A RED LETTER DAY

Hi Maureen, I just wanted to tell you that I do go to Curves and have been for some time. I had to do a 6 month Dr. supervised diet/exercise program before my insurance would consider this surgery. So I joined Curves last August, went faithfully (3 times a week..no more..they dont want you to go more than that) and in the first 2 months lost18 inches. (maybe 5 pounds) but felt great. That is the point..how you feel...just as you said. That is what you focus on. I slipped off the Curves wagon thru the holidays..only going once or maybe 2 times a week..but I kept at it, and now post op...I just love it even more..I can move between the equipment faster, I work harder, and feel great when I leave. Its a great atmosphere for women of all sizes, ages, etc..and I love the 'no mirrors and no spandex...and oh yea no MEN'.. I say go for it.. its 29.00 a month to join here if you go for a year...I think thats a cheap investment if it works..I try to ride my recumbent bike one or 2 other days a week .. I just wanted to give you my opinion on Curves. Oh and also to tell you that you are doing great. You have just reached a huge goal that you have posted about often. ENJOY THAT..GOod for you! Kris

Oh and I almost forgot.. I had surgery the same day as you..and I am at 36 pounds... And I really believe we are ALL doing just fine! Just wait till August, September, October...Christmas...

Thanks for the info, Kris. The gal at Curves gave me a week trial pass; if all goes well, I will join but I'm still uncertain that you can get a decent workout when you only have 30 seconds at each station. Shoot, it takes me that long to get situated on some of those machines! Thanks for your advice and encouragement -- everyone!!! Maureen

I read on one of the other boards that if you join Curves and tell them that you had weight loss surgery, they waive the joining fee. It's worth checking into. Karen

Wow, thanks Karen! I will definitely look into this. Can you tell me where you saw it? It would be nice to have something in print to take in there when I join next week. Hey, $76 saved is big bucks for me these days!

Hi again, I would think that if you are still aprehensive and dont want to sign a year long deal..try the option B...its month to month and its 10.00 more (again thats Maine prices) but then you could really get a sense of whether or not you like it. I agree 30 seconds seems like nothing...but I absolutley feel the difference..it took me almost 3 weeks of going though before I did. Just something more to think about. I think that whatever you do you have to really enjoy..or you wont do it at all. Curves works for me since I dont live in a really 'walky' type neighborhood, and also, it gets me out of my house, away from my 2 young girls for a bit, around other women, and it is encouraging... Oh and not to mention that (as you know living in New England we have winter up this way for about 7 months a year!!) It SNOWED here this morning..no kidding...wet, heavy snow!! take care, Kris

~Congratulations~, Reenie! And keep up the good work! Hugs, -Marcie

Maureen - That is so wonderful! I know you and I were the slow movers (so it seemed), so I'm so happy that you've hit that all important milestone of never seeing the 300's again! I hit it this week, too. I've still only lost 18.5, but I'm not weighing everyday (3 times a day, sometimes!) and I'm trying to focus on the big picture and not the pound to pound losses. I did Curves last year and LOVED it! It truly is a great program. You do get a good workout, although you wouldn't think you would. That's the beauty of Curves. I was never sore from my workouts, I felt invigorated and strong. It was one of the few exercise programs I ever did where I felt confident in what I was doing. The ONLY reason I didn't stick with it, and the ONLY reason I'm not doing it now is simply because I have a 14 month old that is into everything and they don't offer babysitting at my location. With my husband's work schedule, there isn't an opportunity to "tag team" baby care. SO - I'm seriously thinking about joining a gym nearby that offers the same type of class that Curves offers along w/ other strength training equipment and exercise classes. They are a bit more expensive (but not by much) and they offer child care during the day. Now if I can just get off my butt and get there!!! I'm really happy for you - keep up the good work! I think if we keep on moving, we'll do just fine! -Wendy 314/295.5/150