BeantownDiva

Hi All- Thanks SO MUCH for all the replies regarding the Nike+. I think I may give it a try. Is that the one that talks to you? I seem to remember someone laughing about hearing Lance Armstrong tell them they'd done a great job on some program.... DeGirl, I am the same way, Nike running shoes don't typically work for me. I do well with Adidas and may try Asics (sp?) this time. We have a great place in Beantown called Marathon Sports and they analyze your movement and then put you on a treadmill with the new shoes to check. I am due for a new pair. Thank you for all the info on your sensor experiences!!! Whosya... sorry, I must have misread... did you say your triathalon felt short?? :-p you crazy dude! But congrats, that is so amazing! Kathy glad you had fun at the game, our Bruins seem to have fallen off the wagon as far as winning anything! Also, WTG on taking care of YOU and getting the time for the run! Georgia I will be interested to see how you do with the mon-fri thing. It’s tough for me on the weekends too, esp the weekends we have my stepson with us. Ninner I am glad that your feet are a little better…. That’s odd that you can’t run in the same shoes… curious! Suzanne, we are ALL amazing!!! Forget the running for a moment, just the fact that we are all on this board trying to make healthy choices for ourselves (including but not limited to the Band) says that there is something incredible in all of us! That’s awesome that you are on Week 4! I start Week 3 this week, can’t wait to see how it goes! Hi to Slinky, Mac et al J Beanie

Hi Everyone! We had an awesome weekend in NYC... I got up and went to the hotel gym on Sat and moved on to week 2. Originally I was nervous switching after just 2 days of week 1 but it went really well, I was def ready to move on. And it didn’t seem to have any effect on my singing later that day. Then I did day 2 yesterday (forgot my running gear on Tues, I was so mad!!). It was challenging but went OK. I had 3 great auditions and have already received an offer from one of them, yay!!! Plus, DH and I just had an awesome weekend. He took me to a restaurant that I had been dying to try in the Village. Funny thing, I hadn't even mentioned it but he did a search and found it and knew it was something I would love. Ha. He so *gets* me!!!!! Ninner and those that do your own music... do you just keep time of walking/running intervals with your own watch? The Ulfrey (sp?) music does make me a little nuts and I know so many good pop /RB/hip hop songs that just make me want to run and run... I think next month I am going to get a nano to use just for working out. I have been told it's not ideal to run with the iPod 60 anyway... and I think I may give the nike running tool a try... does it only work with nike shoes or can you put the chip in other shoes? Those of you that have the nike running tool, is it worth it? Regarding training, do any of you ever run 2 days in a row or is it best to have a rest day in between? Ninner how are your feet btw? Anyhow, I feel I am making good progress. I do week 2 day 3 tomorrow and will see how I feel about moving to week 3 on Sunday. Kathy and Whosya my heart goes out to you with the migraines, I got them for years. There were times that I could start to feel them in my sleep as my body was waking up and at that point it’s almost too late for imitrex. In my case it was largely hormonal so when I stopped taking hormones (i.e. BC) the mostly stopped. But I also used to be so sensitive to weather shifts etc. Kathy, I hope you are feeling better, sending good thoughts. Whosya, you are on quite a tear!!!!! Georgia are you feeling better too? Renewed congrats on the move and new home, I am out of touch, did you move very far from where you were? Slinky congrats on moving through week 1-you rock!!! Suzanne I have had the same concerns about going between treadmill and road... as it turns out I have been mostly on the road. I actually think it's a little easier, but maybe that's just me. Not sure where you live (VA?) but hopefully with nicer weather coming you can get out and hit the streets!! I am debating on signing up for my town’s 10K. It’s in about 6 weeks and I think that may be too much as I am just about to go into week 3 of the training. Is it bad to run part and walk part of those things? I am so frustrated I really wanted to be up to a 10K by then. It’s rainy and yucky here in Beantown but it’s not a running day for me today… hopefully tomorrow is nicer!! Thanks, as always, for everyone’s posts and support J Beanie

