Use It To Lose It

[sandi2004 2]

So I'm siz years post op, 250 lbs down, 61 years old and in the best shape of my adult life. I'm at the gym 5-7 days a week. I swim laps 4 days, do cardio and weights 2 days and on the 7th day I either bicycle or walk on the beach. When I started my journey I was 424 lbs and exercise for me was getting out of bed in the morning. I just did a blog post about how I got started exercising - you can read it if you like at Use It To Lose It! and realized that I really didn't know how to get started exercising and there may be many more like me out there. I thought I could use this forum for all of us who currently have some sort of exercise regimen to let those who don't, or those who want to, or those who are interested, or those who may want to change it up know what they are doing and how they got started so-

How do you get your exercise?

When did you start? (how soon after banding)

How did you start?

I started by just walking around more in stores, etc. Then I took up swimming laps, starting at 300 lbs and swimming for 5 minutes 3 x per week, working it up to 1 hour per day.

How about you?

[jensmallwood 0]

Thanks, Sandi-- I have been following your blog posts and have enjoyed reading about your inspirational journey!!

I was pretty lucky coming into my Lap Band journey-- I was already an exerciser-- after having lost 100 pounds with diet and exercise, I continued to run, lift weights, do group exercise, etc. When I gained half of that back again (despite the high exercise) I got my Lap Band.

So now, I'm four weeks out from surgery and was ok'd to exercise at 2 weeks out. I started by trying to get in 10,000 steps on my pedometer a day the first week, then the following week (this week) started on the Couch to 5K program (running/walking) 3 days a week. I also just got some Zumba DVDs that I've started using at home 2 days a week. Finally, I'm using some lighter weights to start lifting again (also 2 days a week).

So my hope is that the weight will come back off again, and with the Lap Band it will STAY off this time and forever!!

[sandi2004 2]

Thanks, Sandi-- I have been following your blog posts and have enjoyed reading about your inspirational journey!!

I was pretty lucky coming into my LAP-BAND® journey-- I was already an exerciser-- after having lost 100 pounds with diet and exercise, I continued to run, lift weights, do group exercise, etc. When I gained half of that back again (despite the high exercise) I got my LAP-BAND®.

So now, I'm four weeks out from surgery and was ok'd to exercise at 2 weeks out. I started by trying to get in 10,000 steps on my pedometer a day the first week, then the following week (this week) started on the Couch to 5K program (running/walking) 3 days a week. I also just got some Zumba DVDs that I've started using at home 2 days a week. Finally, I'm using some lighter weights to start lifting again (also 2 days a week).

So my hope is that the weight will come back off again, and with the LAP-BAND® it will STAY off this time and forever!!

Thanks for sharing. You now have the tool that, with your planning and your choices will help you get the weight off again - you obviously know how to get the weight off like so many of us do, and, with this tool keep it off like we have not previously been able to do. I lost 100 pounds so many times it was ridiculous. Now, with my band, and my choices, I am maintaining my 250 pound weight loss for 4 years now. I wake up every morning truly grateful for my band.

[AnneGG 0]

Sandi, thanks for your inspiration! Lots of perspiration, too- what do they say, "10% inspiration, 90% perspiration"?

I'm up to walking two miles a day, which is enough for now. Next will be joining a gym.

[sandi2004 2]

Sandi, thanks for your inspiration! Lots of perspiration, too- what do they say, "10% inspiration, 90% perspiration"?

I'm up to walking two miles a day, which is enough for now. Next will be joining a gym.

Well done- the key seems to be each at our own pace.

[Gone23456 0]

How do you get your exercise?

When did you start? (how soon after banding)

How did you start?

1) I am doing the C25K program 3 days a week and walking for another 30-60 mins those days. On off days, I either do an exercise video at home (Jillian Michaels, No More Trouble Zones, Pilates or Yoga), use my elliptical or walk. I use arm weights every night to try to tighten up my bat wings... Now that its nicer I can get my bike back out! Just need to pump up the tires. I work out 6 days a week (most weeks) for an hour at a time. It's so much easier now that its beautiful outside!

2) Started walking at the gym a week after surgery and built back up to 3.5 mph for an hour - took til about 3 weeks post op til my port was capable. I started the C25K program 7 weeks post op. Could have started at 6 weeks, but waited for my Dr's approval.

3) I had to take it slow when I first started walking. I had been exercising during my six month supervised diet so I was in the habit of making myself get up and go... just had to readjust my pace to accommodate my sore tummy.

[chatty826 4]

Hi Great post I always love hearing what people do because it inspires me and I learn knew things about what I can do myself.

How do you get your exercise?

It varies I normally do cardio 5-6x a week for 30 to an hour. I lift weights 2-3 times a week. Cardio varies normally elliptical, bike and now yoga, kickboxing, zumba at gym. I love love love zumba. And hour of intense cardio and it flies by!

When and how did you start? (how soon after banding)

I started before my band after my surgery seminar. I joined a womens gym that had an indoor pool and pretty much swam and did Water aerobics. I was afraid to even touch the machines besides a lil time on treadmill. I soon got over than though and hired a trainer to teach me to lift. Trainers are amazing worth every penny she taught me to build muscles that make my cardio so worth it.

I will continue to check in on this thread cause I really love the idea behind it. Everyone keep it up!

[sandi2004 2]

Hi Great post I always love hearing what people do because it inspires me and I learn knew things about what I can do myself.

How do you get your exercise?

It varies I normally do cardio 5-6x a week for 30 to an hour. I lift weights 2-3 times a week. Cardio varies normally elliptical, bike and now yoga, kickboxing, zumba at gym. I love love love zumba. And hour of intense cardio and it flies by!

