I have toyed with trying running as another form of exercise. I cycle quite a bit and that has led me to want to diversify my exercise routine. My WLS pal Chuck who is 2 1/2 years out of surgery has ran several marathons. He really inspires me to give running a try..

Chuck has started a My First 5K program for non-runners. He is targeting his new group to WLS post-ops and those wanting to lead a healthier life. He plans on his group being a very supportive environment that encourages members to assist fellow members in whatever their running goal may be.

If you are in the Akron Canton area, you should consider joining his group. You can do that at http://www.meetup.com/Your-first-5k/.

Tom

 Do you belong to a support group?  If not, I would search to find one in your area...If there's none in your area, then start one...My friend Marlene and I did that almost 4 years ago...We hold a meeting once a month...We named our group * Little by Little*...Come spring we are going to put fliers up around town, and put a few articles in the local papers...I would love to see our group a little bigger...Mainly my goal is to make people aware of our group, that there is a place to go for help and support...

Just a few ideas that might help you...

1.  go on a liquid diet for 3 or 4 days( broth, sugar free jello, water)...then introduce fat free cottage cheese, canned tuna packed in water...After a few more days, then concentrate on fixing healthy meals using baked chicken, broiled fish, salads, veggies, fruit, and etc...Be careful of the calories and fat grams in salad dressings...

2.  Make out a weekly menu and stick to it...Plan a breakfast, midmorning snack, then lunch, afternoon snack, supper, and then an evening snack...

3.  Make out a grocery list and only buy items that is on the list...Fresh foods such as meats, veggies, fruits are always better than canned, prepackaged foods...

4.  Drink lots of water 

5.  Walk, do some form of exercise...perhaps get someone to work out with you, which usually helps staying on task.

6.  Ask a family member or friend to eat healthy with you...Keep in contact daily with said person...encouraging each other...Sharing new recipes, and if local get together and make healthy meals together.

7.  Stay focused...hold your head up high, and tell yourself daily that you are doing this for YOURSELF...Pat yourself on the back when you do good...ALways give yourself praises for all your accomplishments, and don't focus on the bad...Perhaps weigh once a week, journal your results...While you are at it, write down your feelings daily...Jot down reasons why you ate it, was you hungry, bored, lonely, upset?  

I hope these ideas help...Good luck!!!

 If you are interested in meeting once a month in the Mt Healthy are (Hamilton Ave) off Ronald Reagan Hwy, email me @ [email protected]


We can meet at my home.

I see that many of us in here are from NE Ohio. Although not meet-and-greets for this forum, I belong to a few WLS support groups that get together socially.

You might want to check out Movin' Forward at http://www.meetup.com/MovinForward/. We are longer term post-ops that welcome all. We have done hikes, nights at a winery and usually meet monthly at a restaurant for conversation and fun.

I know I've mentioned this before but I am one of the coordinators of a casual bicycle group in the Akron Area, Spin-off Cyclists http://www.spinoffcyclists.com/. We have many bariatric members and have a great time cycling the Towpath and local trails. This spring we are introducing a new series of rides for newbie cyclists and those who want to cycle a little slower. You can also like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/spinoffcyclists.

Tom form Akron (Brimfield)