TexasBecky

Hi Renewedhope. Glad you checked in. I've heard the BodyBugg is very helpful. I hope you like it. I suggest setting a very reasonable, doable goal for exercise in May. It feels better to meet or exceed your goal than it does to miss the mark. But do set a goal and work hard to achieve it. Salsa, yes as a matter of fact, I did just (yesterday) set a date for my ps. Its June 12! Hallelujah! I'll post more details later today when I have more time. I'm sorry to hear about your foot pain. I've had some foot problems in the past and it can be really debilitating. Feet are really complicated. What are your symptoms? I did my hour of cardio this am. Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 19/20 Exercise Sessions 7/8 Weight Training Sessions

Are you hungry? Are you losing by will power alone or do you feel restricted at all? Some people do feel restriction without any fill at all, but I think that is unusual. IMHO if you are hungry and depending on will power only, then your doctor should have given you a fill. I don't understand the thinking of those who won't fill you if you are losing. If you are hungry and having a hard time I would make sure that your doctor understands that. I wouldn't wait six more weeks if I felt hungry all the time. Some others may have a different opinion. I'd be curious to hear about it if someone can offer a reasonable explanation for your doctor's policy. I know he isn't the only doctor with that way of thinking, but I'm glad my doc is more flexible.

Hey Dave, You're still doing great and staying active. A temporary stall on the scale is natural and nothing to worry about. I'm completely confident that you'll get the scale moving in the right direction. You are getting so close to goal. If you are able to lose one pound a week, you'll be at goal by year end! Woo Hoo!! You can do that! Now that your computer is working again, I hope you'll check in regularly. You know you've got a fan club here cheering for you.

I'm taking it down to the wire again, but I will meet the April challenge. I lifted weights today. I'll finish up my cardio the next two days and lift weights again on Wednesday. I do like the changes that are resulting from the strength training. I'm not going to lie, this kind of discipline is still a challenge for me. I won't be winning any races, but I really am proud of the fact that I am staying active and actually planning for exercise. That's huge for this 50 year old! I feared I might be too old, out of shape, and set in my ways. Not so! I think I'm more fit now than I've been in at least 25 years.

As the mom of two grown sons, I so appreciate your story. Besides them being proud of us and interested in our well being, isn't it great that they know a little something about a healthy diet? Congrats on your success with the band!

Congrats Salsa! Great job. Jody, I don't know what a tricky tray is, but congrats on having a successful one, lol. Ahhh, the massage was a good idea. I got my cardio in this morning at the hotel. Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 18/20 Exercise Sessions 6/8 Weight Training Sessions

I've had very good luck with the protein shakes. Almost every morning since I was banded I've started the day with a Slim Fast Low Carb Shake. They have 20 grams of protein each. Those of you who have trouble eating enough should give it a try. I eat plenty, but I still like to kick start my day with a big boost of protein.

Cardio & weights done for today! I'm headed out of town for a banquet at my son's college. My pre weigh loss self would be dreadig it, but I'm so looking forward to it this year. I have new clothes, new shoes, new handbag and a new attitude! Have a great weekend everyone. Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 17/20 Exercise Sessions 6/8 Weight Training Sessions

Pizzi, You sound so excited and happy. What a wonderful new adventure! I'm glad you got the unfill. I think it was the sensible thing with the move & new city issues, etc. It sounds like you may have stumbled onto your sweet spot my accident. Things are all just coming together perfectly for you right now. Keep the good Karma flowing!! I know you're going to be really busy for a while, but check in when you can and keep us posted. We're all thrilled for your successes on all fronts. You make your fellow Crazy Ates so proud.

I don't know your history, but if like many of us, you have struggled with your weight for years, lost and gained many times, etc. then traditional weight loss methods may never work for you. People just don't get that. No surgery should be taken lightly, nor should anyone view this as a quick fix. I think that the lapband is for people who have exhausted all traditional options and are still obese. This too will require a permanent change in your thinking, eating, and lifestyle. It is not the easy way out. Friends and family members may never understand that, but for those who really love and care about you, they should be supportive of your decision. If they aren't, well then you need to re-evaluate the relationship. Good luck to you.

I'm here. I've been trying to get on all day and the site has been down or maybe something has been wrong on my end. Have a good trip Frangi. I did cardio and weight training today. Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 16/20 Exercise Sessions 5/8 Weight Training Sessions

Hi Dave & Sue. I'm glad ya'll are having fun with the Trikke. It really looks like a blast, but $3000? Yikes! That is not in my budget right now. I'm saving for plastic surgery. A girls gotta get her priorities straight, lol. Dave, glad you didn't fall completely off the wagon. We are all going to stumble but the important thing is to keep getting up again. Good for you! Salsa, good luck with the marathon training. I haven't seen you let anything kick your butt yet. This is another challenge that I'm sure you'll meet. I did my cardio first thing this morning. Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 15/20 Exercise Sessions 4/8 Weight Training Sessions

