Question:
has anyone had success with running?

I want to be able to run a 5k in sept and have never really tried running before because of my weight..but now I wanted to try it since it burns so many calories. Has anyone else never been a runner and tried doing it and was successful? Also--I have been at the EXACT same weight down to the very ounce for the past 3 weeks! Only 3 1/2 months out...is this normal?    — wecangetright (posted on June 17, 2007)

June 17, 2007
Hi Katie, I always thought running was punishment. But once I started shedding the pounds I felt as though walking was not enough. I was walking 5miles a day 4-5X a week. I started adding little jogging pieces into my walks and boy did it make a difference. I invited my husband to go walking with me at the lake and when were done he said to me, " You do know that you run a lot more than you walk. " I just said no way! Anyway I ran my first 5K on Thanksgiving morning 2005. What a rush! I now run 3-4X a week and I go to an exercise class 2X a week. My advice to you is to start slow and do strength training with your training. You need to be VERY careful of your knees as they adjust to the weight loss. Listen to your body! If you are exhausted, don't be afraid to take a break. Oh and read "NO NEED FOR SPEED" By John Bingham. Great Book. Good luck, God Bless and Happy Trails... Sonja Lima San Diego, CA (Open RNY 9/9/04 336#-163#)
   — Son-Son

June 18, 2007
Hi Kathy, yes running is very possible for the wls patient, and many men and women turn to running after surgery. I did a short amount of running, but never got very far with it. I still love to walk, but I don't think I will every be a good runner. Regarding the "plateau", please understand that a true plateau is 3 months at the same weight, it is not unusual at all for the body to stop for a time when we are losing so much weight for the first time in our lives. You have to be patient, and consistent with your routine. Water, protein, exercise. Be sure that all 3 are a regular part of your day, every day! Your body will come around, and you will be making progress again before you know it! Take care. Patricia P.
   — Patricia P

June 18, 2007
Hi Katie Running has been very successful for me after wls. I had surgery on 9/12/05 and on May 7th 2006 8 months after surgery i ran my first marathon 26.2 miles. I started off slow by walking and then jogging then running and i finished that first marathon 4 hours and 49 minutes not bad for someone who weight 280 pounds 8 months earlier. I have just completed my third marathon last month with a time of 4 hours 2 minutes so i am improving and am already training for my 4th and 5th marathons in october. I never was a runner before wls but i live for it now. Good Luck 280/165 Giggles
   — giggles

June 18, 2007
Make sure you get running shoes. Not all sneakers are alike!
   — mrsidknee

June 18, 2007
I, too, have ocnsidered running as exercise. Right now I am doing ten miles every day on my bike, but I just bought a pair of adidas running shoes because I want to give it a try. I need to find a good sports bra, then I think I will give it a try. I would have never considered running before my wls, but I am looking forward to getting started soon. I'd like to train for a 5k first, then maybe eventually work my way up to a half marathon. Who knows, maybe someday I'll attempt a marathon. Best wishes for health and happiness always, and feel free to email me if you want to keep in touch or start a runner's forum.
   — djfoz

June 18, 2007
your weight will stablize then move again I hit plateos about every three months. Then in about a month or so I would drop 10-20 pds again then start all over again it is normal just make sure you are following the program your doctor gave you on how to eat.
   — DonnaB.

June 20, 2007
Hi, I used to be a runner when I was much lighter. Over the years I stopped because it hurt too bad. my feet, knees, back, etc, was just too much weight moving around. Now that I have lost over 70 pounds, I can run again. I take it slow, maybe run for 1 mile and walk for 2. I make sure that I am walking correctly and have good shoes. I also alternate running/walking with stair climbing and the elliptical machine because you can ruin your legs and knees by just running all the time. I think it is definitely possible for you to do a 5k in Sept if you start training and preparing for it now. As far as the weight loss, you may need to eat more. I have done weight watchers for years and found that if you starve yourself or do not eat enough, you will stop losing weight and/or will plateau. Also, the right mix of protein, carbs, fat, etc is very important. You need some carbs to give you energy, especially if you are working out, but not too many because they will put weight on or may prevent weight loss. Try adding some calories to your day in the form of more protein and also drink more water. You have to feed and fuel your body. Dont overdo it though, too much of anything, water, protein, etc can also be bad for you. Good luck to you. Angela
   — A Q.