Hi Everyone- Yay!!! Completed my second day of running this morning. Initially I had thought I would move right on to week 2 after 2 days of week 1 but I think I will do one more day. My next running day is Saturday and I would likely be running in the morning before my audition. So I think it’s best to just to stick to the suggested plan esp since I don't know a lot yet about how running affects my singing. Whosya I have heard of that book, I may check it out. 199 mi seems insane to me, but what do I know? J (Slinky I am with you… what-he couldn’t make it an even 200? HA!) Kathy I am glad you mentioned about each week on C25K being different. Now that you mention it, I do remember that from when I was doing the program a few years ago. It’s amazing to see how far you have come, WTG!!!!! Suzanne, we’ve all had weeks where we struggle… just try to hang in. You have a CRAZY long day, when do you find time for yourself? LynLyn Good luck on the new job! I admire anyone who can get up at the buttcrack of dawn to exercise!! I don’t live in a neighborhood where I can get up and run in the morning so I have to adjust. Good thing since I am so NOT a morning person. OK….2 questions. The first I posted on as a ps on my last post so it may have gotten lost…. Those of you that have done 10Ks, how much longer did it take for you to train for those than the 5Ks? Second, nutrition… any vegetarians on this board? If so, have you noticed any changes you’ve had to make in your intake since running? I have stopped eating meat in the last 6 weeks (except for some occasional fish). I do get a lot of protein from the veggies I consume but am wondering if anyone else has some experience to share? Off to NYC tomorrow with DH. Have to sing a few auditions but looking forward to some 1:1 time with him J Hope everyone is having a great day, Beanie

Guys!!! Hi!!! I am so embarassed that it's been almost 2 months since I last dropped by here. I was struggling so much in December between auditions and fighting a cold and working and life and etc etc! But, here I am and guess what? I ran today!!! I was so excited, it's one of the first days the sidewalks haven't been buried in snow and ice and so I was able to run outside. I am so excited. I started with week 1 but in all honesty I may just do one more day of 1 and then move on to week 2. Since I have been active leading up to starting running and not starting from scratch I think I may be up to it. So how is everyone? :-) Things continue to be busy with me, DH and I are off to NYC this weekend. I have 2 auditions there and so we decided to use hotel points and make a little trip of it. He has somewhere planned for Valentine's dinner but won't tell me what it is... hmm.... I am glad to be back (again, for like, the third time) and look forward to chatting with you all! Beanie ps-quick question... those of you that have done 10K races... how much longer than the C25K did it take to train?

Oh Guys!!!!!! I am so upset... I packed my running gear last night and was all set to go and woke up today feeling like death. I am fevery and everything aches!!!! I know exercise can help stave off a cold but this one has clearly already started and I feel just miserable. Nevermind that I have at least 3 auditions to sing in the next week!!!! I am so upset and disappointed, I was so looking forward to starting my run today! As it is I am really battling with myself between pushing myself to do it and knowing that what my body *really* needs right now is some rest. :biggrin::frown::frown::frown: I will likely head home early and go to bed. DH is travelling so it's just me and the kitties. Hope everyone else's day is going better than mine! Sad Beanie

Happy Monday all!! Kathy, a belated congrats on ONEderland!!! Isn't is ONEderful?? So thrilled for you, I recently reached that goal myself. Keep it up, you rock!! C25K starts tomorrow for me. I wanted to run today at work but have a dinner meeting that starts early so there was no real way to swing it. I am hella bummed too because it looks like it's a great day for running in Boston. I may wind up doing Week 1 twice just to get myself aclimated. I will see how I feel. Anyone else ever repeat a week? I head to NYC this weekend for auditions. I am hoping I can get a run in there, we will see. Not super familiar with the area I am staying in... At least I am burning to get going!!! Does anyone think it's possible to train for a 10K in 4 months? I figure a 5K in 9-10 weeks means upping it another few miles over the course of another month or 2 may be possible. :thumbup: Back to meeting prep, hope everyone's week is off to a great start!! Beanie

Wow, you guys are awesome! Thanks for all the welcomes J Renewed I am ALL for being held accountable so let me know what I can do to help you with that. Not sure if I said it before, and it’s a little OT to this thread, but congrats on your PS. I have to tell you that the photos you posted of right before surgery really helped me… my tummy looks similar to your pre-op tummy and I have been beating myself up a bit lately about not being able to “work it off” or tone it up. I do a lot of Power Yoga (which I love). I think what I am trying to say (poorly!!) is that it made me realize that we can all work our butts off (literally) and there are some stubborn areas that are just going to need a good plastic surgeon!! So thanks for being so open and candid about your PS journey. I am hoping to have a baby in a year or so (WOW that’s the first time I have actually typed those words I think!!) so I am going to wait. But we have some amazing plastic surgeons here in Beantown. I think I am going to have the consultation so I have the info. How are you feeling? How is it going for you working back into running? Kathy thanks for the tips, I am planning on checking out the pod runner. I meant to do it last night but decided instead to stay up until 2 baking pies. I used the C25K briefly in the year before my surgery. I figure if I could muddle through when I was carrying close to 90 lbs more than I am now I can do it now. Georgia I just know I am going to love this! I don’t know how to explain it but it just *feels* so right to me to be a runner! You know when you visualize something and when it’s right the picture in your mind is crystal clear? That’s me running! I am really, really hoping to run my hometown’s 10K road race this spring. We will see! I’ll be happy with 5K for now. Red, congrats on doing so well with the C25K! A little more info on my just FYI, obvs I am in Boston, MA (hence the name). I am a singer but also work a day job as a project associate at a drug company here in MA. I have been married 6 years, 5 mos and 4 days to a very cool guy and have an 11 year old stepson. No kids of our own yet, but 3 kitties who are the loves of my life (next to DH and DSS of course!!). I think we are all amazing!!!! I am so excited to be part of this group. OK, sorry for the long long long post, leaving now to go meet DH to fight the traffic down to CT. Ciao for now, Beanie

