would throw in small runs, even if it was for a block. I did this for almost 6 months until I could run a half mile without stopping. I think I could have done this sooner, but I really did not push it at all. It took me another 5 months to work upto 2 miles comfortably. I have now been spending 1 month on my 3 mile with 2 and 1 mile runs thrown in. So you see, all in all it took me a year and I haven't really pushed myself that hard. I really worked on distance and the more I did it and built up my endurance the better my times got. I KNOW you can run through that meadow with your daughters someday, I have faith!

Ditto!

In the beginning I didn't tell anyone other then my family. The reasons? For one, I was embarrassed and humiliated that I had let myself go so far as to require surgery to get myself back. It was like admitting defeat...fat had beat me down! For two, I wasn't strong enough in my convictions and my choice of the band to really "convince" people that what I was doing was right for me. It took a long time to convince my own husband. I just didn't have the energy to try to convince total strangers that what I was doing was right for me. I told co-workers and anyone who asked that I was going in for a gallbladder removal because of all my yo-yo dieting. With the band we lose at a normal rate so this was totally feasible. I would tell people diet and exercise. After about a year postop my hubby and were at the drug store and I saw an old friend that I hadn't seen in a long time. She did the usual oh you have lost so much weight, you look great, blah blah blah. When I got to the check out counter the cashier had overheard our conversation. She was pretty close to 100lbs overweight. She asked how I had lost the weight. I told her diet and exercise. Oh, she says. You could just see the light and hope go out in her eyes. My husband was really quiet when we got back in the car. When I asked him what was wrong he told me that I was really selfish. I was floored...I had no idea what he was talking about. He told me that by not telling people the truth of how I lost the weight, I was depriving someone who might be really interested in WLS from getting the necessary information that they needed. So now 2 years out, I do tell more people, but not everyone. If it is someone asking who is really and truly interested in knowing I will tell them the truth. If it is some naturally thin person who really is just asking to make conversation, I tell them diet and exercise.

It might not be a bad thing. My husband also felt compelled to go on a diet when I started losing weight. I didn't mind because he needed to lose 20lbs and his energy level was not good. So now we can do things together. I do have several friends that I no longer associate with postop. They are overweight themselves and can not get past my physical change. I guess because I was always the "fatter" one. So now I choose not to surround myself with the negativity anymore. It's a shame that most people just can't be happy that we are getting healthy. The best part about my life style change is the positive influence it has had on the people around me that are really interested. I have a co-worker who is thin, but is now eating healthier and working out. Her whole attitude has changed. I have another co-worker that is training for a triathlon now. It is very flattering when they ask me for advice.

Tina~My upper GI is tomorrow, Tuesday. Thanks for the well-wishes. I will post the results for all of you so you won't worry. Alexandra~I was athletical before I became obese, but I was not a runner...absolutely hated it! Now, I love it! I run about 9-10 miles a week. I am working myself upto a 6 mile run. The only reason why I started running was for the the triathlon and now it has just kinda stuck. I highly recommend finding exercise and activities that you enjoy, besides just going to the gym. You will be more inclined to stick with an exercise program that has variety. That is just my advice after 2 years of this.

Anyone can answer this How exactly do I put my head shot on my posts were my name is listed? I am completely computer challenged!

Thank you, Alex, babe! It is perfect!

I want the above picture as my signature pic.

Hi Bunkie! Yes, Jenny on Spotlight got pregnant at 2 months out and she is now about 6 months along. She is doing really well! The baby is healthy and she is doing good. So it can be done without a hitch.

Thanks, guys! Yes, I did a sprint triathlon in May and I kicked butt! I did much better then I thought I would! I am now training for an international length triathlon which is a 1 mile swim, 25 mile bike, and a 6 mile run. It isn't for another year, but I am starting now. Good luck to both of you on your band journey!

I am still in awe of it all myself!

Hi Wendy, Welcome and good luck!

Hi Tina, Great to see you on new turf. I am really impressed that you have kept your 45lbs off without restriction...YOU GO GIRL! You will be as good as gold and losing again soon!

Hi JC, You aren't by chance a dolphin fan are you? Anyhoo, I also had my surgery done at Cleveland Clinic before they moved to their new fancy digs and poor Dr. Rosenthal was the only surgeon in the practice. I love, love, love the doctors in the practice, but really have a hard time finding warm and fuzzy feelings for the other girls in the office. I actually just got off the phone with Carol not to long ago...PITA! Congratulations on your decision and good luck!

Hi Everybody, Robin, I am glad to see you over here! I registered, but haven't had a chance to put in an introduction. Alex~No offense, but I thought you were a women! Tee Hee... I will go do my introduction right now. Wednesday