Hi all,

Recently I had my second post op exam.  My surgeon's PA noted that I am ahead of schedule and that she believes that with continued dedication and good exercise and eating habits that I may make it among "the 90%" (i.e. the people the end up close to their ideal weight/100% EWL rather than 80% EWL).

Now that I am 215, I have more energy than before. One of the exercises that I missed (or at least *think* I missed) is jogging and doing 5K races (for fun, not a medal...I was never fast).

So today is the day that I haul out the couch to 5K plan.

Please wish me luck as I am a bit nervous. In aerobics class, EVERYONE is busy watching the instructor (no eyes are on me).  However, on the treadmill, I know that I am going to suffer from embarrassment.. The treadmill runners at the gym are graceful gazelles with lanky builds. I am more of a huffing, puffing, lumbering pear.

But I DO miss the "race" t-shirts.

Hi Skinny Scientist,

Congrats on being "ahead of schedule", that's awesome.  What a wonderful feeling that must be.  I just wanted to wish you luck on your treadmill running.  Who gives a damn what the "gazelles" are doing, some of them could have been obese before as well and now you are seeing them at this point of their journey.  

We just never know other people's stories so you just focus on you and get that butt on that treadmill.  Not that I think anyone would strike up a conversation with you while beside you on the treadmill (most people don't "chat" on the treadmill) but if they did I would just hold your head high and project that you are one of those graceful gazelles, guaranteed they will be impressed by your confidence and before you know it you will be one of those gazelles and you will look around you and see a "lumbering pear" and think "wow I was there, I know what he/she is going through."

I actually just started to jog this past weekend, first time in my life, I was never a jogger/runner before and I am really liking it, such a feeling of accomplishment! 

Good luck on your journey! 

Daisy

Skinny Scientist - you can totally do it!  Who cares what people think - I think the gazelles will be thinking "damn she is hauling ass!".  I have started adding one minute of running to my treadmill exercise 4-5 times a week.  I know at 259 lbs I am twice the size of the other treadmill people but I choose to believe they are impressed by me as opposed to horrified :)  I bet you will shock yourself how good you do!  I love to watch tv while I am on the treadmill - I can't just walk and stare into space - so perhaps put on some headphones and find a good show!  Congrats on starting running - I'm impressed and I am sure you can do it!

I know you can outrun me and I weigh 120 lbs. LOL! I do not even try. I need to get of my lazy tail and try. THANKS for the encouragement. You go girl! Congratulations on running! What an encouragement you are! You WOWED me!

You got this...whatever you set your mind to, you can do!  Keep at it and you'll be doing a 5K in no time.  This coming from a person who weighed 488 pre surgery and just ran a 10 mile traning run two days ago for a half marathon in June.  Set the goal, work toward it and it will happen!