When and how did you start? (how soon after banding)

I started before my band after my surgery seminar. I joined a womens gym that had an indoor pool and pretty much swam and did Water aerobics. I was afraid to even touch the machines besides a lil time on treadmill. I soon got over than though and hired a trainer to teach me to lift. Trainers are amazing worth every penny she taught me to build muscles that make my cardio so worth it.

I will continue to check in on this thread cause I really love the idea behind it. Everyone keep it up!

You are doing great and provide inspiration for others, so stay connected here. Please go out and check my blog for some interesting and potentially useful information at

tttp://www.sandisbandedliving.com

[susi1662 3]

Sandy, you certainly are an inspiration! I just read your blog post, Use It Lose It, and I found it amazing.

Right now, I am not doing any exercize, although I need to be. I have membership at the Y, but I have only gone once in the 2 years that I have had it.

I too don't even do my own grocery shopping, I send my daughter to do it for me. I have a pool and don't use it because I panic when I get into Water over my head (I am a real shorty), I just can't swim anymore with this weight.

When I walk, I cramp up and lose my breath and need to sit down. I am really frustrated because I am not able to get up and make myself do anything! I have 10 months to go before I can get banded, and I just don't know to get started. Maybe if I follow the way you did it, I can do it. I am really frustrated with myself....

[sandi2004 2]

Sandy, you certainly are an inspiration! I just read your blog post, Use It Lose It, and I found it amazing.

Right now, I am not doing any exercize, although I need to be. I have membership at the Y, but I have only gone once in the 2 years that I have had it.

I too don't even do my own grocery shopping, I send my daughter to do it for me. I have a pool and don't use it because I panic when I get into Water over my head (I am a real shorty), I just can't swim anymore with this weight.

When I walk, I cramp up and lose my breath and need to sit down. I am really frustrated because I am not able to get up and make myself do anything! I have 10 months to go before I can get banded, and I just don't know to get started. Maybe if I follow the way you did it, I can do it. I am really frustrated with myself....

Susi, you can do it one step at a time. Have you thought about going in to the shallow end of the pool and just walking back and forth in the shallow end? Your joints are pretty much supported by the water that way and you can progress as slowly (5 minutes ata time) or as quickly as you feel comfortable. Just one day at a time, 1 step at a time. I know it seems you cannever get there, but take it from one who knows, if you are determined, you can and you will!

Good luck. Stay in touch. I'm here to ffer as much help as I am able for you.:thumbup:

[susi1662 3]

Still having trouble with getting started. I have all the good intentions in the world, but those intentions are not coming to fruition! It's hard to get myself out of the house, I have become somewhat of a hermit in the past 3 years.

I was going to start Water aerobics thics this week, but just have felt yucky (phyiscally) since yesterday, so no go.

I took my dog out for awalk the other day, and could only walk around the corner and a bit more before my legs and back started cramping up, and I was out of breath! when I got home, my daughter said I was only gone for about 3-5 minutes! That's pretty discouraging. Heck if I can't walk more than that, will I ever be able to???

I am frustrated with myself! I want to get to started, but thats the difficult part for me.

Thanks for letting me vent! I will post once I start moving...

[sandi2004 2]

Still having trouble with getting started. I have all the good intentions in the world, but those intentions are not coming to fruition! It's hard to get myself out of the house, I have become somewhat of a hermit in the past 3 years.

I was going to start Water aerobics thics this week, but just have felt yucky (phyiscally) since yesterday, so no go.

I took my dog out for awalk the other day, and could only walk around the corner and a bit more before my legs and back started cramping up, and I was out of breath! when I got home, my daughter said I was only gone for about 3-5 minutes! That's pretty discouraging. Heck if I can't walk more than that, will I ever be able to???

I am frustrated with myself! I want to get to started, but thats the difficult part for me.

Thanks for letting me vent! I will post once I start moving...

I really understand how hard it is to get going. What sometimes worked for me is to offer myself a "prize" for following through...For example, if I get to the gym to swim for 3 days this week I get a manicure. If I go 4 days next week I get a pedicure. If I make it 5 days the following week I get a facial...or something like that - something that is just for me and is special. do you think that could work for you?

[susi1662 3]

hi sandi,

thanks for responding and giving me the rearding myself idea. I'll try that!

I have gone to the Y now, walked on the treadmill for about 6 minutes, it wasn't much, but it was something! I also did some weights too, that one of the trainers showed me. That was a couple of days ago. I have yet to really start the exercizes that the exercize physiologist gave me to do and home with my exercize band. Today I did do a bit of a home walking program by Leslie Sansone, I had to take breaks every once in a while, but I know that with doing it more, I'll be able to keep up with the dvd. I am going to see if I can get my daughter to do that with me!

It's been unusually cold here the past few days, so since I HATE cold Water (LOL) I haven't started the water aerobics yet. As soon as our normal AZ comes back. I will get started.

I am going to be more positive about this, and take baby steps and I know I will be successful! I have to start small to get started, as I haven't ever done any exercize before!

I am going to make it!

[susi1662 3]

Good news to report! I am making progress! I started Water aerobics two weeks ago, and I am doing great with an hour workout 3x a wek! I also go to the pool just to walk laps as you suggested, and have been able to walk 15 minutes at a time, then go to some of the exersizes from the aerobics class, then going back to walking. I am also doing the exersizes with the exersize band recommended by the exersize physiologist, and I bought a fitness ball yesterday!

You are right, baby steps were all it took for me to get started. Thanks for your encouragement!

[AnneGG 0]

Good work Susi! You are doing awesome!