I'd love to see that list if you don't mind sharing I was hoping to find some places in Richmond on Wednesday afternoons before our class! I honestly don't know how much I can walk, but I want to try -- I have bad knees and early arthritis as well so I need to start slow...

Hey everyone,

So I've been spending a lot of time trying to get in shape and find a fitness routine/lifestyle that works for me.  Most of you know that I've recently started Dr. Sampath's program, and so far it's going really well.  I had a really interesting chat with PAL yesterday and felt compelled to share one of my goals -- to start hiking. 

I've always had a lot of insecurities about exercising outdoors and felt conflicted about trying it with my closest friends and fam.  I also didn't have the luxury of being able to drive anywhere on my own until March of this year.

If anyone is interested in trying it with me, I've compiled a list of easy trails in the lower mainland that I'd like to attempt sometime this year.  I have some family and friends who would be willing, but I also think it would be great to do this together with other people who are going through the WLS process or have had it already.  

Let me know :) The list and more of my WLS ramblings can be found on my blog here:  http://searchingformysolace.wordpress.com/2012/05/01/im-going-to-start-hiking/ 

 I believe you are! Dr. Amson is a great surgeon, but his patient list is too extensive and the appointments are just glorified weigh-in's.  He's not getting enough funding to do more than 200 surgeries a year (yet), and I've heard that he's planning to retire soon.  

While I was seeing him, I had my GP refer me to Dr. Sampath last August...I got in to see him earlier this month and he's fantastic.  I've heard great things about both him and Dr. Nguyen, and I have to say this whole multi-dimensional approach to surgery with all the specialists we have to see is worth it.  If I had any reservations or fears before in all the years I've been waiting to have this happen, they've managed to disappear because everyone is so understanding and really does want what's best for you.  And these are lifelong specialists we're meeting, people who will be involved in our aftercare for years after surgery.  

You do not have to stop seeing Dr. Amson while you wait for the referral to go through, but once you meet Dr. S or Dr. N for the first consult you need to make a decision and let them know who you choose.  

Wishing you all the best...

 yay! Berry pomegranate is my fave...

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