Mile High FART: Weekend on Top of the World

Hi Guys,

Just dropped in stink up the place and brag about the outstanding weekend I had hiking/camping on top of the world. We hiked the Deep Gap Trail over the tops of Mt. Mitchell (6684ft), Mt. Craig (6648ft), Big Tom (6581ft), and Balsam Cone (6596ft) in the Black Mountains of North Carolina. Mt. Mitchell is the highest peak east of the Mississippi and a great challenge for a hiker. The trail was very steep and any false step in a lot of spots on this trail would result in a 1000ft drop over the side. We did a 7.5 mile out and back round trip climbing up and down over the mountain tops on some of the roughest terrain I have ever hiked on plus I was carrying a 35lb pack on my back.  It was such a blast to be able to push my body so hard and have it respond with ease. I took over 300 pictures Saturday so I'll try and get some up on my profile page this week. Just 27 months and 240lbs ago I would have been out of breath just walking from the car to the gift shop in the parking lot. I felt like I was walking in the clouds at the top of the world.  I have come to realize that I can never really explain to folks that have not been through what we have been through how great it is to really live my life again. To me it’s like I got a “do over” from my prison of fat and my old life of sitting on my ass. Don’t waste your “do over” by not taking maximum advantage of your potential to change your life (Damn, I’m starting to sound like a cheesy motivational speaker). Y’all understand what I’m saying, you have a brief window after WLS surgery to really help yourself so you need to get your mind and body right. The long term benefits will astound and amaze you, they do me all the time.  Good Luck fellas and have a great week.  Regards,  Tim

"Don’t waste your “do over” by not taking maximum advantage of your potential to change your life " I understand completely! Congratulations Tim! (Not a chessy motivational speaker, but an actual motivational Do-er!) Keep it Up! Best Wishes- Dx

Nicely done, Tim!! Nuthin' cheesy about telling everyone you're feeling "on top of the world" after your pursuit of life after being physical and mentally unable to do so for so many years. I feel the exact same way and everyone else here should too. Everyone's journey need not be to conquer Mt. Everest but...... we all need to set goals whether they be bigguns or little-uns. In your case, keep reaching for the stars, brother!! Boner 

Thanks Dex/Boner,  We all know it not what you got but what you do with it. I'm not going to be ready for Everest anytime soon because it just to damn cold. My one gripe after WLS is I am a very cold natured person now and regularly wear long sleeve shirts when the temp is below 80 degrees. If you would have told to 3 years ago that I would be out climbing mountains in 2008 I would have laughed my ass off. It just so great to really not have any more physical limitations in my way anymore. After 15 years of chairs that were too weak or small, clothes that don't fit, tiny cars, can't get on the roller coaster, can’t cross your legs, needing two airplane seats to fly, and tons of aches and pains. Combine that with the lack of energy and stamina and I really felt like I was in fat prison. Now fast forward two years and I walk or hike 10-20 miles each week, play volleyball, softball, run up and down stairs like they are not even there and am never out of breath. I'm just so thankful that I have my health back. You take it for grant when your young but as we all get older and have to start limiting ourselves you become much more conscious of what we're losing. I really feel like I am living my life again instead of just trying to survive another day. I hope all of you maximize your future potential after WLS. If you get you mind in the right place, work the program, follow the proper nutritional guidelines and make exercise part of your daily routine you’ll be climbing your mountains as well.  Regards, Tim