As a volunteer clown, participating in functions to help children, I often ride one of those silly little bikes where my knees are above the handle bars. As a chubby clown I had problems riding them. As a slim downed clown the small bikes are much easier although I prefer my carbon frame, Kestrel Road Bike now. Now that I am almost to my goal I plan to spend the next ten years riding my bike in events across the USA. The plan is to ride in five events each year which will give me whole USA after ten years. There are many bike rides sponsored annually by worthy charitable organizations. Riding my bike will allow me to help others while helping myself maintain my newfound slimness. I wanted to commit to this on the state forums as a reminder to myself that the surgery is only the first step; a life-style change is imperative if I want to maintain. I intend to do that on my bike. Kim

It's called AbqNBB...........if you're interested in joining us just send an email with the email address you'd like to use to [email protected] and I'll get you signed up, Olga Are you here in NM? Carol J

Hello , I was wondering how I would go about creating a forum for people in Las Cruces to meet and chat and start a suport group, Does anyone know how to start a forum, thanks Kelly

Hi again, I was not aware that there was a support group here in LC. Can you give me more information as to where and when its held? If it's a public support group, I would love to join or visit. I thought the nearest one was in Albuquerque. As for Tom's gym, I live about 2 miles from there. I didnt realize it was priced so well. Maybe Ill check it out. Thanks for the info.

Hi Kelly, Now it's my turn to be sorry for taking so long to respond. I was out of town and didn't have access to a computer. Congratulations on your surgery and your weight loss. As far as the hairloss, unfortuneately, that is normal. Don't be scared, it will grow back. The hairloss usually stops at about 5-6 months post-op(at least it did for me). There really is nothing you can do to prevent it, I think it comes from lack of vitamins that your own body produced before and doesn't anymore. As for the loose skin...........welcome to my world. There is alot of it, and its very loose. I really don't know how heavy you were pre-op or how young you are, and that has alot to do with it. The best advice I can give you and it comes from other people on OH is to make sure you exercise, drink all your water, and of course take all your vitamins daily. Without exercise, your skin will just begin to hang as you lose the weight. I did and do exercise, but not like I should. It is so much easier, and gives you more motivation when someone does it with you. When my husband has a day off, he walks with me, otherwise I do it on my own. My doctor's excercise therapist told me that all exercise is good but the 3 best excercises are swimming, walking and bicycle riding. (walking: because of the circulation, swimming:because of the water resistance, and bicycle riding: because it gives you the workout of running without the excessive impact. I'm really happy to know that there are other WLS folks in Las Cruces. Maybe, we can meet and start some type of walking program where we can encourage each other. If you don't mind me asking, what part of Las Cruces do you live in? Take care and keep up the good work! OLGA