JaniceBlack

The Couch-to-5K ® Running Plan

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

I wanted share this great plan I started doing. When I started running I couldn't even run for a minute. I would get on the treadmill and just do what I could but never really improve. Then I started doing this plan that starts slowly bumping you up to run better and better, like taking baby steps. I can run for over 3 minutes now continuously. I am just so excited about it that I had to share with the banditas. It has taken me about 2 weeks for every week on the plan to actually compelte the runs, but I am for the first time making progress in my running ever.

http://www.ullreys.com/robert/Podcasts/page4/files/category-7.html

If you are interested, there is also this site where you can download the podcasts to tell you when to start running and when to stop.

-June

Thank you, I love it !!!

Hi everyone,

I just got banded on Friday. I am doing really well, not feeling too much pain and following the post op diet to a t. I was thinking that it would be a good idea to join some kind of support group besides this fantastic forum. I'd love to talk to other bandsters face to face. Does anyone know of any meetings in the Bay Area? If not would anyone be interested in getting together about once a week or every other week to swap stories and/or for support?

Looking forward to getting to know my fellow bandsters.

xoxo

Judith

Good Morning,

I just joined on facebook... Lose It Forever! I love coming on here and readying so many great bandsters updates... Good luck !!

Hi everyone,

I just got banded on Friday. I am doing really well, not feeling too much pain and following the post op diet to a t. I was thinking that it would be a good idea to join some kind of support group besides this fantastic forum. I'd love to talk to other bandsters face to face. Does anyone know of any meetings in the Bay Area? If not would anyone be interested in getting together about once a week or every other week to swap stories and/or for support?

Looking forward to getting to know my fellow bandsters.

xoxo

Judith

I am on day 4 of having my second fill, done at OCC. I have a total of 7.5cc's in an 11cc band. I can not swallow one bite of food. I am in so much pain from trying. I get that stuck, knife stabbing sharp pain in my chest. It is very severe.

My question: Am I too tight or do I need to give it time? I hate being on liquids. I have never done well with that, I want real food. I am near tears from the pain.

Good Morning,

I stayed on a liquid diet for 2 days.... my third day I pretty much followed the menu from getting the surgery. I think you should call OCC and speak to one of the doctors on call. Good luck!

Hi, I was there about 2 weeks ago and really thought the hotel was great. Staff and accommodation were excellent. There is a LOT of road construction outside the hotel at the moment and it's very noisy. Ask for a 'golf view' room as that will put you on the opposite side of the hotel away from the noise. It's apparently a slightly higher cost on that side, but the hotel were fine with booking me there instead, at no extra cost to the OCC. Good luck with your decision making.

Good Morning,

I stayed there when I had my surgery and it was wonderful !! I do not have anything bad to say about my stay or OCC.....

The soup is out of this world !!!

Hi everyone . Just wanted to let you know that my pictures are now in the gallery. Have a look and let me know what you think.

Debbie

Ohh Debbie, Congrats !!! How are you feeling? You look wonderful !! What a inspiration you are to all of us.

Hello All!

I am 2 yrs post-surgery. Lost approx 80 pounds in year one and have remained at that weight for over a year. Still want to loose 20-30 pounds, but I'm happy with my results thus far and my restriction. In the last year I've started a new company and my husband has started traveling for work so he hasn't been able to share the kid-load as much as in the past. Not complaining, just kindof saying it's been a hectic year and I'm really happy to have stayed at this weight.

I'm ready to kick up the exercise (and focus on better eating choices) to start the scale moving in the right direction. I've started a 12 week program to train for a 1/2 marathon. I've finished week 1 and I'm really excited that I've been able to keep up! This race requires a maximum 15 min mile for the first 6 miles or they don't let you finish. I'm really optimistic that I can do it.

I'm hoping some of you who understand where I have been with being obese, having the lapband, and having excess skin that hasn't been addressed yet can give me some tips/tricks to help me on my journey.

Here's my questions:

1. THE THIGH RUB: Partly because they've held on to the fat well and partly because of loose skin, my thighs rub together. It's actually the one thing that is stopping me from going farther or faster! It is so irritating and after a couple of miles, painful! Tips? Tricks? Should I vaseline my thighs? Baby powder? Hopefully they'll shrink before the big run!

2. RUNNING GEAR FOR BIG GIRLS: I'm having problems finding the running shirts that help wick away sweat for larger people. I'm still probably a 14W/16W size and "well endowed." Regular cotton t-shirts are too hot and irritating. I think a running shirt would be better. Any suggestions where to get them?

