TexasBecky

Sheaross, I've not had the thining hair issue so far but, I've read that lots of bandsters have that problem and they seem to relate it to inadequate Protein intake. Have you heard that before? You do look fantastic. You've done a great job. I hope I'll be a size 12 at 185. How tall are you?

Hey Whosya, are you loving your band or what? You must be feeling great. Are you still losing as fast as you did the first few months? Congrats on your tremendous success. Val, you really mean business. Kudos for the early morning dedication and the killer workout. I was thrilled that NY won too. I'm a sucker for the underdog. I got in my cardio and I did a very basic beginners weight session for 20 minutes. Frangi, an hour of working the lower body sounds like torture to me right now. I bet you are really getting fit. Crazy Ates February Exercise Challenge 4/20 Cardio Sessions 1/8 Weight Sessions

I think increased activity is one of the keys to maintaining the 2+ pound per week weight loss. As our bodies get lighter, we don't burn as many calories with the same amount of activity. When we were all carrying around an extra 50 pounds our bodies were having to work harder every time we moved, creating rapid weight loss. As the weight comes off we have to either workout harder/longer, eat less, or add back some some weight (like hand/ankle weights - not fat weight). A leaner body does have a more efficient metabolism, so that helps. I think the main reason the weight loss slows down though is because, like Val said, we sometimes slip in more calories than we think. If we keep close tabs on what goes in our mouths and how much we move, 8-10 pounds a month should continue to be pretty realistic for most of us. Of course, rapid weight loss is not essential to meeting our goals. If we choose to workout less and/or eat more we can still get where we want to be, just a little bit slower. This group is doing fantastic and will continue to because we are all highly motivated. Have a great week everybody.

I’m so glad to see everyone breaking through those barriers. You are all taking this seriously. That’s why I like hanging out with this group. No whining, just doing what needs to be done to reach our goals. I think I might be on a plateau too, but I'm not getting on the scale again until I see my band doctor on 2/14. Until then I'm going to keep on track and keep getting leaner and stronger. It’s been a busy weekend but I managed to get in an hour of cardio yesterday and today. Tomorrow will be my first session with the weights. I also bought a beginners yoga DVD. I'm going to check it out this week. My class is starting to be interesting. We spend one day in the gym and the other in the classroom. Right now we’re looking at our individual nutritional status. I’ve been tracking everything I eat and actually looking at the nutritional value with a whole new perspective. Based on my activity level and current weight, if I consume about 1432 calories a day I will reach my goal by June 22, 2008. Of course, that is a computer programs estimate, but I found it very encouraging. It gives me another target to shoot for. Hope everyone has a healthy and active week. Crazy Ates February Exercise Challenge 3/20 Cardio Sessions 0/8 Weight Sessions

Thanks for getting us going again Frangi. I started the month with an hour on the treadmill. I'm going to go for 20 cardio workouts this month and 8 weight training sessions. Yes, I'm finally going to get started on the weights. I checked out the Mayo clinic link Frangi. Thanks so much. I know you are right about the importance of weight training. I've just been intimidated by the whole idea. With the class I'm taking and the info you provided, I see there is nothing to be afraid of. I can do a couple of simple workouts twice a week and still reap the benefits. Besides tomorrow being Ground Hogs Day it is my 31st wedding anniversary. I find it hard to believe myself. I couldn't possibly be old enough to have been married that long! Crazy Ates February Exercise Challenge 1/20 Cardio Sessions 0/8 Weight Sessions

Val, I can feel your enthusiasm coming through in your posts. You've got a good routine and a great attitude. Its obviously all working for you so keep doing what you're doing. Sandy, glad to see you checking in. Remember any exercise is good. If you've been sick, start back slowly and add a little more time as you feel better. Frangi, I'm so glad you had a quick recovery. You barely skipped a beat. And how nice to get such positive feedback from the doctor. I agree completely with your decision to quit worrying about it. You know you are literaly working your butt off. Try to stay off the scale for a while too. It just doesn't tell the whole story. My mom is doing better. Thanks for asking. She is 70 and still mentally quite sharp but physically she's a wreck. She survived ovarian cancer in her 40's but has had a multitude of other issues in the last 25 years. She has severe osteoporsis that lead to the broken hip. She'll probably be in the rehab facility for a couple more weeks and then she and my dad will spend a few weeks at my house before they return to their own home. She broke her leg below the knee last year, so unfortunately this routine is still fresh in my mind. I am one of those baby boomers sandwiched between finishing raising my children and starting to have to care for my parents. Anyway, that's way more info than you asked for. I got in a very high intensity hour on the treadmill today and made my January exercise goal. WooHoo for me! 20/20 days of exercise

I agree with what you all are saying. Everybody has to find what will work for them for the long haul. Jacqui makes another great point about lots of exercise. If we're willing to make exercise a permanent part of our lives, what we eat is going to be less of an issue.

