Magee....

yup ....17 miles... It was 20.5 tonight (cardio night).... I'm not saying that this is for everyone as each person has their own level of comfort and/or motivation for exercise. For me it is the right thing. I literally went through hell and back to try to have this surgery. I fought insurance issues for years only to be denied and I came close to just completely hanging it all up. Well I'm stubborn and I wouldn't give up and I am not about to waste this treasure ..this gift that I was given. There is absolutely NOTHING that I could put in my mouth that would take the place ...the sense of satisfaction that I have when I pull on a size small or a size 8-10 and it fits. Not to mention that this is the same person who once could not even do 5 minutes on a treadmill and now I am doing 30 minutes hard and fast...and then getting off that machine and going to another one and putting in another 30 minutes... and then walking..and weights if it is a weight day. My endurance and stamina are through the roof.. I feel energized and alive... Each and every person has to look within to find that motivator that is going to push them on to be successful... we are all individuals and what works for me might not work for you and vice versa... but it is VITAL to find it... Find yourself and become the person that you know you can be.... it is all about reinventing who we are.... Visualize and achieve... ((hugs)) Elizabeth~

Well you should be very proud of yourself..."MOTIVATING LITTLE OLD ME.....well almost LITTLE and very old me.... Yes, besides doing 2 miles on the tread mill yestersday and 3 miles on the airdyne bike....this morning I was so up and at em....I walked up 3 flights of stairs to my office from the garage.... Who would have ever thought I could do that...not to mention I was carrying up my extra 10 pounds on my shoulder of my laptop.... hufff...pufff....hufff.but by gosh I did it....THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO TO MOTIVATE ME!!!!! Betty Myers

well at least you are getting the point of my posts!...*g*.... but then again you and I are like two peas in a pod (note to oneself..peas are GOOD for you too!) Ok ok I'm warped but in a good way!... You know I don't sugarcoat things... nor do I enable.. I'll be the first one to call your onery hide out but I expect you to do the same for me.. wouldn't have it any other way either! After it is all said and done ...success comes to those who are willing to work for it.. I don't try to aggravate folks or make them feel bad... I just try to make them think of why they had this surgery in the first place. It is to make a change for the better...and that also includes making better choices and being accountable for those choices... that means eating good foods and EXERCISING... no excuses!.. right? *g* Ok I'll shut up now.... I'M VERY VERY PROUD OF YOU KIDDO!.. You are doing it!.. Way to go! Elizabeth~

You know I agree with using the trouble and problems along the way with surgery to push you on harder. With all the fun I had, any time I was tempted to NOT get off my butt and get some exercise all I had to do was remember that time in the hospital. Add the positive feelings and energy you get out of being ABLE to do these things, and it snowballs. The more you do, the easier it becomes and the more you WANT to do. Tomorrow I've got a competitive trail race through two parks and a river for 5 miles. Whodda thunk it two years ago? *Quick Update: It's my 2 year anniversary next week. I've gone from 478 to 199. I had a body composition analysis performed last week, and I'm officially 'lean' at 12.5% body fat. That's beyond 'fit' or 'healthy.' I think I'm done, now. Now starts the fun of really maintaining myself.* Take care, The Other EC in IN

Yup.... exercise is addictive for sure... I'm sure that it has something to do with those endorphins that are released.. plus the sheer joy one gets from being ALIVE and a part of life instead of sitting on the sidelines watching everyone else have all the fun! NOTE TO EVERYONE... EC is my BIL Eric from Indy... Mike's older brother. He has done extremely well in his WLS walk by being true to himself and sticking to his program's plan. Hard work, dedication and being slightly whacked will spell success (ok ok you know I HAD to put in the whacked comment)... But folks you can see what can be achieved with hard work ...plus we have a heck of alot of fun with this exercise thing.... you guys should try it!... Elizabeth~

Most of the things on my list of "what I want to do" involve physical activity. I am exercising every day. I look forward when my body isn't as heavy and I can really do some good workouts. I am almost 5 weeks out from my surgery and it feels good to move my body. I look forward to biking, hiking and other activities. When I exercise, I like it. Hopefully, my body will get smaller and I can really add some cool ones - scuba, climbing, horseback riding. For now, I do it every day and add a little time and effort each workout. I look forward to saying I rode my bike 20 miles. For now, it's a gradual build. You guys are awesome.

Actually sweetie... it is YOU that is awesome.. Look at what you said.... and think about it. You are early postop and you actually "get it"... you are exercising and slowly increasing your workout load and ability. That is what it takes and that is what is going to make YOU successful. You have the right mindset and you are focused on the FUTURE and building towards it! Way to go!... I'm very very proud of you! (hugs) Elizabeth~

I've been weepy today...this one choked me up. Thanks, Pix.