Running

I still can't really run. I was wondering if there was any tips you could give me for getting better at running. I don't really do any walking or anything outside, because the weather in NC is pretty much rain all day, everyday lol.

I might suggest that you start with a low-impact exercise and save the running for after you are well under 200 pounds.  Every pound of weight is seven pounds of pressure on your knees.  As soon as you are cleared after surgery, you need weight training to replace muscle mass and general conditioning without injuring your joints with excess weight that will be gone in a few months.  Get a raincoat and walk to build up to running after you lose another 50-75 pounds.  

i walk on a treadmill, but i'm probably not going to walk around my neighborhood. Also, the getting wet from the rain wasnt my issue. It is the constant flooding. I am not concerned about my knees. I understand why you say that, however it is not a problem for me.

You need to do what is right for you.  I understand your knees don't bother you now - the damage doesn't show up until you are in your 40-50s. 

I still suggest that you do weight training and find another lower impact activity for a few more months.  If you read many of the posts concerning exercising, you will find that many discuss the complications and setbacks created by avoidable injuries. 

The weight will come off and you will feel light as a feather when you cross the finish line!! 

Thanks :) I appreciate the input. I have been doing weight training and walking etc at the gym. Being able to run is just one of my goals since I've never really been able to. I just figured even once I lose 50-70 lbs I'm not going to just be able to run magically and will need to "work up to it?" Which is why I was asking on here.

Sounds like you're being sensible.  I replied because this post was in my mind. There have been others in the same vein.  You can read through the replies and get some ideas for building up to running.  More than running, for the 3-6 months after surgery, weight training will give you the most results.  If you have not been weight training - you might want to check it out.

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/fitness/5367281/How-to-sta rt-running-again/

I've researched exercise and done a bunch over the past year.  WLS changes your appatite, but also your set-point.  Before our bodies were happy being heavy, in fact when we tried to lose weigh, our bodies often put it right back on to stay at the heavier point.  WLS lowers that that place of equilibrium and in the 1-2 years post surgery, your body is just wanting to burn calories in any way that it can to reach your new, lower, equalibrium weight (Hallelujah, I say.)  You might find out that you have become a figeter, or you are walking faster - one doctor calls is the Post-Surgery Swagger, your unconscious is saying - Burn Baby Burn those calories!  

We just have to be sensible about how we throw off those excess calories.  The worst thing is to be injured - either now or with degenerative issues in the future.  It sounds like you are off to a great start and sowing the seeds for long-term success!!  Best wishes for continued success.

Have you tried a couch to 5k program?  That's what I'd recommend.  

I'd actually recommend just starting intervals on your own - you can do this on the treadmill.  Start by adding 15 seconds of running into every 5 minute block of walking.  So.. walk for 4:45 then run for 0:15.  Once that feels okay, do 4:30 and :30, or 4:40 and :20.  Running might be 3.5 miles per hour, or 3.2.  It should feel like running to you and be faster than your walking pace.  

The name of the game is to slowly increase your running time and decrease your walking time.  

Couch to 5k.  Get the app, follow the app, love the app.  Then get the Bridge to 10k, then sign up for some races.  Next thing you know it has taken over your free time (in a good way) and you're signed up for marathons and all that jazz. 

I did not start trying to run until I hit about 250.  Then, I started running very short distances and walked.  I still mix in walking and running.  More enjoyable and easier on my body.

Couch to 5k like others have said, but I'll add that you can and should just keep repeating the levels until you feel comfortable and confident with the intervals.  You will get to pure running but it can take a while.  I started with couch to 5k and finished my first marathon last year.  It works, but like anything else you have to stick with it.