Ceradad

No way could I put you to shame Stef. From what I've been reading here, you have no shame when it comes to lifting.:thumbup: As for "non lifting days", if I didn't have those, my arms and legs would fall off.:cool2: Cardio is going good though. I attribute that to my weight loss totals. Now, for another nsv. I had to make my 3rd adjustment to my duty belt since coming back to work 1 month after surgery. In the past, that has meant lengthening the belt. Now, it means making it smaller. I keep having to readjust all my pouches, holsters, etc. on my belt to make it fit right. Also, I got new uni's about 1 1/2 mos ago to go smaller. At the time, they had a little "give" to them. Now, the shirts are way out from my stomach and my pants are getting some "pleats" from being a little too big. Even though I've been on a plateau for a couple of weeks now, I know I am still losing size.

About 1 1/2 mos prior to even getting a surgery date, the childrens pastor at church did a special message at Sunday service concerning getting in shape. Each of the assoc pastors were given a Sunday to discuss something dealing with getting mind, spirit and body right. She told the congregation how she had lost approx 120 lbs over 2 yrs. I listened to her message and felt lower and lower the entire time. I was thinking, how can this person accomplish what I cannot do? How was she able to overcome the difficulties and mental blocks I was unable to conquer? I was depressed about that message for many weeks following. When I got my surgery date I told my pastor and one of the assoc and asked for them to pray as the date got closer. They asked if they could share it with the staff at church. I told them that was fine. The next day, the childrens pastor called and spoke with my wife for about 1/2 hr. After getting off the phone, DW told me the childrens pastor told her she had had the lapband 2 yrs previous. She has chosen to keep it secret from everyone except family. I can't tell you how much better I felt upon learning that. I now knew that I was not a loser for not being able to overcome everything. I work in law enforcement and let me tell you, they are some of the rudest, crudest people you will ever meet. They see a flaw in a coworker and they will push the buttons to get you going. Now imagine being a "fat guy" in the midst of the macho studs, most of whom are ex military. I decided to tell everyone of them. No reason to hide the fact that I had it. Especially as I intended on doing everything possible to lose as quickly as possible. I also tell anyone who asks. Why should I keep a secret from those that could benefit from it. Also, as Kat stated, why would I want to make someone else feel as I did that Sunday in church? Just doesn't feel right. To those that keep it secret, I honor your opion and issues. I will not, nor will I ever, put you down for your choice. I cannot tell you what is right for you anymore than I would want you to tell me about my choices. The most important thing is we have made a choice to be healthy. Both for us and our families. I just ask of you to not let others that are going through what we had to go through, deal with those feelings of being worthless because we accomplished something that can't.

I do the same thing. DW hasn't caught me doing it, but it's amazing. I also feel alot more muscle under there than ever before. And I played football throughout hs and jr college. Congrats on the nsv, loridee!:thumbup: Feels great doesn't it

As Jachut stated, it is up to each individual with the guidance of your dr. I, personally, eat about 1 1/2 cups of food each meal. After my first PA and I discussed this and the amount of exercise I do each week, it was decided that was just about right for me. After she gave birth to twins, the second PA was a little put off by the amount I was eating. The 2nd time I saw her, she looked at my exercise log and realized I am doing more exercise than almost all of her other patients. She then agreed that I was ok. I still don't eat anywhere near what I used to and do ALOT more exercise. So, it evens out. As long as I don't let off on the exercise, I should be ok. That being said, I'm going to ask for my first fill next Thursday when I go in for my monthly checkup.

Ok, went in last night for upper body workout. New 3 wk cycle, so it was only for 7 reps each exercise. Went quick. This morning was 30 minutes of interval training and 35 of a nice steady pace on the elliptical. Burned off 1035 more calories and 4.97 miles. Daddy, great job on the running. I'm going to be working on my running on my non lifting days. I just don't see how you are going outside to run. If it is anything like over here in the Twin Cities, it has to be freezing cold. Stef, good to hear about the tricep. I know what is feels like to have a muscle hurting and you get that "jonesing" to get in the gym and workout. Jess, sorry about the fill. Just a couple more weeks and you should be good. Now, for my weekly check in. Still sitting at 289, or so I think. I'm trying not to weigh myself until my monthly check in next Thur. Hopefully, I will get off the plateau by then. So: w-289 cardio-525 strength-170

Thanks Stef, pretty sure I'll be getting one next Thursday. The PA seems to really want to do one, I just haven't given her a reason for one yet. Consistently losing 2+ lbs a week.:wub: For my workout this morning. I did an easy 2.33 mile walk on the treadmill for 35 minutes @ 4.0 mph and an incline of 2 and 3%. Then, 30 minutes of interval on the elliptical followed by 35 minutes on the elliptical at a steady pace. All told, I burn 1500 calories and went 7.2 miles combined.

