Fiddleman

Good job man. That is a crazy fast time. Did you know that 35 minutes is the average for most adults who run the 5 k? You are considered a pretty good 5 k runner if you get below that.

Let me also add I AM prone to cross over addiction. It is my personality. I like to experiment and try new things for the thrills of it.will not deny that. However, I am making exercise my addiction. It gives me more than enough thrills to keep me out of a dangerous place where I get bored and need to experiment with stuff. Do others have this problem?

One glass is all it takes for me, even 1/2 glass. I had 2 once thinking two would be more fun then one, but it was not. I think drinking is really not that much fun any more because it is over pretty quick. Drank 2 times now since post 6 months op and now not sure I want to drink again. Pretty short buzz time and not worth it. Meh.

I totally get sleep sexing (guilty) but sleep driving? How do you do that?

You know- I seriously thought about signing up for a sky dive next week. I surprise myself sometimes. There is a small airport a few miles away where they have skydiving adventures.

Sannah - that is so good to hear that you are on the up and up, even feeling good enough to work out. Many of us have been praying for your recovery and safe return to good health. Welcome back!

Any other thoughts from longer term sleevers? My diet is mostly whole foods with the exception of processed chicken (eg Costco products) and energy squares, shakes and protein bars. Do not know if you would classify energy squares as processed as they are technically made from organic foods. For shakes and bars, I try and choose the ones that have the most organic ingredient list in addition to low carb, fat. Sometimes energy squares give me a bit of gas and diarrhea so I think my dealings with carbs is going to be an uphill battle. Otherwise, I enjoy eating leafy green, peppers, edamame and other veggies. I always am mindful when I eat out to creatively choose or request menu items that are healthy, low carb and low fat. What else?

I think will power and the desire to make healthy choices is important post sleeve, especially when hunger returns post 6 months or so.

I still see her posting. You can try to PM her with that member name.

Used to really love apples and have at least one a day. Haven't had any in 10 months or so. It would be "hard" for me to get used to eating fruit again. Do not like oranges very much, never have. Kiwi, star fruit and passion fruit are good. I used to like the tropical, more exotic, fruits. Well, exotic to a person like me anyways.

That is great. Exercise is a nice "love" to have as so many benefits can be derived from it.

Generally, the doctors will want you to wait 6 weeks before getting into intense exercise or lifting. Walking can and should be done as soon as possible for many reasons. Start slow and build up your distances and intensity in those first few weeks after surgery. The first walk will feel like hell and probably be a block in distance or less, but it is part of the process to recover from surgery. Depending on your own goals and motivation, you might start the c25k after the 6 week mark. Some start later. Listen to your body in order to prevent injury. I like to champion the ChiRunning style because it focuses on a running technique that minimizes injury and maximizes efficiency / enjoyment. It is one approach to running. There are many in this forum that can help with running suggestions.

Do you like adding the creamers like coffee mate? There are so many awesome flavors to choose from and having 1 tbsp is going to be ok calorie wise (I think). This has been my daily treat since month 1. Coconut is my favorite flavor, but there are also 1000 other flavors. Light soy milk and nonfat milk is also good to froth into a Cappuccino or latte. I do not know how I could ever drink the coffee without creamer and Splenda.

Benedryl or hydroxine might help if you do not have extreme insomnia. They both basically have the same active ingredients as Unisom. Unisom is usually 50 mg where benedryl and hydroxine are 25 mg per gel or capsule. They are also the only sleep aids that do not leave me feeling drugged in the morning. Quite the opposite - well rested and ready for the day. For me, I found two work the best to help me fall asleep and stay asleep until morning. However, if you do not need sleep aids, then it is best not to depend on them. Recently, I have started taking Amazing Grass (a green powder that can be drunk). I am happy to say it has been over a week since I have needed to take any Unisom. A miracle.

For the last meal of the day would you take a shake or a low carb protein bar? I have nu go bars which are 20 g protein and 20 g carb (not from sugar, but from fiber and sugar alcohols). I have been taking shakes before bed for several months now and want to try the bar if it is not going to mess with weight gain. What do you think?

Yes, it is before Monte Christo trail @Barlow pass). That is a good hike also, 4 miles each way. If you keep going you end up at Glacier Basin - a steep climb into an alpine lake bowl. So many good hikes along the Mountain Loop Highway between Granite Falls and Darrington.

I decided to stretch my legs a bit and take a hike with my bro after work today. We went on the Robe Valley trail up on the Mountain Loop highway near Verlot Ranger station for those familiar with the North Puget Sound area. anyways, it is a short easy hike that winds down the valley to the old abandoned mining town of Robe. We could not make it to the tunnel this year because the trail was overtaken by the marshes. Neat area with lots of mossy trees and reeds. On the way back, we were coming up the switchbacks (about 500 feet climb) when we ran into 2 teenager deer munching on vegetation. They looked up and waved their tails before trotting slowly away 10 feet. Very nice to run into them. They went back munching on a snack before trotting further up the trail a little further. We played this little game, the deer and I until we got to the top of the trail. They then pranced off into the distance. Either these were the most domestic deer I have ever met or I was giving off "friend" vibes. See even the deer will treat you better when you lose weight. Cheers.