Frangipani

Hi Judi, that is an excellent insight, and so true. I think it's really easy to fall into the habit of eating "safe" food -- i.e., foods that go down easily, because we are afraid we might PB, or otherwise harm our band. I was overly cautious for a time myself. Part of this was the result of my (mistaken) idea that there are certain things that "Bandsters" absolutely cannot eat, when in fact there don't seem to be any such foods because there is so much variation in what each individual is able to tolerate. I finally decided to take the approach of (cautiously) trying anything once. By doing so I "learned" my band pretty quickly. I definitely did PB a few times in the beginning, but it has now been months since my last PB incident. As result of my branching out and trying as many things as possible, I have managed to find a number of healthy, nutritious foods that I enjoy and that fill me up very quickly. I have also discovered a number of things that go down very easily and that I can eat in unlimited quantities, and those are things that I have learned to avoid. Anyhow, that was a great point and a good thing for all of us to learn and know! Have a great night! Crazy Ates March Exercise Challenge 1/30 Exercise Sessions (1 Cardio, 0 Core Strength & flexibility, 0 Weight training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Happy February Everyone! Time for a new exercise challenge thread. This thread is open to anyone -- you don't have to be an August 07 bandster to join us. Looking forward to seeing all of the regulars, plus many more new faces this month! Crazy Ates February Exercise Challenge 0/28 Exercise Sessions Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Becky, it sounds like you are reallyon the fast track. I will be looking forward to hearing about your consult. Candle, all I can say is WOW! And congrats!!! You have an amazing metabolism, girlfriend!!! Can I borrow it for a few months :thumbup:? Val, good to hear from you -- you're doing great! My weight loss has slowed considerably too, but no matter where we are, we are all headed in the right direction and we will reach the finish line sooner or later. Crazy Ates March Exercise Challenge 1/30 Exercise Sessions (1 Cardio, 0 Core Strength & flexibility, 0 Weight training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Hi Kiah, Your question is a little tough to answer because a lot of this depends on your shape. I am a pear shape, i.e., I carry the majority of my weight in my hips and legs, so I am dropping blouse sizes much quicker than I am dropping pant sizes. One thing that has been working very well for me is to wear flowy tunics, blouses, and jackets over silk, linen, or knit bottoms that have elastic waistbands. Thus far, I have been able to get a few months wearing out of each new size because the fit of the bottoms doesn't need to be that precise. Hope this helps a little -- and congrats on losing 21.5 pounds :thumbup::smile:! Crazy Ates March Exercise Challenge 1/30 Exercise Sessions (1 Cardio, 0 Core Strength & flexibility, 0 Weight training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Hey Jody! Welcome back -- we missed you!!!! I saw your posts in another thread, and you rocked it with the workouts last month. Good job :thumbup:!!! I see you're off to a good start again this month too. Salsa, I think your plan sounds very reasonable and sensible. I got an hour of cardio in today. I also hit the beach and did some swimming, but I'm not counting it because I take my noodle in the Water with me, and always end up doing a lot more floating than swimming........... Have a great night everyone! Crazy Ates March Exercise Challenge 1/30 Exercise Sessions (1 Cardio, 0 Core Strength & flexibility, 0 Weight training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Daddy, thanks for coming up with a way to report your workout while still maintaining our G rating ! Regarding our "Eve" at the top of this board (warning strong opinion coming), I loathe that image!!!! I absolutely love this board and cannot say enough good things about it, but in my humble opinion, that image at the top gives a somewhat "low-rent" quality to an otherwise great-looking website. The previous image was far better, and actually quite nice. It would be great to see something along those lines again. Sorry Alex and Moderators , that image at the top is the only thing I don't like about this website. Everything else is fabulous! I returned from my last February workout -- one hour of cardio. This month was a tough slog because of that nasty flu I had, but I finally managed to hit goal!!!! Sandy, before your trip in October PM me to remind me that you're coming, as I would love to meet you and your wife. Just think -- by October we will rule the beach with our incredibly buff bodies -- right :tt2::smile::smile:? Crazy Ates February Exercise Challenge 28/28 Exercise Sessions (18 Cardio, 4 Core strength and flexibility, 6 Weight training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Hey Pizzi, There is at least one company I know of that does longer skirted swimsuits -- it's called Junonia. Here's the link, but I think their swimwear will be too big for you. plus size women's swimwear, clothing and activewear at junonia The brand of swimwear that I just discovered was Gottex. I am now in love with this brand. They make a high quality product and they really seem to understand how to design a swimsuit that flatters a grown woman's figure (and not just perfectly thin women), and they have several cute skirted swimsuits styles. In fact, a skirted swimsuit is what I bought as well. I obviously spend a lot of time on beaches and see all kinds of bodies in swimwear -- and I think a skirted swimsuit comes about as close as any swimsuit can to being a universally flattering style. It looks great on women of all ages, both slim and not-so-slim....... Crazy Ates February Exercise Challenge 27/28 Exercise Sessions (17 Cardio, 4 Core strength and flexibility, 6 Weight training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Daddy, it sounds like you have an awesome routine going on! Becky, I forgot to respond to your post from a few days ago -- you are most welcome to visit anytime :rolleyes2::smile::tt2:! Triple-header Thursday for me again -- one hour of cardio, a 30 minute abdominals class and a one hour Yoga class. Have a great night everyone! Crazy Ates February Exercise Challenge 27/28 Exercise Sessions (17 Cardio, 4 Core strength and flexibility, 6 Weight training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