That's a great way to combine the need for exercise and a way to make a difference. One of my best friends at work was diagnosed with breast cancer a couple of yrs ago. She had a double masectomy. She has had reconstructive ps, but she believes in the 3 day walk and has participated in it for a couple of years now. Good job and way to make a difference for others.

Thanks, Jess. Like I said, it can kick my butt hard when I get to the 11 and 12 rep week. Good luck on the fill. I hope it works for you. I've been considering throwing in one day a week for just whole liquids during the day and then, maybe, a small dinner at night. Like you said, to keep the weight moving. I just have to ponder whether that is right for me. Also, I've yet to have a fill. I am considering requesting one this month when I go in. I've been holding steady in the 290 range for a couple of weeks and not sure what is the reason. Quick question, does it hurt or do you feel anything at all?

Ok, so I said (I believe) that I would post my workouts/cycles here. So, here is a sampling of my lifting workouts: Upper body: Assisted chinups: 150 x 7 Bench: 185 x 7 DB flyes: 30 x 7 Preacher curls: 75 x 7 Tricep pushdowns w/ rope: 70 x 7 DB military press: 35 x 7 Back ext. on roman chair: 50 lb db x 7 BB shrug: 185 x 7 Repeat circuit 2 more times for a total of 3 circuits. Next time in, up reps by one rep each circuit. Continue this for 3 wks. By the end of 3 wk cycle, reps will be 12 reps for each exercise each circuit. Lower Body: Leg press: 540 x 7 Calf raise: 540 x 7 Strt leg deadlifts: 155 x 7 Leg ext.: 180 x 7 Abductor: 140 x 7 Adductor: 140 x 7 Same format as upper body. Days I work, I do cardio in the morning for 50 minutes most days. On days I am off, or work a late shift, I do anywhere from 1 to 2 hrs of cardio. I do both treadmill and elliptical.

Ok, so I said (I believe) that I would post my workouts/cycles here. So, here is a sampling of my lifting workouts: Upper body: Assisted chinups: 150 x 7 Bench: 185 x 7 DB flyes: 30 x 7 Preacher curls: 75 x 7 Tricep pushdowns w/ rope: 70 x 7 DB military press: 35 x 7 Back ext. on roman chair: 50 lb db x 7 BB shrug: 185 x 7 Repeat circuit 2 more times for a total of 3 circuits. Next time in, up reps by one rep each circuit. Continue this for 3 wks. By the end of 3 wk cycle, reps will be 12 reps for each exercise each circuit. Lower Body: Leg press: 540 x 7 Calf raise: 540 x 7 Strt leg deadlifts: 155 x 7 Leg ext.: 180 x 7 Abductor: 140 x 7 Adductor: 140 x 7 Same format as upper body. Days I work, I do cardio in the morning for 50 minutes most days. On days I am off, or work a late shift, I do anywhere from 1 to 2 hrs of cardio. I do both treadmill and elliptical.

Great to see everyone doing so well on their workouts. It's nice to have you guys here to make me keep up with all of you. I don't want to start falling behind you guys. Yesterday, I did my 12 rep lower body workout to finish off this 3 week cycle. Here is what I did: Leg Press: 540 x 12 Calf raise: 540 x 12 (on the hip sled) Strt leg deadlifts: 155 x 12 Leg Ext: 180 x 12 Abductor: 140 x 12 Adductor: 140 x 12 Repeat that two more times for a total of 3 circuits. Then, went into Cardio Cinema and did 30 minutes on the treadmill, including running 1.8 miles @ 5.5 mph. Then, 35 minutes of interval training on the elliptical. This morning before work, I hit cardio cinema again for the same times. Only difference was that I ran 2 miles this morning @ 5.5. mph. For those interested in my workouts, you could look at my blog (2/17/08 - Lap Band Talk Forum - The largest forum for Lap Band Surgery Discussion and Lap Band Surgery Support.) I'm posting my workouts today. It's an ass kicker sometimes, but worth it. Stef, great NSV's:thumbup:. It's always nice when a stranger makes comments like that.

