Jenai

I could handle the humidity if the gym had air conditioning. They only use fans and it makes it difficult for those of us with asthma issues. Today is 105 outside, but I got my miles in anyway. Tonight after work my husband says, "let's go sit in a movie theater in air conditioning." I know what he wants, popcorn etc. I said "sorry I can't, I need to go to the gym." I will definately report back on the seminar information. The following are the topics on the agenda. Star of TLC's BIG MEDICINE, Mary Jo Rapini, LPC Star of TLC's BIG MEDICINE, Dr. Garth Davis Dave Fouts, Bariatric Chef, cooking demonstrations Bo McCoy, WLS Post Op & Motivational Speaker Jeremy Gentles, Fitness Expert Melanie Machado, Dietician Dr. Linda Hamilton, OBGYN Dr. Gavin Dry, Lower Body Lift Catered Lunch/Exhibitor Visits (free samples) Look at Me Now! Fashion Show Free Casino Night sugar free Desserts/Bev I definately think rewarding ourselves at the completion of the month is an excellent idea. I liked the beach idea and the mani/pedi idea too. My splurge is going to be some really nice, expensive new workout shoes. My feet hurt in the ones I have. I'm going to go have mine evaluated at a specialty shop and get a comfortable pair "made" for my feet!

I wanted to share that I found myself looking at my August calendar and counting up the days I will be out of town and not able to get my miles in, counting the days I can workout and making sure I can get my miles in to reach my goal. I had to laugh at myself as I would have never done that before. I would definately been hit and miss as far as getting my exercise in. Three of the days I'll miss getting to the gym is for a seminar in Seattle on August 14-15 that i am super excited about. It is sponsored by Realize. (That was the band I chose). There are really great speakers coming, from Dr Garth Davis (Big Medicine) and Mary Jo (Big Medicine) and motivational speakers, exercise specifics for bariatric surgery, bariatric chef for friendly foods, plastic surgery speaker for lower body lifts and so much more. I am stoked about all the information that will be available. Plus a huge clothing exchange then too. Should be alot of fun. My gym is closed for 2 days in August for annual repairs. My anniversary (24 years) is in August and we are going to take a jet boat up the Columbia river to the pacific ocean. It's looking like a busy month....but I WILL get my miles in!!

It is 102 blessed degrees here in the Pacific Northwest today. We usually are in the 80's/90's and do not really have too much humidity. Usually a nice breeze and lovely pristine mountains and ocean beaches. A lovely place really. But today...it is 102 and very humid. In my saner moments I would never dream of going to the gym....but with this challenge calling my name...yes, I did go to the gym and put in 1 hour and 20 minutes on the elliptical to log my miles. It was not at the intensity I would normally be able to put out...but still this challenge got me there. Tomorrow same temps are predicted and yes, I will still be at the gym logging my miles. Thank you so much for this challenge...it has gotten me to the gym on days I would have never gone before. I am going to come in a little lower than my goal. I think if I had found this thread/challenge at the very beginning of the month I could have made my goal. Next month i will for sure. Keep it going!!:smile2:

I chose the Realize band. It is more flexible and is less likely to have food stuck. The lap band is more prone to having food stuck issues. I liked that the Realize will allow a tight food to pass through without giving as much trouble. I still chew really well but like the assurance that I won't have to suffer with a stuck episode. Good luck on making your choice. I'm very happy with my choice.

Week one accomplished. 12 miles completed. I signed up for this challenge a few days into the month. Next week will show some better numbers. Good job everybody! This challenge really helps me to get it done. Today was my birthday and I wasn't really wanting to go to the gym after work. But I did and this challenge helped inspire me to see it through. Better health is my birthday present to myself. Thanks!

My name is Jenai. I was banded on 5/22/09 and back in the hospital 6/5/09 with complications. Things are heading in the right direction now and I'm at the gym at least 6 days a week on the elliptical. I would love to join you all on the mileage challenge to keep things going in the right direction! Thanks, jenai

I use the Blender Bottle available at Amazon or GNC and it works great. No lumps. It is just a plastic bottle with a little wire whip metal ball that really breaks up any lumps. I love it!

I have been reading weight loss surgery with the adjustable gastric band by Robert Sewell MD. I have enjoyed and found helpful advice in this book more than any other bandster book I have read. I did a lot of prep work prior to banding as so many of us do. I had my surgery on May 22nd and am just starting into my 2nd week postop. One helpful hint I read today that I really liked was that he suggested keeping one pre band outfit. When we hit a plateau, try it on and remember where we have come from and it will help us not be so frustrated by the plateau we are currently working through. I liked that. Blessings, Jenai

I had surgery on May 22nd. I have lost 9 pounds since surgery. 21 including pre-op diet. I am heading back to the gym tomorrow. My surgeon gave me his blessing. I am hoping that will encourage additional weight loss during these first six weeks. My next appt is not until July 2nd.

I had my surgery on May 22nd. I am so glad I scheduled 2 weeks off as I am so tired. I could not go back to work in 1 week. This has really surprised me. I usually bounce right back from surgery. I've been feeling like a whimp for being so tired. I have a desk job (sedentary). Good luck with your upcoming surgery.

Mine was the MMPI and yes I was able to use FSA to cover it. No problem. The test isn't that bad!