Hi Everyone- I have been lurking on this thread practically since it started last spring/summer and have posted a few times but have been unable to make running part of my life. SO FAR!!! December is MY MONTH! I am going to get this going so help me... I am starting C25K next week and am WILL become a runner!! It's funny because mentally I know I can be a runner, it feels so right when I visualize it. The challenge has been implementing it in my life. But I need to take care of myself! Just wanted to say that all the posters on this thread, Renewed, Kathy, Georgia, Whosya and ALL, have been an incredible inspiration! I look forward to contributing to this thread much more in the future! All best, Beanie ps- I know this answer is buried in this thread somewhere, but, besides the C25K on iTunes, any recommendations for downloads?

Weighing in to this great thread late, but sending good post-op vibes to you Karey! Thanks for sharing your journey with us. I give you a lot of credit for taking care of *YOU*!! Best, Beanie

Hi Stephanie- I just found this thread too and need to say that you totally rock for being so candid and open with your experience!! I hope you are doing well and continuing along the path to recovery. Thanks for the pics too... the one of the skin removed made me gasp so audibly that the person next to me asked if I was OK, lol! This thread has been so useful for me! I am about 9 mos post op and have lost just under 70 lbs. Geez, I need to update my ticker! I want to lose another 20 lbs. Well, not "lose" because that implies that I miss them and want to find them! I want to get rid of another 20 lbs. I may want to have a baby in the next year or two so I may wait on the PS but reading your very frank and honest posts has given me a lot to think about! I had met with a PS about a reduction a few years ago (I am a 34/36 band H cup and it STINKS!!) and still want to look into that. Seriously, you're amazing! :cursing: I hope you will continue to keep us posted. All best, BeantownDiva :-)

Ohmygosh...SO delayed!!! Monday, July 7 30 min walking, 90 minutes power (heated) yoga Tuesday, July 8 30 min walking Wednesday, July 8 Day off How's everyone doing? Sending good thoughts, Bean

The first week or so right after, I was totally fine with all liquids, some full, mostly clear. But after about a week I was suddenly so hungry that I thought I would go nuts. At this point I added some cottage cheese and egg salad. I stayed away from the solids mainly because the thought of puking and upsetting the new Band was enough to keep me on the (more or less) straight and narrow. Your body will let you know when something isn't right! One thing I have learned (and it's taken me a while, Banded 9 mos) is that we need to listen to our bodies! Right now, some days perhaps you can eat a can of soup at lunch and dinner. There maybe other days when you don't want any at all. As always, check with your Nutritionist or Doctor at your center but try to give yourself a break and if you are feeling hungry, eat! Just make good choices and stop when you start to feel full. Believe me, this takes a while to get the hang of!! All best, Beantown

I am so very sorry for your loss! You are not at all crazy, you have lost a family member! Please be kind to yourself and allow yourself some time to grieve. Our pets are our furry babies and mean to much to us. Please know you are in my thoughts. Pedro was certainly a lucky puppy to have been so loved. Sending hugs from Beantown, BeantownDiva, Sushi and Sashimi (my 2 kitty babies)

Hi Everyone- I am so glad I found this thread! I haven't read through all the posts yet but I wanted to stop in to say hello and introduce myself. I live and work in Boston and was Banded on October 3, 2007 at MGH by Dr. Ferguson (LOVE him!!). I am down just over 60 lbs so far. I have gotten a little lazy the last few months (a ton of weight came off and I was feeling great and pleased with myself and got a little lax on my efforts :thumbup: ) but I am back on track now! I am about 15 lbs away from my initial goal of being under 200 lbs for the first time since college! I had hoped to be there by my birthday on the 15th but what can you do? Most of the patients at my Weight Center are Bypass patients so I am really thrilled to find a community of local Banders! Hope everyone is having a great day so far. I am SO ready for the long weekend! I look forward to hanging out here often! BeantownDiva