Frangi, how is your shoulder today? I think you're wise to give it a rest. Like Salsa said, see the doctor if it isn't better soon (like today). You have to pay close attention to pain that is radiating into your left arm. It most likely is just a strain from hiking, but it could be something serious. I've also been wondering why we haven't heard from Dave. Hope everything is ok. Salsa, thanks for the treadmill tips. Mine has a variety of preprogrammed routines that change the speed and incline automatically. It helps alot. I also have a t.v. in the room so I usually watch Good Morning America while I workout. I got in an hour on the treadmill this morning. Looks like I'm going to make my January exercise goal. 19/20 days of exercise

Squeezed in another treadmill workout today. 18/20 days of exercise

I like the Low Carb Slim Fast drinks. They have 20 grams of Protein in one can and besides being convenient they are easy to get down when you're very tight. Of course, you still have the issue of needing to remember the ice packs and a straw. What about the Campbells Soup at Hand in the microwaveable drink containers? Have you tried those? Good luck!

Another hour on the treadmill. I had to do it late in the day again, but it wasn't so bad after all, and the reward of feeling good about myself makes it even better. Frangi and Valstar I'm cheering for you both to see the scale move soon. I know it is frustrating when you're working so hard and you don't get the validation you need from the scale. Valstar, try really hard to get in plenty of fluids. I know I had a period where I wasn't getting enough fluids and I ended up with a urinary tract infection. I think there is a connection. 17/20 days of exercise

Thanks Valstar. Taking care of ourselves is very good advice. I guess I'm a slow learner 'cause I'm just starting to figure that out. I'm really focusing on constructive ways of dealing with stress and I think its helping. I got in a 30 minute treadmill workout this afternoon and you know I don't like the afternoon workout! I'm proud that I did it at all. 16/20 days of exercise

I did an hour on the treadmill this morning. Mom has had surgery and been moved to the rehab floor. I'm hopeful that things will start improving soon. Thanks to everyone for your well wishes. I'm determined to keep on exercising in spite of the current chaos. My old technique for coping with stress was eating! I'm just not going to go that route this time. Salsa, you set a very challenging goal for this month and you have done great whether you make the goal or not. You have good reason to be proud of yourself! 15/20 days of exercise

The last few days have been challenging for me. My mother fell and broke her hip on Saturday and had surgery on Tuesday. I woke up yesterday with a terrible bladder infection (I admit that I had been ignoring some symptoms for a while). Anyway, I went to the doc and got on antibiotics so I'm on the mend. What I have noticed is that stress makes my band tighter. I wondered about that around Christmas when I got really tight, seemingly out of the blue. Now, that it has happened again, I think there is a connection. I'm expecting things to get better today. I need to be drinking alot of fluids and its hard when I'm too restricted. I did get in an hour on the treadmill this morning. Now I'm off to the hospital to check on mom. Hope everyone has a great day. 14/20 days of exercise

Another hour on the treadmill today. 13/20 days of exercise

Frangi, I'm sure you are replacing fat with muscle, thus the stalled scale. As much as you are exercising that has to be the case. The scale will start moving again soon, but in the mean time, how are your clothes fitting? I bet you are losing inches and reshaping your body. A three hour hike today and two hours yesterday. Wow! Your endurance is getting awesome. You'll be reporting a good loss very soon. Valstar, I'm so glad you are feeling great. I am too and it is wonderful. I saw your picture and you look great too. Keep doing what you're doing. I had an intense treadmill workout today. Love it! 12/20 days of exercise

