Hi Michael, Of course your prayer request is important.  I am dealing with those skin issues myself, even though I am not in the wonderful shape you are in!!   I can "hear" it in your posts that you have gone through an amazing transformation in your life...in all areas!!  I for one am very proud of you and for you.  Hang in there and God WILL answer your prayers.   I hope to keep seeing you post.  You are a POSITIVE inspiration on this board!!! Let us know about Monday's visit.  I ditto Nanci's response!!!

Thank you so much, Connie!!!  God bless! - Michael

well i would like to know what did u start out at i was 460 lbs on sept 12 before surgery i am at 260 today but i have a chest i like to either get removed or build up tell me what i can do to build my chest up and loose about 50 more pounds my brother works on ft rucker at the laboratory he is an areospace engineer test helmets and other things there would like to know if i should get a personal trainer or do it by myself ur friend boomboom

Hey there!!  Thank you for writing!.... I started at 408, and in truth, just a couple weeks after the surgery I started going to 24-hour Fitness Center with a trainer who specialized in Obesity Surgery patients.  We did a LOT of resistance bands and cardio, and focused on just "tightening up" things as we went.  So, as I lost the weight over the course of time, my chest and arms tightened up (never got muscular or bulky, just sinewy and tight)... Of course, you know the rest of my story.  I ended up losing TOO much weight (I got down to 148) and was walking skin and bones, so my journey has been to put-on muscle weight and INCREASE my weight.  After surgery, eating a lot of calories (I eat between 3000 and 3200 cals per day) is very difficult but it can be done.   In your case, however, since you still want to lose, you would still want to be following reduced calories, while building some muscle. The best bet is to do what I did, and consult a nutritionist and get a trainer.  They will tell you what is realistic for goals and what might need medical intervention.  For example, no matter WHAT I do - even if I were an OLYMPIAN (LOL!), that skin in my middle is going NOWHERE and needs medical intervention..... that is what I mean. I wish you the very best of luck and success in everything you do!  You have lost so much weight, and you are an awesome person!!! God bless, Mike

Congratulations!! You are doing so well. It is good to see you posting again. I agree with Nanci..you look marvelous. Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers for the surgery!!

Thank you so very much, I really do appreciate it a great deal! :) God bless, Mike

Michael...you are in my prayers.  I also have issues with my arms and legs.  I wish I could get those taken care of, but they are not "bad enough" for the doctors to  say that it is  medically necessary.  I do hope you get to have the surgery.  And Hey....this is important to you and we are here to help as pray for your needs just we are for anyone else's.  I am just thrilled that you are back with us. 

Hey there, Carmen! Thank you so very much - you are an awesome person, and I really appreciate it! God bless, Mike

Mike, it's great seeing you posting again.  I will be remembering you in my prayers.  KEEP ON POSTIN!

Thank you so much, Elee - it's nice to see you too!  I WILL keep on postin! :) - Mike