Getting active after 5+ years

Ok - you guys finally got to me. I've been reading about your bicycling, swimming, running, weight-lifting walking Iron-man azzes long enuff.  While admiring you guys for doing what exercising you do, I was starting to feel like a wuss and that I was a slacker, even though I am only 24 days post-op. So I went and bought me and the little woman a street bike. No, not the motorized HD or Yamaha kind - the kind you pedal and sweat your azz off on. I figure that we can get some exercise that way. Now, I'm not about to get as serious as Boner or Chad with this, just tryin to find more ways to get in some more exercise and get off the couch!  As soon as I get the OK from my Doc, I am gonna start back at the gym with some weight-training too.  I don;t plan on doing the heavy lifting I did pre-heart attacks, but more of a high rep tighten and tone type program. Of course, I'll have to keep the ego in check when those young studs start heaving the big iron around.  I know I'm gonna want to show em what an old fart can do!

Hey Bob! Good for you brother! I think it is good when we read what others have done/accomplished, it makes you want to get out there and do it yourself! As I have been told with any exercise program, we want to be sure to start slow and gradually build....reading posts like this keeps me motivated and realize soon enough I will be able to get back out there and enjoy some of the activities that I miss and have not been able to do for a while.  Way to go my friend!! -Rob

I did a mile today on the exercise bike in 3 minutes, I nearly died.

I'm right behind you.. but I'm gonna be a loooong time in building up endurance

Bama, a little advice, if you dont already have one, buy an Ipod and start downloading music to work out to.  I dont know what kind of music you like, but anything that can get you pumped up is good.  When I go to the gym, I zone out into my own world.  My Ipod is full of alot of old new wave, disco, punk rock, as well as alot of newer trance and dance stuff (just my taste, your mileage may differ). Good luck. John

Bama, I know what you mean about the young bucks throwing the heavy weight around.  Now that I am lifting my tail off again, it is killing me knowing there was a time when I could lift the world and tons of heavy weight.  To see the young guys throwing it around is painful at first, but I have resigned myself to toning up and getting into better cardiovascular shape.  I will never touch heavy weight again.  I find myself doing lots of the machines now, easier on the joints and you don't have to wait as long to get on those like the free weights, plus its easy to change weight out instead of lifting plate after plate after plate to load up on the bars.  I am all about high intensity and reps.  I don't take two hours to lift like I did when I was younger.  It takes me about 45 minutes to focus on something like chest, shoulders, triceps.  Now I do spend about 45-60 minutes doing treadmill or the eliptical machine.  Anyway just some food for thought.  How is the weightloss going?  how are your battle scars? Taz

Yeah Taz, I know when I see those young guys pumping the heavy weights, I will really have to check the old ego. Prior to my heart attacks, I was a certified trainer and owned a gym.  The young guys always wanted to test the old fart, but they would usually end up puking or lying on the floor whining before the workout was even over. Man, that was funny. But, there's no way that will happen now - my heavy iron days are forever a memory. I just want to lose weight, tighten and tone and be healthy again! As for the weight loss, it's going pretty well. I'm down 29 pounds since my surgery 27 days ago.  The weight loss should increase once I get on a regular exercise routine. Hopefully, I'll be able to do as well as you and some of the others here.

Hey Bama, Those guilt trips are a ***** arn't they? Just a word of caution because you and I appear to be about the same vintage. I've working out for about 16 months now. Prior to WLS I was convinced I would need knee surgery, both knees. Up until about a week and half ago my knees felt so good that I wasn't even giving them a second thought. Last Tuesday I went to the gym, there was no one else there and for some reason I decided to try running on the tread mill. I've always done the ellipical (20 min forward, 20 min, backward). Well I ran and fast walked for 20 minutes. Now my knees hurt so bad I'm iceing them and am back to wearing braces. I'd kick myself in the azz if I could bend my knee that far. Sure hope they get better again. Moral: we ain't bullet proof anymore. Start slow and try not to hurt yourself. Good luck buddy! Doug

Man, I hear ya Doug.  It's heck gettin' old, ain't it?  I know I'll have to ease back into a routine or pay dearly for it.  Thanks buddy!

Two things...as Doug said start slow.  You'll be pulling from fat cells for your energy, rather than what's in the stomach.  That is much harder energy wise.  The other thing I would have you keep in mind is...if the bike doesn't work try something else.  Many of us have gone (post WLS) from one sport or exercise to another, till we found the one that works.  Just don't get locked in.  You might hate biking, but love walking...Or hate running but love swimming.  It's almost like trying to find the perfect protein shake...It takes time and testing.  Brian

Thanks Brian!