New to Board

I have posted one question to this site just in the last few days because I wasn't into needing any help. My weight has always been a very private issue. I didn't tell anyone about even thinking of this surgery except my husband, not even my family doctor. And of course, I didn't need any support. What a mistake that was! I wish I would have had the wisdom to talk with others as it took me 4 years and a lot of soul searching and praying about this surgery to make the decision. I believe that God was giving me the answer but I wasn't willing to see it his way. Every time I would think of having this surgery, there would be something positive in one of the media about wls. I also had this crazy idea that this was the "easy" way out. Boy was I wrong! My wls was on 122704. My starting weight was 304 and I am down to 181 now, having lost 123 pounds. I am struggling with the last 20 pounds the doctor wants me to lose. I would like to lose another 40 pounds. Like a lot of people, I am still unable to exercise a lot. I would love to do something just don't know what to do since I have two herniated discs (1 other one already fixed) and both are encased with scar tissue as well as the nerves from all three. I would love some suggestions for exercises that I would be able to do. Long walks are not something I can do. I do try to use the health walker here at home for 10 to 15 minutes but that is all I can do with the back problems. After reading all the posts for the last couple of days, I am making myself make better food choices. You all have been such an inspiration. Thank you. I would love nothing better that to become more a part of this site. I understand there is a secret pal thing and also an angel thing going on. How do I get started with this? Also please add my 123# to the running total. Thanks, Shelley

Shelley, SWIM!!!! find a local pool and SWIM. I have to say that even when I was at my heaviest (348) I was able to get in the pool and swim without pain, in fact I have a spinal fusion so I know all about those herniated discs you speak of!! You can check your local YMCA, local high school for open swim time, I even found a local hotel that lets swimmers come in and do laps free of charge as long as they swim first thing in the morning before 8 am Yes it is not your normal size hotel pool either it is a former health club with lap lanes LOL I also did water aerobics even when I was dealing with my herniated discs, just get your doctors permission before starting, but mine did pool therapy for me when I couldn't even walk without a walker!! Give it a try and let me know what you think. Another thing you might want to try is pilates, pilates works on developing long lean muscle I think you could do a simple class without too much pain, just let your instructor know in advance of your back situation and they will work with you. Been there done that!!! I still can not do any jumps in ballet, but at least I can take the class. My fusion lets me know its there if I land a leap in the wrong way Best of luck to you, Jill

Hi Shelly, first of all I want to welcome you to the Michigan board. I also want to congratulate you on your sucess so far. You are doing great. We both started out at the exact same weight. I am 2 1/2 yrs out and I have lost 0ver 160 lbs. It can still be a struggle some times. but I wouldn't change it for the world. Jill gave you some great exercise advice. You need to strengthen the muscles around the vertibra that you are having issues with, I think that swimming and water arobeics would be a great choice for you, or for any of us for that matter. Good luck and keep posting. God Bless-----Toni