3. STAYING HYDRATED: I don't usually have a problem drinking liquids (maybe 1st thing in the am, when I'm extremely stressed, or during Aunt Flo's visit -- but not often.). I'm worried about getting enough liquids down while going long distances. I'm finding after a few miles I REALLY want to Gulp, not sip! Experienced runners with any insight? How did you stay hydrated?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

Tanya in Nashville

Thanks in advance

Here's my questions:

1. THE THIGH RUB: GLIDE GLIDE AND MORE GLIDE. I use it every time I go out. I also put it under my bra.

2. RUNNING GEAR FOR BIG GIRLS: I get item from Wal-Mart, Target, Big 5 and REI and they carry bigger sizes. Buy a GOOD bra!!!!!

3. STAYING HYDRATED: Big 5 and REI has shot blocks that we use on long runs and I have a hand water bottle. I also use gum...

Good Luck and let me know how you are doing

Hello,

I had the same issues when I was first banded. It does go away!!! Just give it time....

Hi ALL!!! I haven't been here in forever but wanted to stop in and say hi. I have been banded close to 2 years now and I just recently got a good fill and have some pretty decent restriction about 3 months ago. Before that, I was using shear will power and failing. I am down 21 pounds since the fill and 38 from my highest.

Okay so now, I am a little lost on the new format of the forum. Not sure if there are less people here but the posts seem to be so minimal... Just wondering if I am on the right board.

Just wanted to give a shout out and say hey. Hope all of you are doing well in your journeys.

Heidi

Congrats and welcome back to the form.

thanks i have decided to use them but i'm not sure how to start the process of getting an appt. they sent me a email. about price abut not any info of how to continue after that

Hi,

Congrats on your choice to go to OCC. You will not regret it one bit !! On the email they sent you ...you should have a phone number to contact OCC. Once I received the information I called too to speak to them. Good Luck and please keep us posted

Here is a contact :

Carolyn Williamson & Lori Wrights

Patient Coordinators

1-866-376-7849 (Toll free)

coordinators@obesitycontrolcenter.com

I was banded at OCC because my insurance wouldn't cover my surgery. But I have a very good friend in Lodi, CA, near Sacramento, that can have hers covered by her insurance. I was just wondering if anyone had their surgery done in that area and who did the surgery? Thank you!

I live in Sacramento and was banded at OCC. I go to Lodi almost everyday to run/walk with Lodi Running Group. Let me know if you find out where your friend had their surgery. Do you know if she has had fills in the area too... I have not heard of anyone in this area.

Hi, this is my first official post as a soon-to-be-banded person. My surgery date is July 26th... I am very excited yet very nervous. I've quickly come to the realization that I have to leave the "Mexico" out of all discussions related to my surgery. Everyone is very receptive until they hear "Mexico" and then I get the "Oh, I thought you were smarter than that" look...which just frustrates me. I certainly tried to get the surgery here in the States, but insurance denied me despite being a BMI of 52...apparently I need a few more diseases first?! Anyway, I've done my research and feel very happy with my decision...still a little scared though. How is everyone else handling the Fill situations? I've become increasingly frustrated with the hospitals around here. They will not do my fills because they won't be doing the surgery. There is a Fill Center in New Prague here in Minnesota, but to my knowledge they don't use the Fluoro. Any advice at this point will be taken.

Congrats on your up coming band world. I understand how you feel about telling people about going to Mexico. I have had the same issues when telling family and friends but then I add that this was best for me!!! I have had 3 fills and would not have a fill unless its with a Fluoro. I want to make sure that it is done right and not having to have more then 3 fills. I live in Northern CA and schedule a morning flight and a late evening flight home. OCC is wonderful and would not have changed one minute of my time with them !!!! Good luck and please keep us posted on your trip and your progress!! Remember this is a tool to a new life

Goodmorning everyone. Just a note to let you know I am getting ready for my extended tummy tuck and thigh tuck. Surgery is at 0815 this morning. Please pray that the surgery goes well. I have no complications at all , and that the drainage in the drains will be less than 15 cc by Monday so I can have the drains removed before I fly home ( I know but lets think positive

Once I can think again and am awake enough I will post how I am doing.

Thanks for all your support and all the kind words about my mom. You all Rock and I feel so blessed to have found such an amazing group of people. It is weird but you all feel like such good friends even though we have never met.

You all have a terrific day and I will keep you posted.

Deb

Hi Debbie,

Just checking in to see how you are doing... Prayers are with you on a fast recovery!!!

Hi everyone. I could not wait to write and tell all my band buddies. As of today July 3rd/2010 I have reached my goal. I lost 142 pounds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Was banded September 29th and am living a new life.