Jorge, hang in there!!!! You made the decision to take charge of your weight and your health by getting the surgery! You are to be commended for that and there is NO WAY you are a failure!!! NOT A CHANCE!!! Your doctor is there to help you. Don't feel embarassed, go see them for your fill! I remember by about 10 days post op I was STARVING! Even now after 3 fills (3.5 ccs on a 4-5cc Band) I still get hungry occasionally. The difference is that instead of eating a ton of food, I give my body what it needs to satisfy the hunger. Sometimes this is veggies and Protein, sometimes it's something sweet. You'll get there too. Hang in there, you are already on the road to a healthier you. Congrats to you for getting Banded and try to focus on moving forward. We all have "good" days and "bad" days but no matter what we can't change what has happened in the past. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and try to go easy on yourself. Sending good thoughts from Beantown, Bean

Wow!!! WTG everyone, we're off to a great start! I just got in about 25 minutes of walking before it started POURING here in MA... hopefully will get more in later tonight before DH's birthday dinner. Am also contemplating joining the local Y because I really miss swimming (swam competitively for 11 years) and would like to get back into it a few times a week. Keep up the good work all!! :thumbup: Beantown

Hi Everyone- I am brand new to this forum (or any Lap Band forums for that matter) and wanted to say hello. I am 9 mos post op on the 3rd of July and haven't regretted a single part of the decision to have the Lap Band placed. It's not without its struggles, as you all know, but it's been so incredibly worth it so far. This really has been the tool that I needed to get my weight OFF!!! I am in Boston, MA (had my Band placed at MGH) and would love to see if there are more Banders out there in my neck of the woods. Most of the patients at the MGH Weight Center are Bypass patients and it's been great getting to know them as well! I'd also love any general thoughts or advice or tips that anyone has to share. Anyway, just wanted to say hello to everyone :wink_smile: I look forward to getting to know this Forum a little better. Best, BeantownDiva diva71575@gmail.com

Thanks to all who stopped in to say hello! I look forward to hanging out on this site a lot. :smile2: Best wishes to all, Beantown

Just got back in an hour ago from lunch, 45 minutes at a good pace. I will get about another 30 tonight... 'course it will be on my way to meet my sister for drink... but it's still exercise! For tomorrow, 7/2, 60 min power yoga and 20 minutes walking. Keep it up everyone! Beantown

This is a great idea, thanks! I just joined the site yesterday so the timing is perfect. I am committing to at least 2 (60 or 90 min) Prana Power Yoga classes per week and 5 days a week walking 30 min. Love the exercise tickers, gotta get me one! If anyone is in the Boston/Cambridge MA area and wants to try and walk every once in a while with a partner, shoot me an email: diva71575@gmail.com WTG Everyone! BeantownDiva

Yay!! Best wishes, let us know how you do! Sending good thoughts, Bean

Hi Panda...WTG on the amazing progress!! With the new changes and restricted diet, could it be a lubrication issue? You aren't taking in as much so maybe your body is reacting by not producing as much or enough...um... moisture? Have you noticed it any other places, such as drier skin, hair, etc? Just a thought, hope it works out :wink_smile: BeantownDiva

I had to take a trip at 16 days post op and at that point I was just on soft solids. I cooked up some ground beef and squash to take with me on the plane in a little soft cooler and there were no problems getting it through (Logan Airport) security. I also made sure I packed some premade packets of soy Protein shakes, I bought the individual ones at Whole Foods, so I could mix them with a bottle of Water. I was nervous about this because, well, flying with an unidentified powder can make the TSA and DEA nervous. Dried Soup packets are a good fall back too as are Peanut Butter crackers. I was fortunate at my destination because I had a place to refridgerate my food. It lasted me a few days because at that point I could only eat a little at a time. If you are checking a bag, you can throw in some things like sealed packets of tuna or (as I think someone else recommended) some applesauce or canned fruit. I was really nervous about travel in the first few months... I had to go to Spain at about 3 mos post op. Just try not to let yourself get too hungry and you will find there are almost always *some* options for you at every restaurant. And don't be shy about asking them to prepare it in a way that works for you! At the end of the day most every menu has soup or something like that. You'll be fine!! Bon voyage, BeantownDiva :biggrin2:

Totally love me some meatballs! Beef, turkey, lamb, you name it! They are my "go to" food as well. I prefer to make them myself but Trader Joes and Market Basket (a New England grocery chain) have pretty good turkey meatballs. Plus for me it's a *little* bit of a comfort food, my mom always made them when I was growing up so I use her recipe. Not bad for a practically 100% Irish lady! Viva le meatballs!! BeantownDiva