Going to drag myself up & down a few hills...

Hey ALL!

Since I am not able to exercise to my hearts content, all I really can do at the moment is walk.  Lucky for me, I live on a hill, so walking in my neighborhood means I will have to walk down & back up, no matter which direction I head in!

Being what I call "Maximum Density," what we refer to as BMI over 50, it is difficult to do a lot of the exercise programs out there.  My advice - if you can't - or WON'T swim, put your shoes on & start walking!  If you have difficulty walking, do as much as you can.

Okay, I am outta here!  Feet don't fail me now!
Brenda  : )~

That's a great attitude to have, and it works! I did the same thing, all I could do was walk and swim and though at first I couldn't make it down the block...it wasn't long before I was running down those same blocks!

You're not going to turn into a marathoner overnight, but you will progress and it will help your weightloss so I hope everyone follows your advice and exercises!

Don't be like a WLS friend of mine who can't even pick up a jug of milk because she never did any exercise!

Proud of you, Brenda! Not only your positive attitude and determination, but your putting it into action. Way to go, for real!

I'm somewhat exercise-resistant, at 22 months post-op. I love that I have endurance to walk, climb stairs and ride my beach cruiser w/o huge exertion, sweat, and getting out of breath. But I have not consistently pushed myself activity-wise. I dislike going to the gym and am disappointed in my lack of follow-through. The plastic surgery I really need depends on my getting as fit as I can, and I'm still balking. (Advice was to get as low, weight-wise, as I can and strengthen all muscles to tiptop shape...foreign to me!) 193 pounds lost + age 47 (48 in May)= saggy fat suit!

You are motivating me to get it going; thanks so much for posting, and keep up the incredible work!

~Linda in S FL

PS: InkSpc, you know I'm in awe of your fitness level...kep it going! Sorry to hear your insurance does not cover PS...wth? Did you proceed with a proposed claim anyway cuz blanket exemptions do sometimes have exceptions due to exceptional cir****tances (like our mega losses)...

Hey Rainy!

It takes just one step to start an exercise plan.  You do not have to be able to walk two miles on the first day, heck just ONE BLOCK will get YOU GOING!  Start with a simple goal, then work from there.  Even with the wooziness, I stop, rest, restart.  I know my limits, push them, but not enough to hurt myself -- or worse, make me NOT to want to do exercise.

I have been debating a cheap pedometer - then you have a goal for the whole day!  Your doc is correct, tighten up the muscles, then plastics are more possible - not to mention a better result.  If you hate gyms, invest in a simple resistance band kit; watch/record LOW IMPACT exercise shows; swim; walk, just keep your body moving.

My goal is to go up & down ten flights of stairs a day.  When I am successfully making that goal, I will bump it to 15 flights.  I do not penalize myself for not making the goal, it just gives me something to aim for.  Oh, and I use the two flights in my home, no need for a gym!

When I am cleared back to swimming, I will start three days a week, work toward five, then see how far I can go - distance/length of time.  Prior to surgery, I was able to swim two miles worth of laps in just over an hour and a half - that was pushing myself.  I am hopeful that after working back up to my old "best," I will be able to make a new goal & meet it!

Just remember, it starts with your first step!
Brenda : )~

VERY inspiring.  Thanks for posting that.  My "exercise" this winter has been shoveling snow - - and that is sporadic.  I have unearthed (actually my husband did it) the exercycle - I have a good one that uses your arms, as well. 

My foot doctor told me last week that walking will not be the exercise for me, due to several food issues.  But... I can certainly use the stationary bike!  And I will - thanks for reminding me I can start slow.  I will.