It is so exciting to read about everyone's exercise progress. Ya'll are trying new things and working so hard. I've said it before, but I just must say it again; this groups dedication is incredibly impressive and motivating to me. I've abused my body with food and neglected to adequately exercise it for so long that I find it almost shocking that it is cooperating so well with my weight loss and exercise efforts. As a result (and with all this encouragement), I'm feeling stronger and more confident that I can workout more intensely too. As for my exercise, I bought a treadmill! You know I've been reluctant to invest in exercise equipment because of my many past failures. Well, I decided that things are different now. I'm not just exercising to go with the latest diet I'm on. I'm making a lifelong commitment to lose this weight and stay fit. I'm going to keep moving this time. So, as a vote of confidence in myself, I bought a nice treadmill. I did my first workout on it today and I think I'm going to love it. Hope everyone is having a great weekend. Crazy Ates JANUARY Exercise Challenge 11/20 days of exercise

I was lucky to get some restriction from the first fill. Everyone is different. I agree with Kacee though. It may require some patience to get to your sweet spot, but it will come. You can also lose weight before you get restriction. It will be hard and requires the same kind of self discipline that an old fashioned diet requires. I know, we aren't very good at those, but I'm just saying, you can follow the band rules and still lose weight while you are waiting on restriction. (I see you have already lost 12 pounds! yeah!) When you do get some restriction it will be easier. I would say that most people do lose weight from the time they start their preop diet until they get restriction. If you're following the rules, it is hard not to start losing. Don't worry. I was bummed because my doc made me wait 8 weeks for my first fill and I was hungry alot. I stuck it out and that is all a distant memory now. Don't get discouraged. You have done a great thing for yourself and the results will begin to show before you know it.

Ahh, thanks Frangi. Your diet sounded great to me and pretty comparable to mine except for the bread, Pasta, etc. Don't be surprised if those won't work after your next fill. I suspect that I could eat them if I were just a little looser. When I get to goal I hope I can settle in to a fill level that will allow for those carbs in reasonable quanties because I do love them. Life without an occasional bit of pasta might not be worth living.:smile:

Pizzi, I hope the perfect job opportunity comes your way. Are you wanting to move or just wanting a new job? Well, my exercise class is starting a little slower than I'd hoped. We did more classroom stuff today but she promised we'd start exercising next time. I did get in my regular 40 minute walk after class and I've really picked up the pace since New Years. I'm almost jogging if that makes any sense. Salsa, be careful. You work out so hard that I'm afraid you really are going to injure yourself. Crazy Ates JANUARY Exercise Challenge 10/20 days of exercise

I try to stick with my docs plan (same as Pizzi's) about five days a week. I allow myself more options if we're going out to dinner or something special is happening. But even if I'm having a little splurge, my portions are very small, thanks to the band. I am one of those people who does not tolerate bread, rice, or Pasta very well, so I do avoid them. I think the more carefully you follow the rules, the faster you will lose. That said, we have to find a balance that we can live with. As we all know, dieting doesn't work in the long run. Be careful most of the time and give yourself a treat on occassion. That's what trim, healthy people do and that's where we are all headed.

I almost forgot to report that I walked my usual 40 minutes this morning. Crazy Ates JANUARY Exercise Challenge 9/20 days of exercise

Pizzi, I think your belly dancing is awesome. Its great to finding some exercise that you really enjoy. Valstar, you are so wise to keep exercising during this stressful time. That's usually when people quit, but I really understand now how much exercising helps our minds and moods. Keep it up and I hope things in your life settle down soon. Oh, count me out on the belly piercing, but you gals go for it. Crazy Ates JANUARY Exercise Challenge 9/20 days of exercise

Hi Judi! You are still doing great. I say making it through the "holi-daze" without gaining 10 pounds is a big accomplishment. I've read that eating breakfast as soon as possible after waking in the mornings will get your metabolism going. And of course, exercise is the best metabolism booster. I wish it weren't so, but lots of studies tell us that it is. I don't know if there are supplements that really work. I do know that we all want to lose at the same rapid pace that we started at, but it does slow down. I'm starting to see that too. Try to be patient with yourself and remember, if you just lose one pound a week you will still be at goal by next Christmas. Hang in there and keep focusing on the long term goal.

Great news Salsa. I'm glad you are able to eat again. I had a few days right around Christmas where I got too tight and it was miserable. You do have an exceptional doctor. I think you made a good choice with him.