Kathryn, I hope you are right. It is true people are full of life. They are healthier and more active. I just hope they don't forget where they come from, and where they have been. Many times it is easy to forget. I have unfortunately heard of people that they lost the weight only to gain the weight back or become anemic ( I hope I wrote it write, for a person to not eat right, vitamins intake, and lose excessive weight). And if they are doing great, and full of life, wish them the best. I wish you the best also. Thank you for the summer challange information. It was power. Take care.

Hi Louis, I don't think this is the end, but I think the lack of activity is probably a good sign that people are out living their lives. I am so grateful for this forum, and to know that we're all here to support each other. Hooray for that! It's exciting to be approaching our two-year mark and to reflect on how different our lives are. We are healthier and more active, for sure, though obviously we haven't had all our issues cured with this surgery. Hopefully we can all address our insecurities and vices head-on as we continue to grow in strength and in health, making us better, stronger and happier people than we've ever been. Baby steps, baby steps! Have a great weekend, and thanks for all you do for this board. Kathryn

Linda, remember when I said I would probably have one person responde, I was thinking it might be you. I would do the same for you. How much much more weight do you want to lose. You are already look great. GUESS WHAT! I have taken the one time use camera to the photo shop. June is still not over and I am rolling. My next step is to have enough money to pick them up. Remember this is my Summer goal. Always glad to hear from you. Thanks also for your kind words. Take care.

This board is just about dead. What happend? I might get maybe one response if I am lucky. We are all doing great, and looking great. Full of energy and life. Have we changed? Maybe just out of time? Our 2 year anniversary is coming up. This weight lose surgery is a life time journey. Maybe some of the questions are not appealing? If you have a better one or more interesting, then post it. Maybe some people dislike some people on the message board. Could be me? It would be nice to receive feedback. But of all I am happy for all your success. Everyone has been doing great. Plus, looking great. If you read this message don't foget to say hi before exiting. God bless you all.

Hello all, I hope everyone is doing well and is having a great summer. In our attempts to be the best we can be when our August anniversaries arrive, we've been reviewing the four aspects of post-WLS life. The last one to cover is perhaps the most controversial, and the one that inspires the most emotion in people: exercise. Exercise is obviously one of the very best things anyone can do for his/her body. Cardio exercise oxygenates the blood, strengthens our endurance, and causes a rush of endorphins that chips and chocolate cannot compete with. Weight training increases our muscle mass, which helps us burn more calories all day long. Additionally, our bones are made stronger by strength training. The list of benefits goes on and on, and we all know the scoop. However, exercise can evoke some nasty emotions as well: Memories of not being able to keep up with the other kids in gym class at school; the pain associated with exercising beyond our means; comparisons of our bodies to leaner, fitter, stronger ones. I personally find that getting out there (to the gym or outdoors to walk) is about 90% of the battle. Once I'm "there," I am committed to doing the exercise. But I can come up with 100 excuses not to do it. Once I am done exercising, though, I can rest my mind, knowing that I have done the best I can for my body that day. If I follow up with relatively decent eating choices, along with water and vitamins, I know I've done my end of the deal. And that's a great feeling. So get out there and exercise. Start slowly if you're not used to it; add a little to your routine if you're currently exercising. It can provide you with some "me" time, or exercise with a buddy who can keep you accountable and with whom you enjoy spending time. We all know the drill, at nearly two years out. It's just a matter of implementing it. Much easier said than done, but so worthwhile. So now, we've covered the four post-WLS musts: 1) water 2) vitamins 3) protein 4) exercise Let's soar this summer, and be the best we can be not only for our August anniversaries but for as long as possible. We're here to support each other! Take care, Kathryn