Ok it wasn't wine for me this weekend. It was beer batter onion rings. I don't know why I did it but I actually dug out the Fry Daddy and fried up a huge batch of onion rings! Hubby grilled steaks and I made onion rings! What got into me? I haven't done anything like that in almost a year. Was it the fact that my parents finally left and I wanted to Celebrate? Or perhaps I was trying to reward myself? Maybe its just because I'm a southern girl and once a year I've got to have onion rings. Of course I berated myself all night for using such poor food judgement - we ate the whole batch. It kind of scared me too that I obviously do still have that over eating behavior lurking around. Anyway, I'm back to healthy moderate eating today and isn't that really the point? We all slip up on ocassion or over indulge now and again. Yes, even skinny people. It won't hurt us if its a rare occasion that we over indulge. Not a way of life. I've had that life and I'm not going back. Frangi, Miami again? Not only do you live in paradise, but you're a jet setter. Hope you get in some more shopping! Good for you on the running plans. I found that when I just added short intervals of running to my mostly walking routine it really kicked my weight loss up a notch. I just noticed that you're down 92 pounds. That is so fantastic! I know you'll hit 100 by the end of May. I was on extra good behavior today. I ate very reasonably and I did cardio and weight lifting. Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 14/20 Exercise Sessions 4/8 Weight Training

Sounds like everyone had a great weekend - especially Jody! You've got a good one girl. Better keep him around. My husband is a great guy too. He has responded extremely well to my weight loss! It likely has as much to do with my new improved outlook/attitude. This was a big weekend for me too. My parents went home yesterday! Woo Hoo!!! We've got our empty nest back! I did an hour of cardio today and a little gardening. Crazy Ates AprilExercise Challenge 13/20 Exercise Sessions 3/8 Weight TrainingCrazy Ates

Hi renewedhope. I'm glad you found our exercise challenge. We start a new challenge every month. Everbody just checks in regularly and we post what exercise we've done. We all set our own goals and we cheer for each other to accomplish them. It works surprisingly well. These are a very supportive bunch of exercising bandsters. Good luck on the upcoming 5K. If you train like you are planning, the 5K is going to be a piece of cake! And boy will the pounds come flying off.

Frangi, you look fabulous! I'm thrilled to see your picture. You're just as beautiful on the outside as on the inside. Love the shoes too. I just bought a pair alot like those. Yet another perk of weight loss - being comfortable in heels again. I too felt very proud of my technical skills when I posted my pics, but I think I've already forgotten how I did it, lol.

Yes, Yes, Yes! Make it the highest priority in your life. Follow the rules, exercise, change your thinking, and you'll change your life. Good luck!

Salsa, I understand how thrilled you are and I'm thrilled for you. You've rewriten your future. Wow, you are no longer that chubby girl from high school, rather you are a fit and active woman who is in charge of her life. Fantastic work! I know you are inspiring many others. I've decided I really don't like the gym very much. You might remember, I've been taking a conditioning class all semester and it is almost over so its time for me to decide whether I want to join a gym. The class has been really helpful and as a result I have figured out that I don't want to join a gym. I much prefer to walk outside or on my home treadmill and I love working in the garden. I've also purchased weights that I use for my "Strong Women Stay Young" program. I've finally figured out that exercise helps me tremendously and that I owe it to myself to make the time. I want to be strong and fit, but with a minimum amount of work, so I've found something that I think I can live with for the long haul - walking five days a week and lifting weights two days. I know that is enough to maintain cardio fitness and to keep building my strength. I've still not figured out what will work for me long term regarding flexibility. I'm experimenting with yoga, pilates, a simple stretching routine, but I haven't settled into a good routine. Anyway, it does feel fabulous to not be restricted by morbid obesity. Being able to move with ease is such a huge relief. Everything was so hard 100 pounds ago. Jody, now you've just got to tell us all about your special evening. You can't mention something like that and not give details, lol. I did my cardio today like a good Crazy Ate! Crazy Ates AprilExercise Challenge 12/20 Exercise Sessions 3/8 Weight TrainingCrazy Ates

I did cardio and weight training this morning. Crazy Ates AprilExercise Challenge 11/20 Exercise Sessions 3/8 Weight TrainingCrazy Ates

Great observation that I can certainly relate too. 100+ pounds ago I wanted to be invisible and people were happy to accommodate. Now people do notice me more and treat me better. I suspect that some of the reason for that change is because of how my behavior has changed along with my body? These days I'm willing to speak up, step up, and stand out. Its a remarkable change, so naturally people respond differently.

Cardio is done for today! Crazy Ates AprilExercise Challenge 10/20 Exercise Sessions 2/8 Weight TrainingCrazy Ates

I was thinking about skipping cardio today and working in the yard instead (I really love that), but I logged on this morning and saw how great you all are doing so I got my butt on the treadmill for an hour and now I'm going to work in the yard too. Thanks for the motivation everybody. Hope it is a great day for everybody. Crazy Ates AprilExercise Challenge 9/20 Exercise Sessions 2/8 Weight TrainingCrazy Ates

Losing, your transformation is awesome. What a wonderful thing you've done for yourself. Congratulations on your success and keep up the good work. You inspire us all. Becky

Another hour of cardio done! Crazy Ates AprilExercise Challenge 8/20 Exercise Sessions 2/8 Weight TrainingCrazy Ates

Glad you're back Frangi! I just finished today's cardio. Crazy Ates AprilExercise Challenge 7/20 Exercise Sessions 2/8 Weight TrainingCrazy Ates