Enjoying the beginning of the journey

Hi all, I couldn't resist the opportunity to shout out my joy . My doctor asked me to lose 10 lbs. before he will consider doing the surgery. After 3 weeks, ...drum roll... I lost my first 13 lbs. I am so happy I could . It's a shame that I'm not done with all of the remaining tasks and testing that have been prescribed by Dr. A., if I had been done, I might have been waiting to hear from the insurance company. Last Friday, I joined a health and fitness center, and while it took me a few days to get started I did my first 1/2 mile today (which is a big deal for me, because I've got arthritic toes, feet, hips, and back). So being able to walk through the pain was a major accomplishment. Tomorrow I have an appointment with a trainer, who will hopefully give me some suggestions on things that I can do that won't cause me as much pain and discomfort. Well, if the beginning is as good as this , I can only hope that the rest of the trip will be as successful. Peace, Ken P.

Hey Ken, Good Job! Every journey starts with a first step. You just take your time at the health club. It's not a race. When I started all I did was a slow walk on the treadmill. You will be surprized how much easier it gets as you go along. Good luck and great sucess as the days go by. Be well, Julio

Thanks Julio! I know what you mean about it not being a race, I think it's just one of those things deep inside that makes you so anxious to see the finish line, that you forget to pace yourself. Thanks for the inspiration and encouragement. Ken

Hey Ken, CONGRATS for 13ilbs and pretty soon your journey will just beggining!!!! Perfect start to get use to exercise so it will be more easier for you after surgery to do your exercise! Hope to meet you at Walk for Obesity Are you going ? I will be at booth where people will get their T Shirt Introduce yourself to me if you are going there!!! Hugs Kathy K

Hi Kathy, Thanks for the encouragement. Regarding the Walk, I've thought about it for some time, but I will not be there this year, perhaps next year. I don't think I'm emotionally ready to do the walk yet. But I am grateful to you and all others who will don their walking shoes to promote the hope of renewal and wholeness that we all desire and need. Peace, Ken

Ken You are on the track to better health. Good Luck on your journey! Joanie

Hi Joanie, Thanks for the good wishes. I think the best thing that has happened so far is that when I went out this morning, I was blessed that my beloved wife joined me for a workout, and afterward expressed her intention to join me regularly. Now I've got my partner of 29 years to work out with. Ken

Hi Ken! Congrats on your intial weight loss. I found the initial diet before surgery to be very challenging, so you have done very well! If you have any questions regarding fitness, please feel free to email me directly. I work at a fitness center, I've had arthritis and bariatric surgery, and I'd be glad to give you some pointers with what works for me. ;) You are doing wonderfully! Good luck throughout your journey! Tammy

Thanks Tammy, You should know that you are one of the primary reasons that I was motivated to get started (you might remember that I wrote you a couple of times inquiring about Healtrax). I was present at Middlesex when you did that wonderful presentation about the need and benefits of exercise as part of my preparation for surgery and as critical ingredient of my lifetime maintenance. I think the biggest challenge for me is to combat my usual inclination; you see, in the past, when I would lose a significant amount of weight, I would celebrate with a special trip to Friendly's for a 5 scoop hot fudge sundae . Thanks again, and keep up your good work of uplifting, encouraging so many. You are a blessing to many of us on the OH network. Ken

Hi Ken, YOU MEN!!!!! Always can lose so much faster than us women. Argh. But, I'm happy for your accomplishment thus far. Keep losing, the more the better before surgery so that Dr A can get his hands inside of you and move around. It'll make for an easier recovery, too. He told me to lose 10 lbs and I've lost about 13...and I'm happy to be holding at that. I can't seem to lose any more than that. Congrats on working out! I've been walking, too and it feels good. I had to walk through some shin pain during the first mile the other day, but I was able to walk 3. You'll find your journey will go quickly and you'll have your date really soon. Keep up the good work! paula