Scale Victory - BMI = "Overweight"!

I'm so glad to hear it!  It sounds like you're doing some great activities.  I started out walking, too, and steadily built up to a 45 minute brisk walk every day.  At around 3 months post-op I started a running program (the Couch to 5K program).  I downloaded the podcasts from this site (they're free and really great!) :

http://runningintoshape.com/5k-training-downloads/

I have finished the formal 9-week program, and can now run 5K in about 32-35 minutes. I am continuing to run 5K every other day, and trying to increase my pace. I'm also hoping to get outside for some runs when the weather gets nicer, as so far I've done it all on an indoor track.  I've heard that outdoor is harder!  I have an outdoor 5K run on May 4th, and am really looking forward to it.

Besides running, I do hot yoga classes 1-2 times per week.  I've also done a few other things sporadically - zumba, swimming, skating, and I hope to bike ride and get back out on roller blades this summer!  It's amazing how much more we can do after the surgery - I have so much energy now!

Wow!  I'm so proud of you!  That is awesome.  I really don't think I'm ready to run but maybe after another 40 pounds or so!  Thanks for the link I'll view that for sure.  Maybe I'd like Zumba as I'm not very flexible for yoga!  LLol good luck with your run on May 4th!  Keep us posted.

Thanks!  Zumba is a lot of fun for sure, and you should definitely try Yoga sometime!  There are people there at all experience levels, and I find it's a great, non-judgemental place.  The instructor repeatedly says that if we feel the need to take a break and just breathe, that it's totally okay!

I'll definitely let you know how the run goes!

first of all, WAY TO GO JULIA!!! that is so awesome, you'll even be in onederland before you know it :)

i'm jealous you did the C25K. i tried that a while back and hurt myself.. i swear when i'm post-surg i will try again!

Good for you for even trying while pre-op!  There was no way I could have done it at my pre-op weight and (terrible) fitness level.  I'm sure you'll be able to do it once you are post-op!

yeah, it was pretty rough on the system. i was 250 lbs at the time (i''m 265-270 now) and it felt like my bones were breaking.. at first i had shin splints, but then i corrected my running form (for more info, look up barefoot running gait, it's cool) and the shins were ok but i would get this deep ache all the time, and after running for even a little bit (less than a minute per 5) i would have to completely shut down because of the pain.

i talked to my sister about it, she's a teacher and personal trainer, but of course she's never worked with morbidly obese people before. she's a gazelle herself. the basics of what she had to say were very helpful, but i just keep thinking there ought to be a personal trainer out there who started out morbidly obese and can really relate to how you have to modify things when you're carrying an extra 75+ pounds.

maybe if i get to goal i can study to become a personal trainer myself.. but that'll be a couple years and about 120 lbs from now! it's just a dream!

btw, i changed my name here. it's myk :) *wave*

you should totally post a bunch of bragging pics!

Hi Myk!  That sounds like an awesome goal for you once you're post-op and running.  I'll check out the barefoot gait information, it does sound cool.  I sometimes wonder if I'm running properly - I'm not part of a clinic or anything, just did it myself with a C25K podcast and an indoor walking track. :)

Amazing results lady!!

Thanks, Kelly!  You are my inspiration to stay active and keep on running, which I think is really helping my weight loss!