Mike, got your PM. Sent one back. Good to hear all is going good. Support at home is the greatest resource you can have when going through this. Especially the first couple of weeks. My DW was great. She was scared as h#ll when I had the surgery, but knew it was best for me and our family. Carla, anyone associated with law enforcement are welcome. To answer your question, when I first started the process I didn't tell too many. Only because I didn't want to have it fall through and everyone asking questions as to what happened. When I got my surgery date, I alot of people. Mainly because I figured I was going to be losing weight/size. Also, I was, and am not, ashamed of the surgery. It has been a God send for me. Yes, I put in more time in the gym than anybody else in my dept., but it is because I use the lapband and the scars as a reminder of what I had become. I almost like to look in the mirror now. And, I tell my better friends and the most supportive people of all of my victories, both scale and non scale varieties. I hope all goes well for you Carla. Keep us updated. We know you guys care for us and we return the favor.

Couldn't agree with you more. We're all in this together and need to support each other.

Ok, I've got to share this story here. Yesterday was DD's Valentines Day party at kindergarten, obviously. But, when she and DW were discussing it a couple of weeks ago, DD asked if I could volunteer to help out at the party instead of DW. I, of course, said yes. When I showed up yesterday afternoon, she was extremely excited to see me there. Came running over to give me a hug and had to show me everything. Went we the class to the library to check out books. Then back to the classroom for the party. When the teacher started explaining each of the three stations the kids would be doing projects, DD immediately yelled out I would do the cookie decorating project. Two of the girls told DD in front of me that they really liked her dad. Her smile could not have been bigger. It was great to see her excited to see me at her school yesterday. So glad I didn't just say no (especially since I had to fight a little to get the afternoon off) Today, her school was out for teachers seminars and I am working the late shift. So, I got to spend the day with her today. I really enjoy those times. Ok, I know I'm becoming a big (not so much anymore :eek:) softie, but I had to share.

If you are with Carver, then you know two of our former officers that just started for you. Good guys. I'll discuss them on PM's. Also, I live in Shakopee, so not too far from you. As for being hungry, not so much. I have yet to be adjusted, though I think I am going to ask for one this month at my monthly check up. For the most part, I eat about 1 1/2 cups of food each meal 3 x's a day. Very limited snacking. I'm ususally good for about 4-5 hrs. You're lucky, I had to do 10 days of liquids leading up to surgery date. I got pretty dizzy during that time. Of course, some would say there was no difference.:eek: As for PM's, click on my name on the left hand side. Then, go down to "Send Private Message to...." Talk to you later.

Karey-that had to have been scary as h#ll! Your son was very lucky. Hope all goes well with the trial. Stef-I am a police officer. Not sure if I would call myself a tough cookie, but I guarantee a criminal doesn't want to see me coming at them.:eek: I was on the SWAT team previously, but had to drop due to weight issues. I'm now down to where they wanted me to be when I had to drop. Feeling good about the whole thing right now. Now then, upper body and cardio combined today as I am working the late shift for one of my officers (I'm actually a Sgt. here). So here is what I did: 40 minutes of strength training-upper body. 30 minutes on treadmill, including 1.6 miles @ 5.5 mph. 35 minutes of interval training on elliptical machine.

I'm in the gym every morning @ 0500 for cardio and 4 nights a week for strength training. If I didn't hit the weights so much, I know my weight loss would be bigger, but I've been doing that since I was 14 (over 23 yrs :cursing:). If you want someone to talk to that is going through the same issues, shoot me a PM. I'm by far no expert, but I can share what I've gone through. Which dept are you with? Good luck with your surgery tomorrow! Which Dr is doing yours? I had Dr. Jones with the Park Nicollet Bariatric Surgery in SLP

I almost think I am. I am now getting up 40 minutes earlier in the mornings to do 1/2 hr of cardio on the treadmill at home before I hit the gym to do cardio there. I would just do it all at home, but I love the cardio cinema we have at the gym. Makes the time fly. I can't do more than 50 minutes at the gym in the mornings because I need to catch the bus into dt mpls for work. I keep trying to figure out more ways to get more cardio in w/o taking time away from the family at night. Plus, I have to go to sleep around 9:30 at the latest to get up and start the madness again. Am I starting to become too obsessed with cardio? I think I might be.

