I went and worked out again today. It's been a week since I joined the local gym. I'm feeling so good about myself and that I am finally putting myself first. Last week I worked out on Monday for two hours, twice on Tuesday (morning and evening), twice on Wednesday and once on Thursday. I was in a lot of pain so I skipped the gym on Friday. I had a big blister on my heel. The blister is healed up and luckily I found another pair of sneakers in my closet and wore them today.
I took a photo of myself the morning of my first workout. After the work out I came home and took some measurements also. I'm excited to see how many inches I'll lose in a month.

I downloaded a First Day to 5K Podrunner for my MP3 player and I've been utilizing these training sessions. You can download them for yourself at http://www.djsteveboy.com/1day25k.html. Here is some information on the Podrunner: Intervals.

FIRST DAY TO 5K - LEVEL 1
Series mixed by DJ Beatsmith
If you've never run before, or are returning to running after a long hiatus, this series is designed to take you from your first day to a full 5K (3.2-mile) run in just 9 weeks (plus a bonus "graduation mix").

General Information
•	Each mix should be used 3 times a week
•	Weeks 5 and 6 have a different mix for each of your three sessions
•	Each mix includes a warmup and cool-down period
•	Tempo changes are indicated by a chime, ascending to accelerate, descending to decelerate
•	Always stretch thoroughly before and after your session
•	Always hydrate adequately

If you use these mixes to train for a 5K - I'd love to know about it. Send me a photo of yourself at the 5K event and I'll post your picture here!

I'm having a GREAT day today!

I am having a really good day today. My husband and I joined the gym in our local town. We spent two hours there this morning working out. He is an ex-powerlifter so he knows his way around all those machines. He was a great teacher and showed me how to use everything. I hadn't put any regular exercising in place yet so I'm really excited to start this step of my healthier lifestyle.

Also, my mom and dad were here visiting me this past weekend and my mom kept complimenting me on how I look. With us going day by day it's so easy to miss those 1/2 pounds here and there - but to someone who hasn't seen us in awhile, it's noticeable. Although I did see my parents the week of December. I really needed to hear those nice words this weekend. I had been feeling a bit down about the slow progress of the band really working.

I had a fill a few weeks ago and I do notice a small change - but it's very small. I'm looking forward to my next fill to get me closer to where I really feel I need to be.

By the way, I'm loving this nice weather. That always makes me feel better and makes me want to get out and start moving more. :)

Two Weeks Post Fill

It's been a full two weeks since I had my first fill. I didn't think the fill was working but this past week I realized that I lost some weight without really trying. I felt like I ate the same, but then it dawned on me that I actually didn't eat as much as I normally do.
It has been hard trying to figure out when I am really full. I have actually stopped eating many times in the middle of my meal and realized that I really was satisfied. I don't need to wait until I have a stomach ache before knowing that I am full.
I've been using toddler divided plates from Tupperware. It helps me portion out my meals so I can re-evaluate whether I'm really hungry after eating a toddler's size portion. This has worked out really well. Plus, I've been using toddler spoons and forks. I highly recommend trying both of them out if you are struggling with portion sizes.
On Monday my husband and I are going to join a local gym. We don't really have the extra money for this since I am currently unemployed but we've decided we'll just have to make the cuts somewhere in our budget to make up for this new expense. I've been feeling pretty good on my eating the last two weeks, I just need to get moving on the exercise.

My First Post-Op Visit

I had my first post op visit on Thursday. Things seem to be progressing perfectly. Although I do wish I was losing more weight. Starting tomorrow I will be journaling all my meals again. I don't have any restrictions with my band like I did when my stomach was swollen from the surgery. Now that things are healing inside, I can get an adjustment/fill. I have one scheduled for January 27th. I will see the doctor again on the 22nd just to make sure that I am handling solids okay. I received the green light to start eating normally. Although I do need to remember to keep chewing and to eat slowly.

Last night I had a slice of pizza. I know it's not on my new eating plan but I just couldn't resist the temptation. I think that is the biggest thing I struggle with: resisting all the temptations around us. Throughout the day we are introduced to so many things that aren't good for us or our bodies. On your way to work or even the mall, how many fast food restaurants do you drive by? Why does the grocery store spotlight all those processed foods and seasonal candies (Valentine's Candy all over the Hannafords store). I love utilizing my DVR to watch a program because I can fast forward through the commercials. It seems like almost 1/2 of the commercials are based around food - whether it's for a product or restaurant.

I have found since being laid off in August that I spend alot more time watching tv. Now that the winter is here and it's so cold outside, I have found that I get lazy and want to just "veg" on the couch. I really need to find something to do during the day that gets me up and moving. I'd love to start walking at the University Mall in the morning. I'll be putting out an email today on my local lap band group for a walking buddy. I'm hoping that getting up early and getting in some regular exercise will help motivate me to keep moving the rest of the day. If anyone has any ideas on things to do besides watch tv during the day, please let me know. I do not love the cold so outdoor activities when it's 10 degrees out, is out. I also have no money to spend on anything, so it needs to be free. A group of lap banders when snowshoeing last night. I would have loved to have joined them but it was 2 degrees out and I don't have the proper winter clothes. I do have a nice winter coat but no snow pants or good boots for the winter. So - let me have it - send those suggestions to me. I'd love to hear them and hopefully I can find a couple that will help me. If I choose any of your ideas, I'll reward you with a repurposed notebook that I have made and sell in my Etsy store (http://sockmonkeygreetings.etsy.com). I have more on hand that I haven't listed yet - so I'll send you a photo of one to choose from.

If you live in the Burlington area and you'd like to meet me at the UMall at 7:45am each morning for a walk and coffee, let me know.