July 8th I get my extended tummy tuck and thigh lift and I won't recognize myself.

IT CAN BE DONE. IF I CAN DO IT ANYBODY CAN DO IT. JUST FOLLOW THE RULES, DRINK YOUR WATER AND EXERCISE. EXERCISE IS DEFINITELY THE KEY.

Thanks for all your support and encouragement!!!!

Debbie

Congrats Debbie

You have encouraged so many on this site !!! I bet your kids are so proud of you as all of us here! Thank YOU for all your support you have given me

Janice

Did my next race today...not too bad considering I have been sick for almost 2 weeks and am still not 100%. I ran it for Alzheimer's Association which was really cool as I lost my grandad to that and my step-grandma is now fighting it. Raised almost $1,200 for our team and even though it was hilly finished the 5k in less than 40 minutes.

My next run is in July i'm excited gives me something to work towards. I'll try to post a couple pics.

Congrats You look wonderful !!! Keep it going...your time was great!

Well have been wondering why i haven't been loosing weight, so I went for a fill today and found out why. My band has a major leak!!! waiting for one of the Doctors to call me back but since it is 6pm here and 3pm there on a friday guess they aren't going to call me today, has anyone had this problem and if you have what did they do and how much was it? thanks

Wish you the best ! Please keep us posted on what OCC has to say. Keep calling and email them too !! Prayers are with you for a fast fix!!!

I can barely believe it, but the hard work has completely paid off for me.

I'm down 91 lbs!

I exercise every. single. day. (-->at least 45min of HIIT cardio & I weight train at least 3x's a week)

I eat extremely clean.

And I food journal.

That's the big secret everyone talks about on here, for success.

I finally cleaned my closet over the weekend -- Bye size 18 jeans.

Good bye 2x shirts.

Hello size 10 mavi jeans!

I feel amazing.

I'm excited to enter the next chapter of this journey:

Refining my body fat % and increasing my lean body mass.

My current weight is 164lbs, but I'm not watching the scale anymore.

Congrats Congrats that is so so awesome!!!

I am going for surgery on Friday June 11, 2010 - I will be bringing my wife and I'm very concerned about whether Tijuanna is safe.

Also wanted to know how long the wait was to get back in the U.S. - I've heard it can be several hours

Hi and congrats!

I went to Tijuanna by myself. I felt safe 100% of the time. They picked me up at the airport, drove me to the clinic/hospital/then to the hotel. While heading back to the airport, they drop you off at the door, you walk in and go to the left and show them your passport and out the door you go. It is so so simple! The only wait is in the van waiting to get to the front of the line to exit to show your passport. I have been to OCC 4 times now and have never experienced any issues with going through the boarded. I think the longest I have waited was 40 minutes in the van.

Good Luck and let us know how your tip goes

Just wondered if anyone else here on the forum had (or has) the sleep disorder called sleep apnea?

My Mom suffered from it (all 100 pounds of her!) my slender brother had (has) it and I was blessed (NOT!!!) with it. It got SO much worse when I gained weight 5 years ago that I ended up on a CPAP machine at night to help me breath correctly. Now that I've lost 63 pounds the apnea seems to have disappeared..but I still keep the machine on my bedside table just in case my husband nudges me awake to tell me I'm not breathing!!!

Anyone else out there in lapband land that has a story to share???

Yes, I have it and was told that once I lose my weight it will go away. My doctor told me not to get the machine since I was banded in November 2009. My husband has said that I still snore and has really not noticed any difference. I'm going to see how things go ....

My mother has it so so bad and uses the machine. I wished she would have the surgery. She is 73 and most doctors will not touch her with all her other health issues.

10 Eating Strategies for Permanent Weight Loss - FROM ACTIVE.COM

If you've ever worn (or chuckled at) one of those "I run so I can eat" T-shirts, this info is for you. How you eat goes hand in hand with your workout plans and is proven to bring people's weight loss goals into their grasp more quickly and easily. Try these top 10 strategies from experts from our Nutrition Together program to help you shed the weight and keep it off.

1. Eat healthy to stay healthy. Studies show that people who eat an unhealthy diet (loaded with fast-food meals, sugary drinks, high-fat snacks, lots of desserts/sweets, and low in fruits and vegetables) have significantly higher rates of chronic disease such as high blood pressure and heart disease. The most successful weight loss programs provide clear and uncomplicated nutrition guidance via tools such as "this is a healthier choice than that" food graphics.

2. Lose weight at a safe rate. Weight lost too quickly often returns -- sometimes with additional pounds. The safest diets promote weight loss of no more than two pounds (or 1 percent of total body weight) a week.