Yeah, I was the same way. I love this more than I can even express it here. Even better than watching the tv's the gyms have had for a long time.

The issues you brought up concerning confusion were all ones I experienced, and still experience now that we are in the process on trying to adopt again. The biggest being, how would DD feel if our 2nd child has an open adoption and gets to see their birthparent(s). Also, if our 2nd child, assuming we are picked again, has an open adoption, and their birthparent then has another baby and decides to keep that child, what does that do to our child? So many issues can arise from open adoptions. However, the agencies are very good at helping out with the experiences they have had and are a very good resource. So, still alot to consider with adoption and everyone just needs to remember to respect each other in these debates. Hope everyone has a great Valentines Day!

When you have the properties copied from the ticker, go into your autosignature area. Then on the toolbar, go to the "insert image". Click on that and paste the url into the box. That should do it.

Been fighting it the last couple of days. Tuesday afternoon I found out that I have to have surgery for varicose veins in both legs. I went in for a problem I thought had to do with my right shin last week and got sent to a vascular surgeon and ultrasound for that area. On the ultrasound, they found valves in my lower right leg that were "incomplete" and not working properly. Those veins have to be removed. Then, when I was with the surgeon, he noticed bulging veins on both legs that I, naively, thought were normal. He immediately had them do another ultrasound on my left leg and that one was even worse. Upper leg has a vein that is 4x's the normal size and lower leg has "incomplete" veins as well. I still have to check with insurance as to what they need from surgeon before we can schedule, but it will be soon. I'll be out of work and working out for 1-2 wks. That is just alot to take right now. So, I've been fighting it the last couple of mornings to get up and hit the cardio, but I've done it. Yesterday: 60 minutes interval training on elliptical machine (thanks Stef, forgot how good that is) Today: 65 minutes on treadmill, including 1.5 mile run @ 6.1 mph. I'm trying to work my way up to 5 miles at a time as I am about to get back on the SWAT team at work (hopefully) and will be sent to SWAT school where I will have to do it then. May as well get ready for it now.

As did I and my sister. We were never told otherwise. As a sidenote, that is one thing about shows that make it out as a dirty secret and that some parents are ashamed to have adopted so they hide it from their children. I did forget to mention that this was not a major concern for me until DW and I started the adoption process for ourselves and went through classes through the agency. As I stated previously, adoptions are more and more being open adoptions. At first, I found this to be a very alien way of doing it to me. The more I learned, and the more I thought about it, I thought it was a great idea because it gives the child a chance to learn more about themselves. Ashley, DD's birthmother, chose to have a closed adoption as she didn't think she could handle seeing her very much. However, she is open to meeting sometime when DD is old enough to start to have questions and then we will revisit the arrangement at that time. Also, I did not mean to come across as being offended. Sometimes, it is hard to read it to peoples words only what their emotions are. I am guilty of this myself. Just so you know, I was not offended. I actually am happy to be having civil discussions about this topic.

Been a couple of days since I last posted on here. Been keeping up with my cardio and lifting. Problem was, I had my guys weekend with some guys from church this past weekend. While I didn't drink very much, I still had some and ate like crap. Been a little tired this week from as a consequence I think. Oh well, no sense beating myself up over it. So, Monday, Tues and today, I did 65 minutes of cardio each day on the elliptical machines at the gym. Interval training. Been burning almost 1100 calories each day. Monday and yesterday were my strength training nights. Upper and lower body respectively. I'll get back to a habit of posting more again.

Been a couple of days since I last posted on here. Been keeping up with my cardio and lifting. Problem was, I had my guys weekend with some guys from church this past weekend. While I didn't drink very much, I still had some and ate like crap. Been a little tired this week from as a consequence I think. Oh well, no sense beating myself up over it. So, Monday, Tues and today, I did 65 minutes of cardio each day on the elliptical machines at the gym. Interval training. Been burning almost 1100 calories each day. Monday and yesterday were my strength training nights. Upper and lower body respectively. I'll get back to a habit of posting more again.