2 years out: From wheelchair to aspiring aqua exercise specialist-long

So glad to encourage you! The staff at Castle is fantastic! I am so happy they have two support groups a month. In fact if you are at the next support group, I would like to meet you, unless you are on the outer islands. It is the first Wednesday for the general group and the second wednesday for the behavioral group. If you don't know, it is open to those just even considering surgery.

I am such an advocate for them they asked to video tape my testimonial. So I hope to see that DVD they are making. I heard it is still being edited.

Good luck on your journey!

 Actually I am a neighbor islander..... I live on the island of Kauai.    It makes me feel good that you trust Dr. Fowler and the staff at Castle so much.  

Thank you so much for posting your journey.  You are a true success and I am so happy for you that you chose this surgery and a healthy, long life!!!
You have given me inspiration and motivation.
Best wishes to you with becoming an aqua exercise specialist, I think that is awesome!!
Enjoy this life you have so wisely chosen..........it's going to be a GREAT one!!!!

Congratulations on making so much progress towards a healthier and more active lifestyle. Your post was truly inspirational and the joy that you have now, was evident in your pictures. I can't tell you how much I admire your tenacity and strength to have come so far. I can't imagine doing as well as you are doing. Your goal is doable and you will be an inspiration for others that are following in your footprints.

Interesting how such a major event in one's life, can have such profound effects. I spoke with one of the instructor's at the gym and what motivated her to become a trainer and group fitness instructor, was the recovery process involved in healing from a major knee injury. Her work with the physical therapist changed her life, and she decided that she wanted to help other people become more fit and healthy. You are one of my heroes.


Gail

              

Thank you, Gail! It does feel good to be able to help others realize their health is in their control. In fact this afternoon at the pool, one man started talking to me and I told him my struggles and he shared similar stories and then asked me to show him how to do the deep water noodle exercises! It was so cool as I instructed him how to think about his anatomy and his core muscles, to use his brain to isolate the muscles required to stand on the noodle in deep water. Guess what! After a little struggling, he did it. Said he hadn't used those muscles in 10 years! LOL

I am so happy you decided to post this. There are many who are that size and debating on the surgery. You made a bold move to save your life and improve your situation and you have accomplished both of those! Thanks for be inspirational and leaving others a high goal to aspre to.

Here's to you, 

What an inspiring story!! Congrats on your success!! Good luck on your continued journey to health and longevity!!

Debby

Thank you so much for posting this.  I hope the "other outcomes" you needed to present meant SUPER SUCCESSFUL!!!  You have done an amazing job and I am very moved by your story.

Yeah, I am glad you caught that because my "other" outcome was a way of not getting caught up in the fact that I haven't reached the scale goal at two years out. It took work not to compare myself to those who lose so quickly and free themselves from obesity. I am still dealing with it because to those that don't know me, I am still morbidly obese. But I need to keep reinforcing my perspective and stay the course. I have a bit longer journey.

Thanks for your response and encouragement!

What a great story! Thank you so much for sharing! Good inspiration for all of us.