BobbiG

I had been ashamed of my weight for most of my life, so at first I wasn't sure I wanted to tell anyone but my husband. But, I'm also fairly self-assured in other ways and I figured if I told people it would keep me honest about my eating plan (since I figure this is my last chance to get healthy). I have quietly told people when they comment about my weight loss, but haven't made a big deal of it. Now, almost everybody knows since word gets around. I KNOW I did the best thing for me, so I couldn't care less what other people think or have to say.

I was doing aerobics...lots of walking and eliptical. Got diagnosed with arthritis in a foot and dr. said I had to get off the treadmill. What to do??? I hired a personal trainer to set up a workout plan and am now working with weights 5-6 days a week. I do think it's paying off since I do not have as much flab as I expected. 77 lbs off to date....the loss slowed when I started weights, but is continuing. I have about 50 lbs. to go...

I did cardio for awhile, but got diagnosed with arthritis in a foot so had to change to weight work. Getting a personal trainer to set up a program was the best money ever spent. I don't have as much loose skin as I might have had without weight work. So far I'm pleased with the program.

Are you exercising? I have found that I HAVE to exercise to keep losing. I spend 45-50 minutes daily on the treadmill and am adding 10-15 minutes on the eliptical walker (as much as I can tolerate). I also find that I don't lose when I am constipated....make sure the digestion in working well. I was banded 1/17/08 and have not yet had a fill, mostly because I am losing. I will have to fill if my weight loss slows down. I am also food journaling, keeping track of both Protein and calories. I try to keep the protein up and calories as low as possible (well under 1000 a day). Good luck....it will work, but remember that it's only a tool and you have to learn to use it. I've lost 58 lbs since I began the program (includes pre-surgery weight loss), but it's taken a lot of work and sweat to do it.

I'm 64 and am getting banded on 1/17. I nearly did this 25 years ago, but morbidity rates were scary then. So, I just gave up and ballooned up. I've had great results with pre-op weight loss, mainly because I have finally taken charge of the situation and hit the exercise hard. Took me a long time to finally get this going and in the meantime I've had two back surgeries; I've got arthritis, degenerative disc disease, a bad knee, bad ankle and am tired of hurting. Sure hope getting the lard off will help with the discomforts of aging. I'll check back in after banding. Good luck to all of you.

I'm doing treadmill and eliptical walker. In April our community pool will open and I'll be Water walking. I too sweat profusely...especially my head. I tie on a head band and just go for it, even if it does look a little dorky. I too hate exercise, but I am having good luck programming my mind to think that the treadmill is my best friend. Good luck!

I buy Ryka shoes from QVC. The price is great and they are made on a woman's last. Most athletic shoes are not designed specifically for women's feet. I find Ryka really fit and feel great.

Costco has a three CD album of cardio tunes.....Most of them are super. I bought it and ripped it to my MP3. These tunes really keep me going.

I think it has more to do with whether it's safe to let go. I'm 64 and have had two back surgeries which left me with balance issues. I have to hang on, but I just rest my hands lightly to keep my balance. It you can do it without holding, so much the better, but if you have balance issues, don't risk falling off. Just a note....be sure to use the safety cord so if you slip it will turn the tread off immediately. I fell off one years ago and got trapped between the moving tread and the wall. Ever since I've believed in those safety cords.

Just thought I'd reply....I will be banded 1/17 and have had great success with pre-surgery weight loss. I believe that it has more to do with exercise than anything. I've spent 45 minutes a day on the treadmill and am beginning to build my strength on the eliptical walker. This with careful calorie and protein counting and I've lost 43 lbs. in 3 months pre-surgery. Makes me wonder if I need the band, but I know I can't keep it off without a strong tool....plus I have more than 100 lbs more to lose. Try hitting the exercise harder and you may see better success. I know how that sounds....I hate exercise, but I've been programming my mind to think of the treadmill as my friend. I'm 64, so if I can do it, you can too. I'm pulling for you.

My pre-op is different from yours. All tests done early (completed by 11/25) with operation date 1/17/08. I don't have to do anything till then except maintain (or continue to lose) weight. I've lost 25 lbs pre-op and MUST maintain that. You can lose the pounds pre-op. I did it by taking one or two protein drink meal replacements and a high protein, low cal, small portion meal once a day. It's also extremely important to exercise. I'm doing 40 minutes a day on a treadmill (2 mi. per session). It's working. I found that using an ipod type device with very peppy music makes the treadmill session go much faster and keeps my pace up. Good luck....you can do it!

Like many others, I love food! I like everything. As a child I was given food as a reward and carried that into adulthood. I always felt it wasn't fair that others could eat all the foods I wanted and not have the same weight problems, so I just ate what I wanted and didn't address the problem except occassionally. I take full responsibility for not addressing my weight earlier in my life. But, I also had a verbally abusive father who destroyed my self esteem, making it so so easy to defeat myself controlling my weight. Add that to a very slow metabolism and I've been defeating myself for many many years. The "bounce back" weight gains were always more than I lost, making me heavier and heavier. At age 64, I have finally realized that I can do it and that I must do it. I am learning that the treadmill is my friend, not something to be loathed. I am also learning that I can get along very well with much smaller portions. I've lost 26 lbs. pre-surgery while eating out and having most of the foods I love...just in moderation and smaller quantities. My surgery date is 1/17/2008 and I am maintaining/still losing on my pre-surgery diet. I'm headed to a healthier me, albeit somewhat late in life. If this old lady can do it, anybody can! BobbiG

Thanks for the reply. I have definitely decided on the band now. My primary care dr. believes that it's best for me. I have been scheduling the pre-op appts. all afternoon. We're off and running. I've taken off 12 of the 14 lbs. they want me to lose by going on protein shakes. Not too exciting, but doable. Good luck.