3. Learn how to control emotional eating. Experts estimate that 75 percent of overeating is caused by emotions. Successful weight losers have learned to apply behavior modification tools to help them deal with their emotional eating triggers and learn healthful techniques to help manage these emotions.

4. Control calories and portions. Research has proven time and again that to lose weight you must consume fewer calories than your body expends, regardless of the carbs/fat/protein ratio. Nutrition Together uses a special "food-weight" system to help make these calories-in, calories-out calculations quick and easy to do on the fly -- so you can still eat the foods you love and lose weight.

5. Keep a journal. Studies show that people are most successful at maintaining healthy eating habits when they watch and record the type and quantity of food consumed. Take it a step further with an Accountability Journal to help you track both eating and exercise choices.

6. Weigh yourself often. Frequent weighing is proven to help clients achieve and sustain weight loss. Not weighing in is actually associated with greater weight regain. The Nutrition Together program encourages private, weekly weigh-ins, as well as periodic body fat and waist circumference measurements.

7. Get support and rewards for your successes. Weekly contact with a support person -- and small rewards along the way -- are proven to increase the likelihood of maintaining new healthy habits. Ask for details about our Nutrition Together program that spurs you on with contests, prizes, online support and nonfood rewards for your accomplishments!

8. Eat small, frequent meals. The more meals and snacks you eat a day, the healthier your weight is likely to be. Eating breakfast and eating frequently increases total calorie burn. Aim to eat a healthy breakfast every morning followed by four or five small meals throughout the day.

9. Choose the macronutrient content of your meals wisely. The type of food you select can help you boost your metabolism and feel fuller and more satisfied longer. For example, protein reduces appetite and costs your body the most calories to metabolize. Fiber is filling and helps keep hunger at bay, helping you make wiser choices at major meals.

10. Include strength training, not just cardio. The most successful programs for promoting health and long-term weight control involve combinations of exercise and diet. Balancing cardio exercise with strength training is the best prescription for promoting health, fitness and weight control. Fitness Together and Nutrition Together offer the ideal combination, (healthy eating advice and exercise) under one roof, with private, personalized one-on-one workouts and nutrition guidance.

I was banded almost a year ago and have only lost 10 lbs. I have had like 5 fills and I am now up to 9.5 cc in my band and I am still not losing any more weight. I'm stuck and I don't know if I should come in for another fill or just try some appetite suppressants? I am wondering if there is anything your nutritionist can recommend?

Have you returned to OCC for your fills? If not you need too.... !

Shape Up Shoes

Has anyone tried these shoes? Do you think they are worth the $100 they cost? Any feed back would be helpful.

Thanks

KJ

Hi,

I don't have a pair but a friend of mine does. She teaches yoga and walks with our group. She loves them and thinks they work. I can't afford them or I would buy them to try..lol I wear new balance 1224's lol and get them at Big 5 when they are on sale

My wife was at the dentist today and overheard a lady talking to the receptionist. She had an artificial hip or knee or something and had to take a weeks worth of medication before going to the dentist. Aparently they said that anything put into your body like that if you don't take the medication there is some bacteria or something that can make your body try and reject what was implanted or put in your body. My wife was concerned about this as i am getting banded on June 28th. Has anybody heard about this or know anything about it??

Hi,

I have heard that people who have health issues like heart problems, artificial hip/knees should. I think you should call OCC and speak to one of the on call doctors and your own doctor. You have plenty of time if they advise you to take something. I wish you the best on your new adventure being banded!! I do not regret one minute of being banded This is a tool to lose the weight....enjoy.

I am still not changing the ticker....but we walked 3 miles yesterday!

Hi Angie,

The only way I have been able to get it to change is to click on the ticker... update ticker....enter password occform.....click add button...enter you miles.....add.......bottom of page click next.... I click out of the form and then go back in. Since I hope this helps!!!

No fills and I have lost ~ 30 pounds since I was banded on 2/19. Feel great. I have noticed that I am very dis-oriented and clumsy. I think the quick weight loss has caused my muscle memory to get worse. In other words, I am using the same strength to move that I used when I was 30lbs heavier. Hope this doesn't sound odd. Just curious if anyone has experienced this? Not sure if I feel dizzy because I am moving quicker or not eating enough. My mood is great and I am able to run much easier.

Hi Steve,

Congrats on your progress and being banded. You might want to use something like http://www.livestrong.com (click on myplate) and track your protein intake. Also, eat more protein and contact OCC or your doctor. Good luck and please keep us posted.

Janice