8 Month Anniversary Today

It's been exactly 8 months now since my WLS.  As of this morning, I am down 131 lbs (only 7 more to my goal)!!  I never knew I could feel so good.  I'm still walking, I even jog a little now and started taking Tae Kwon Do classes 3 times/wk about five weeks ago.  Getting all my vitamins, counting protein and drinking liquids is not something I have to force myself to remember anymore.  It has become a way of life.  Overall, my WLS has been a wonderful experience. One of the most fun things I like is bumping into people I haven't seen in a year or two and having them either not recognize me at all or watching them do a double-take.  One of the big managers of my company calls me "Skinny" as a nickname now.  That certainly beats some of the others names I've heard through the years. I also never thought in a million years that Tae Kwon Do could be so fun (pics posted).  It's a great workout as evidenced by all my sweat when I walk out the door after each lesson.  And I'm not that fat, sweaty guy anymore.  it takes a lot to make me sweat these days.  If it wasn't for trying to finish my Master's degree, I'd probably go more than 3x in a week. The best part about WLS is meeting all of you.  Having a core group of people all sharing the same experience is an incredible thing.  Yeah, I know I'm not always on but I do go back and read most of the posts at least every week or two (Yes, I'm mostly a lurker these days!!).  I know that if I ever have any problems or questions that this is the place to get them answered.  You guys are like family to me. Before I go, I'm also hoping to schedule another MD Board hike or two when it gets a little warmer.  At the first hike, Mo mentioned biking the C&O canal and I think that is an awesome idea.  If anybody has any other ideas for getting together for an exercise-related event, please post it... nothing is too outlandish (see next paragraph).   My present to myself when I reach my goal is to go skydiving.  I made some jumps back in the late 1980s and loved it.  I want to exit a perfectly good airplane at 15K feet one last time.  And none of this tandum stuff... it will be advanced free fall (AFF) all the way.  I don't know when it will be (I still have 7 lbs to go) but I am soooo looking forward to it.  I'll keep you posted. Happy with maintaining a losing streak, --Eric

Congrats on amazing accomplishments in 8 short months! You have done incredibly well and are an inspiration!

Nah.  You're the inspiration!!

Congratulations Eric!!!  You have done wonderful in just 8 months.   I am so proud of you.  Wishing you nothing but success and happiness. As for the AFF have fun and be safe. I am deathly afraid of heights so i can't say that I would love to come and watch you fall. Let us know how it goes and make sure to have someone take pics or a video. Hugs,

Thank you so much.  I send my wishes back to you and that new baby of yours.   I will definitely have some pics taken!

Thank you Eric!  I am enjoying my little Princess she is such a joy!

Eric WOW! You have done so well and I am so proud of you.  You can count me in this hike, hands down.  There is only one way to go from here and that is up.  Buddy it is time for skydiving!  You let me know and I will come "watch":)  You are a rock star! Hugs Kristen

Thanks for such a nice email. It's not quite time for skydiving just yet but very soon.  My wife doesn't want me to do it.  I stopped doing it all those years ago because I herniated a disk in my back with one of my landings.  it was my own fault but she's afraid that something like that will happen again.  But, like the WLS, this is something I want to (no, have to) do for myself.  Just one more time. If you want to watch, I'm certainly fine with that.  The best way would be to jump out right behind me! --Eric

Eric You let me think about it and I might just be right on that with you. Hugs Kristen So when is the next Hike?

That would be too cool!  I would certainly love the company. As for the hike, I'm still in school for another month, so it will probably have to wait until after that.  That doesn't mean you guys can't plan one without me.