I need help from a fellow 401/508 person

Hi Kelly, thanks for responding.  I'd really like to get together and at least meet you since we are so close! When I first started going to the Y I was 314lbs and I can sympathize with you about the turnstyle.  At the time I was so determined to 'do it' that it didn't matter, I would get through it and it was only going to get easier from that day forward.  I spend nearly the first six months mainly in the pool.  The water aerobics classes have a diverse make up and each teacher offers certain strengths.  In the pool it was much easier to work up a good cardio and not worry about my ankles turning or hurting my knees.  Once I got the jist of keeping up my heart rate in the pool while moving I started going to lap swim or family swim and doing my own workout.  Once I started going regularly people were really nice about recognizing me with a smile, a head nod, or in class would start chatting to me.  I know what you mean about the treadmills.  I got annoyed with that and then forced myself to start using some of the other machines.  Some nights I would do 15 minutes on three different machines and then go downstairs in the pool for more cardio.  I could not care less about what anyone thinks of me there.  There is a wide variety of people that I've noticed.  From high school kids to grandparents, parents with children, pregnant women, people with disabilities.  I'd like to add you as a friend!  If you are not ready for a gym or the Y, maybe a walk?  I'll support your success 100 percent.  The bottom line is that we feel good about ourselves and we become healthy!  If I can make a friend out the process I would love that.. I am in sore need of girlfriends that can relate to the journey we are on. Courtney

Hi Courtney!! While I have not had the surgery yet, I am always here to chat as well.  I am a 401 during the school year and a 508 while at home! :)  I'd love to find a support group closer as well, currently I am going into Boston and that gets annoying to say the least.  Fortunately I get a free gym membership through my school so I couldn't travel to the Y but I will have to check it out once I graduate in May. Good Luck!!

Hi there.. yeah, going into Boston for support groups is really tough and I believe because I didn't hindered my progress.  Thankfully we can always restart with the band and that's where I am at. Thanks!