brianw

Lost close to 100lbs in first 18 months. Have since run several half marathons, and joined basketball leagues...etc. Hit me up on yahoo messenger if you ever wana chat. I'm a 35m in Michigan and I don't mind giving advice or making new friends. Yahoo ID: acousticplayer1978

Since then I have run about 50 5k events, several 10ks and 2 half marathons. I've also taken up mountain bike racing and have a restored confidence in myself. This has improved my life so much! If you are on the fence...be like Nike.....Just Do It!

I'm in Michigan and have had great success. I am here for any advice. Hit me up any time.

Well said, Kate. You asked why do it? I went from a nearly 300lb fat lazy and nearly hopeless person in March of 2011...to a 210lb lean person training for a half marathon and playing basketball and boxing daily in 1 year. Good luck with whatever decision you make, but for me....the best thing I ever did....honestly.

I'm 34 in Michigan...and have been wildly successful with my lapband. My goal was about 100lb loss...I'm close to that goal in one year. I went from lazy overweight guy to a gym rat, running 5ks almost weekly and currently training for a half marathon in the fall. I believe I fully understand the band and I'm a good tough motivator. I recently decided it was time to give back to the site that made me feel good when I was scared in the beginning. Must be serious about improving your life!

Absolutely. It definitely hurt in the beginning. Just make sure you take a day of rest between workouts when necessary. It gets easier!

Definitely get into the running! I did my first 5k in November and it has been a healthy addiction ever since! It has definitely helped the pace of my weight loss and also helped me gain muscle and tone throughout my first year. I didn't do the couch to 5k program...I kind of just felt my way through the races on my own. Now I am down to 8 minute miles!

Just ran a 27:56! Not bad for just starting in November! Just felt like sharing because it feels good to be improving at something I thought I could never do. Brian

For the last couple of posters...it is hard work and even painful at times...but it is rewarding beyond what I ever thought. When I finish a good run, I am mentally high for 2 to 3 days after..especially when I accomplish a personal goal. What worked for me is to start entering in official events...like check out www.active.com . I can't tell you how fun those large events can be! I go put in my work then hang out after with all the people who are doing the same. Its definitely easier to do events than to stay motivated on the treadmill or through your neighborhood. If you want to talk about advice on getting started..pm me a messenger service and name. Brian

I'm a 34 year old guy in Michigan....a year ago I was scared and having doubts that this was right for me...but I went forward with it....I've had a lapband for a year and loving it. If anyone has any questions or comments for lapband...feel free to contact me here or ask me for yahoo messenger name. This site helped me early on...so I am back to help! I've lost almost 80lbs in one year and I am competing in 5k races almost every week...I am also training for a half marathon in the fall! You can do it too

Pm sent!

I'm addicted to that runners high!

I'm a year in and my results have been everything and more than I expected. My best advice is that if you have any doubts if you are restricted enough...you probably aren't. Feel free to contact me through here or yahoo messenger. I can prob help you get the results you want!