success story from a 56 year old gramma triathaloner

[nquinn 0]

The purpose of my thread is to encourage all of you out there that you can do this! I had my operation on Dec. 9, 2005 and was at 272 lbs and a size 24. I am now a size 5-6 and just completed my first, and hopefully not last, triathalon about a month ago where I finished second in my class.:welldoneclap:

I want you to know that the most important thing that you can do is to get moving! This operation will not do it all for you and I don't think that you can have those kind of expectations. I started slowly by going for a short walk and then made it longer and longer. I am now at the gym/pool 5 days a week at 5:45. On MWF, I go on the elliptical for 9+ miles and then run for a mile and a half. On Tues, Thur, I swim 100 laps and then run for 25- 30 minutes. I also try to lift when I can.

I realize that I am blessed because I have a fitness center here at my work but this is so important! I have had four adjustments and still find myself hungry - probably from working out- but have had to learn how to deal with my appetite a little bit.:nervous

I am so thankful... I had a great doctor in the Chicago area who had a wonderful sense of humor and has encouraged me all the way. I was so embarrassed to go to the gym at first but it got easier and then folks began to compliment me which encouraged me to keep going. I am old! I would guess that the majority of you are much, much younger than me and you can do more than me.

I have had my moments of trial with this... that's for sure. I have had to throw up more than I should have and have had good days and bad days but it is, undoubtedly, the best decision I have made in a long time. I have sagging skin which depresses me, but it is a small price to pay for my over eating.

In conclusion, I hope to keep going with competitions even though I am pushing 57. I would still like to lose a little more and am trying to be diligent with all my eating habits. I just want to say that you cannot expect this to do it all. You have to work with it and get active!!! :faint:

I hope this will encourage some of you who are vacillating or who think you are too old. I thought I was but I was wrong. Go for it!

[Carlene 12]

Good job! I'm old, too - banded two years and doing well. Post some photos! When I first started out, I sought out every before/after set I could find and I loved the success stories.

[tracew 2]

Awesome, awesome I did my first triathalon last summer. I am hoping to do about 4 this season.I was banded January of 2004. Good for you. I totally agree with the get moving thought. If we sit and think that this is going to be a miracle cure, we are completely wrong. Its hard work a dedication to the whole thing. I say awesome...good for you.

POPT

Tracey

[Guest RSL]

Hi:

I'm new here. This is my first post. I found the most positive posting about being a grandma, and working out. So I just had to stop by and say hello.

I will be 53 this coming Tues (3-27), and I just got this lap band on March 2nd.

I have been very discouraged, and so drained of almost any energy since the surgery. I know everyone tells me that I have to get over the surgery and to give it time. Maybe someone here can tell me how your experience was, IN THE VERY BEGINNING, immediately after your surgery.

I'd like to know. I've been so tired. I thought I would get SOME energy. but I guess it's too soon. Today was 3 weeks post.

Somewhere in Colorado

[gigi8 0]

nquinn, Hi! What a wonderful inspirational story! Congratulations! I was banded on 1/30/07 and am doing well. I just received my first fill this past Thursday. I have lost 31.5 lbs. I go to the gym 4-5x/week and love to exercise. Best of luck to you! Gigi

[flabuless 18]

Wow! nquinn you are such an inspiration...thanks for sharing.

becky

[Iluvharleys 15]

Wow, what an inspiration! Thanks for telling us!

[keiko 1]

Wow, nquinn, you've done fantastic. I haven't had surgery yet, and I'm 61. My doctor tells me most people are younger who have it done, and I replied that if they had lapbanding 20 years ago I would have! Anyway, you're an inspiration to an oldster like me.

Keiko

[Jachut 487]

That's an awesome and inspiring story!

Although I'm 39, its very similar to mine. I've discovered running, I have developed a real love for it, but I swear its the BIGGEST reason for my success with the lapband. It is just so important to exercise, and to do so fairly vigorously.

I still have to deal with the appetite too and I think its because of how much running I do, but I've learned to do that and I think I now have a way to help me stay thin for life.

I hope I'm as inspiring as you in 20 years time, I certainly plan on being a running granny too!