NWJenny

Dawn - That is so great that you hit your goal! I can't wait to see what that feels like. So many times I tried and lost 20-30lbs, but never got to a point where I felt "normal". I bet it feels so incredibly good to have hit that place you dreamed of being. Yes, the "crotch numbness" goes away... but I think when you are as overweight as I am, it still hangs around a bit longer. I do love it though. Betty, there is this ride called Summit to Surf. It's at the end of July... quite a beautiful ride. You start up at the Mountain and ride into Hood River. Maybe you and Alan could ride...

Betty - I am back. I was out of town (left Thursday), so I missed NIA this weekend. I did manage to get some exercise in! Julie - Thanks for the advice re: running. I am going to check out coolrunning.com. I am not ready to start running yet, but I will be soon! Biking is fun, but you do get a little numb. There are a lot of bikers here and because of that, there are many great rides - even through the city. You all are great exercise motivators!

Thanks WASabubblebutt! I did call my Dr. and they said the same thing. He also encouraged me to do something other than Pilates right now. Because Pilates concentrates on the stomach area, he said to give myself a couple more weeks before doing that type of exercise.

Well, I am going to go for the gold as well. I had my first Pilates class yesterday and last night I had some port pain, so I called my doctor and he thought that I should probably stay away from Pilates for a couple more weeks - So, today I got on the elliptical for 45min and it felt good! Julie - good job on committing to a 1/2 marathon. I wanted to ask you a couple of questions. How did you start running and how did it progress? I have thought about possibly attempting that - but I am guessing, I will need to lose some weight before I can run 200 yards. I love biking and enjoy taking spin classes. I am actually going to participate in a 56 mile ride this August, but I am also interested in running as well. Any input would be great. Betty - I hope you are feeling better!

I was banded on 4/20. I have done very well so far. My port has had some pain, but just a little – until today. I took my pilates class today and now it hurts where my port is (I can feel it with my hand, so I know this is where my port it). When I move, there is a sharp pain now. I am a bit worried. What do you think this is? Am I overreacting?

Yeah Betty! Yeah Boo! What a huge accomplishment! I think I will be set to start the May Exercise Challenge - I am feeling so much better now.

Julie and Boo - Thank you for the encouragement - you are right on. I have no pain, so there is this part of me that thinks I should be up and moving, but then all I want to do is sit or sleep - so glad to hear that is normal. AND it's good to hear about when you started to workout - and that I don't really need to push it - I guess I am just anxious to really start this! Tracy - I was SO nervous before my surgery. When the nurse came in and said, "ok, it's time to go". I started to cry. When I look back, I think I was most afraid of the pain after the surgery. I have never had any kind of surgery, so I have nothing to compare this to, but I will say that I was quite pleasantly surprised at how little pain I had - and the pain I had lasted only for a tiny bit.

Hey Girls, Jenny here... I am doing well after surgery. I'm a little frustrated with my energy level and I do feel a bit lightheaded at times. I am assuming it is because I am still healing and the lack of food - but any input would be great! It's great to talk to band "pros" while going through these early stages. Betty has been a HUGE support. I love reading about your challenges - it's great how you all keep each other on your toes! My goal is to hit the gym on Monday - and keep it strong through the week. In the meantime, I have been doing some light walking.

Julie, thanks for the welcome! It was so great to meet Betty today. I have been on this site for two weeks now reading as much as I can prior to my surgery date. I have been very inspired by all of you. When I saw that Betty lived near and we attend the same gym, I felt the need to contact her. What a fabulous strong role model and success story. She definitely shared some great information on her experience and I am excited to have her as my "band mom" - but yes, Julie, you will always be her #1!

Betty in LO, I just read your post and see that we live in the same area and go to the same club (Club Sport). I am scheduled for surgery on April 20th, so I am year behind you. You have had quite a succesful year! This thread is great - I really an enjoying learning so much prior to my surgery.

Hi, I have been perusing this site for a couple of weeks now and just discovered this thread. I am scheduled for surgery on 4/20. It's great to have others like yourselves as a great support group. The best to those newly banded!