i joined a gym today

[nanny]

hi,

my name is Yolanda and i will be having the gastic bypass on November 5th.  I have completed all my pre-opp requirements and am just waiting to hear from the insurance company.  i did something today that i never thought i would do.  I joined a gym, i really did it, i am still shaking.  i cant believe it, i haven't been to a gym since 1991, 17 years ago. i am really nervous, i feel like i am about to take a test i don't if i can pass or not.

Any ideas on where i should start?

[Osk]

Looks like you've already started!  Congratulations and welcome to the boards.   I wish I could be of help but I haven't joined a gym.   I'm working out with hand weights at home while I rehab from knee surgery (which happened within a month of getting my lap band).  It's great that you're starting to work out before your surgery too, I am sure it will make your recovery all the better.

[Veee1226]

Hi Yolanda and welcome.  I remember what it was like when I first joined the gym.  I drove by the Lucille Roberts in my neighborhood everyday for 3 weeks and I could swear it was mocking me!  So, finally I went in, met a trainer who was one of the thinest women I had ever seen.  As frightening as it was, I layed all my cards on the table with her.  And she thought I was brave (which I was).

I started out with cardio work, just to speed up my metabolism and get my body used to it.  I would do 8 - 10 minutes on the treadmill first and then use some of the machines for a while.

I would suggest, if it is in your budget, make an appt with one of the trainers soon.  She/he will help you to work out a routine that will make you feel comfortable.  When you know what to do, it makes it less harder to go regularly.

Keeo it up and keep us posted!

Veronica

[nanny]

today when i leave work at 5:00 i am on my way to the gym.  I told a few coworkers that i joined a gym.  They told me that i was throwing my money away, because i am not going to go at all.  i have been told 3 different times from people today  (been there and done that).  But i say to them forget you, i am doing this for me and my 8 & 10 year old children.  I learned to today that not everyone is for you mostly against you.

[Bookworm]

I also have received some negative comments from co-workers, even though I've lost 75 pounds since my surgery in July. A friend told me that 85% of people you consider friends aren't really friends, they just want to be the one with the latest gossip so they can be "in the know". Some of their questions and comments are really painful. But the other 15% are true friends and really caare about you and your well being. The hard part is figuring out who the 15% are. It does get easier, and it's really helped put me in a positive place. You go, girl! Do it for you and your kids - that's who really matters. Be proud of yourself for your iniative and know that we will be there to support you!

Diane

[Osk]

That really sucks; people can be so freaking stupid sometimes.   This is a difficult process. It’s often hard enough to stay focused and positive without outside influences spouting off words of doom and failure.  “What if it doesn’t work? What if it hurts?  What if you do this and you still aren’t happy?  You should just diet and exercise, you don’t need surgery.  Oh, you’re not that big”. It forces you to really be strong, for yourself.   You are going to have to be your own biggest supporter.  It happens for a lot of people doing this, I’ve noticed.

I’ve been lucky.  Of my close friends I only had two who were really against me doing this.  One of them told me how good I looked two weeks after, and said she was proud of me.  The other one I haven’t seen since I got the procedure, we’d stopped being friends about a month ago.  I’m meeting back up with them tonight, hanging out, seeing if the relationship can be salvaged.   She’s also happy that things are going well for me, and happy that I’m happy with the results.  Both are a big oversized.   I’ve often found that my heavier friends are the one who are least supportive.  I don’t know if other people have found this to be the case as well.

STAY FOCUSED.  STAY ON MISSION.  Don’t let the bastards drag you down.

[Veee1226]

I have learned the hard way about being "too open" with people, like co-workers, who aren't true friends and often share unwanted opinions about my life.  In order to avoid negativity, you have to learn how to pick and choose who you talk to about your personal experiences.  This is hard for me, because I am basically a very open person and enjoy sharing with others.  I am also the type of person who takes what others say to heart too easily. So that makes it twice as hard for me.

Stick to your guns and don't let anyone break your spirit!