LOL Pizzi! Thanks for the vote of confidence, but there is nothing even remotely impressive about being outlifted by Madeleine Albright for God's sake!!! And to think, my sycophantic trainer was cooing about my accomplishment. Off with his head I say!!!! I am SO in agreement with you, your trainer, and your niece regarding free weight squats and lunges. They truly do rule when it comes to getting the best leg workout. Crazy Ates February Exercise Challenge 24/28 Exercise Sessions (16 Cardio, 2 Core strength and flexibility, 6 Weight training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Nurseamy, You look amazing! And I cannot tell you how helpful your photos are. I truly had no idea that the results would be apparent so soon after surgery. I guess I had this vision in my head of nothing but bandages and drains for weeks, but WOW! You look awesome!!! Thank you -- and thanks to all the other wonderful ladies who have started LBT "plastics" threads and blogs. Your generosity in sharing photos and information is definitely taking a lot of the fear out of this whole process for me. :thumbup::smile: Crazy Ates February Exercise Challenge 24/28 Exercise Sessions (16 Cardio, 2 Core strength and flexibility, 6 Weight training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Well, I'm on another plateau again (which is just SO frustrating :thumbup:), but even so, I am determined to keep my focus....... I have a revised goal now, I would like to be at goal weight and have completed (or at least made good headway) on whatever plastic surgery I might need by Bandiversary. There, I've said it -- now I have to do it! Crazy Ates February Exercise Challenge 24/28 Exercise Sessions (16 Cardio, 2 Core strength and flexibility, 6 Weight training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

LOL :smile2:! I just came across this article that talks about how the leg press is the "lamest exercise in the world" and how even Madeleine Albright can leg press 400 pounds!!! The leg press: the world's lamest exercise. - By Mike DeBonis - Slate Magazine Oh well, I guess I'm not the burgeoning jock, I thought I was :tongue2:........ Crazy Ates February Exercise Challenge 24/28 Exercise Sessions (16 Cardio, 2 Core strength and flexibility, 6 Weight training)

Glad to see everyone plugging away and still working hard. Good job :smile2::thumbup::tongue2:!!! I got two more sessions in today -- one hour weight training (legs/lower body) and a one hour step aerobics class. Okay, now I have to take minute to boast just a little bit :huh2:....... I leg pressed 240 pounds today and I managed to do six whole sets!!!! 3 sets of 10 with legs apart and 3 sets of 10 with legs together. Not too bad for a girl -- huh???? Have a wonderful and relaxing evening everyone! Crazy Ates February Exercise Challenge 24/28 Exercise Sessions (16 Cardio, 2 Core strength and flexibility, 6 Weight training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Hi Pizzi, sounds like you're doing well though!!! Wow, your interview is coming up fast. I wish you all the best with that!!! Speaking of new clothes, I bought myself (gasp) a new bathing suit and here's the shocker -- it doesn't look half bad! Now mind you, I won't be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated anytime soon, but for the first time in a very long time, I am actually feeling okay about wearing a bathing suit in public. Woo Hoo! That is a major NSV for me! Crazy Ates February Exercise Challenge 24/28 Exercise Sessions (16 Cardio, 2 Core strength and flexibility, 6 Weight training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Hi Maggie, You look fabulous!!! Congratulations!!!! :smile2::smile::tongue2:

Becky, what a wonderful photo! You look beautiful and radiant! Thanks for sharing!!! Hey Sandy and W. Daddy, glad to see we have so many island aficionados around here! I had no idea -- many people I talk to have no clue as to where the Virgin Islands are. A minor point I must make (now that you have both said it) is that the island of St. John does not have an "s" on the end. Please don't think I am being pedantic here. If you say St. John"s", we all think you are talking about the island of Antigua, of which St. John's is the capital city, and then you get us all confused. (And trust me guys, we already have plenty of things to confuse us around here :biggrin:!) As far as the driving, you get used to the steep roads, sharp curves and driving on the left very quickly -- and pretty soon, you are zipping around the island at high speed, just like everyone else. That said, I always have to remind myself to slow down when I have Stateside visitors in the car, because I know the driving around here looks pretty scary, even though it really isn't................ I got one hour of weight training in today (arms/upper body). Have a great night everyone! Crazy Ates February Exercise Challenge 22/28 Exercise Sessions (15 Cardio, 2 Core strength and flexibility, 5 Weight training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Hi again Daddy, Thanks for the song recommendation. I will have a listen and tell you what I think. I do think some big girls are indeed beautiful. Unfortunately I didn't happen to be one of them -- which is why I am really looking forward to being small again :smile:! Crazy Ates February Exercise Challenge 21/28 Exercise Sessions (15 Cardio, 2 Core strength and flexibility, 4 Weight training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Hey Daddy, Not too many people are familiar with the Islands. Great to meet someone who knows these parts! I hope someday soon you and your beautiful family will return to the islands for a visit, and I will get to meet you all!!! I love Puerto Rico. I had a layover there a few weeks ago, so I decided to spend the weekend and do a little shopping, etc. I had a great time. The Puerto Ricans are so lively and fun -- I always have a blast when I'm there. Crazy Ates February Exercise Challenge 21/28 Exercise Sessions (15 Cardio, 2 Core strength and flexibility, 4 Weight training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Hey Daddy-O, I live in the Virgin Islands, which is approximately 1000 nautical miles south of Miami and approximately 40 miles east of Puerto Rico. We have a wonderful National Park here, and a wealth of great hikes and walks that offer gorgeous vistas. Sandy, glad to see you're still plugging away with us this month. Good job ! I got one hour of cardio in today. Have a great evening everyone! Crazy Ates February Exercise Challenge 21/28 Exercise Sessions (15 Cardio, 2 Core strength and flexibility, 4 Weight training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Dave, Welcome back!!!! We didn't know you worked on a boat and we wondered what happened to you. I'm glad to see you're back, and congrats on losing 113 pounds! I got a two hour very strenuous, but absolutely glorious hike in today. I "discovered" two more secluded beaches, both of which I had completely to myself. It's not always easy living on a crazy little island in the middle of the Caribbean, but it's days like this that make all the challenges of living here totally worth it................. Crazy Ates February Exercise Challenge 20/28 Exercise Sessions (14 Cardio, 2 Core strength and flexibility, 4 Weight training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Hey W. Daddy, welcome back and congrats on breaking through your plateau! With all the hard work you've been doing I am sure that you have been losing weight all along even though the scale wasn't showing it. Still, I know how good it feels to see the scale moving downward again. I got one hour of cardio in today. Have a great night everyone!!! Crazy Ates February Exercise Challenge 19/28 Exercise Sessions (13 Cardio, 2 Core strength and flexibility, 4 Weight training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Hi Lessnless, Welcome! Glad you're joining us!!!!:smile2::smile: It sounds like you're off to a very good start. I noticed that a number of LBT exercisers are participating in a "Couch to 5K program" to get themselves started with running. Here's the link that outlines the program in detail: Cool Running :: The Couch-to-5K Running Plan It seems like a pretty good plan. Whosyadaddy, we haven't heard from you lately. Check in when you have a chance -- we miss you! Are you out on the road this week? Didn't you start out with the Couch to 5K program? I did one hour of weight training today (legs/lower body) and one hour of cardio. Have a great night everyone! Crazy Ates February Exercise Challenge 18/28 Exercise Sessions (12 Cardio, 2 Core strength & flexibility, 4 Weight training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Hi Val and Salsa, You are both doing so incredibly well. February is a tough month because it's short and we all set our sights pretty high this month. I think if there is ever a time to cut ourselves a little slack this is it.......... Keep up the awesome work ladies :tt2:! Crazy Ates February Exercise Challenge 16/28 Exercise Sessions (11 Cardio, 2 Core strength and flexibility, 3 Weight training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Becky, you're doing a great job! How is the weight training going for you -- any better? Triple-header Thursday for me tonight. 1 hour weight training (arms/upper body), a 30 minute abdominals class, and a 1 hour Yoga class. I enjoy Yoga so much -- I am going to try to start doing it more often if I can squeak some extra workout time into my week. Is anyone else doing Yoga? Have a great night everyone! Crazy Ates February Exercise Challenge 16/28 Exercise Sessions Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

One hour of cardio in today. I had planned on getting together with my trainer to do legs this evening, but he called and asked me if I could switch today's appointment to Friday -- which is just as well because I am still coughing and sniffling a little................ Have a great afternoon and evening everyone! Crazy Ates February Exercise Challenge 13/28 Exercise Sessions Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico