Has it really been 2 years?

Thanks for your post!  You ARE an inspiration and look GREAT!!

Great update Lauren, 
 You know I love you girl!!!!!!!! Much congrats to you!!!! I know you will get to goal!!!!!!!!!!
Hugs,
Susan

A beautiful post from a beautiful Lady (both inside and out).  You truly have been an inspiration to so many on this board including me.

It is good to know you're still here lurking and I am not the only one to log on every day, if not several times. 

"Research… Find alternative and creative ways to incorporate exercise. Even if it’s from the comfort of your living room chair."

Thank you for that reminder.  I started out gung ho on walking only to have my sciatica get worse than it had ever been so that put a stop to all walking except when it could not be avoided.   (I did attempt to find treatment but so far nothing has helped except round the clock narcotics which I will only do for special occasions)    After your reminder I no longer can use the sciatica as an excuse not to excerise. 

Thank you so much for all you have done for me in my journey and for the knowledge that you will continue to be here.

Love & Hugs
Rita

Congrats Lauren!!  I'm so beyond words proud of ya girl!! 

HOT MAMA, you look fantastic girl and the smile on your face is fabulous!  Keep working it, get your butt moving now - and the weight will move.  9 lbs in a year is fine, at least it wasn't up any!

Love you and so proud of you.  You rock!

Lauren!! Happy 2 yr surgiversary!!!!
You have done sooooooo well!!! I totally can relate to your post. I wish I would have exercised earlier too, now I pay the price (stubborn last pounds!). I managed to gain the 5 pounds I lost last year and just can't get them off!!

I love your insight and the peace that eminates from your words, you don't sound angry or bitter for not being at goal. We all need to take this approach, we need to be kinder to ourselves.
Many hugs Lauren!!-Jessie

Lauren

Thanks for that great post.  I made my first goal, and wanted to lose more, but have been stuck for about 9 months.  I have to admit that the exercise is the component I have resisted since the beginning too.  First it was my health issues and pain problems with my feet and joints, my  fibromyalgia, then knee and shoulder injuries.  I just stayed complacent, did some light exercise, but have finally gotten ready to commit to exercise.  I am working out with a Trainer on THursday for the first time.  He was a Physical Therapist, and hopefully he can get me on a program that will help me without hurting me.  I am on some new meds, so my pain is at a very low level for the first time in about 10 years. Before  would be in pain just sitting or laying down.  Now I have moments when I am almost pain free.  Too bad I have to take drugs to make that happen, but if that is necessary, so be it.  I know losing another 10-20 lbs will really help my joints, so I need to do this.

I want to become someone who loves exercise.  Up unti now I have dreaded and avoided it. I used  worry about pain, worry about germs,  worry about what other thought as reasons to stay away.  I need to focus on the positive and see sweating as a good thing!  I can learn to love exercise I can I can I can!

Thanks for the honesty and sharing your journey.  You are doing fantastic and can reach that goal.

Cheers,  Ter

You have been an inspiration to me from the beginning of my journey.  Thank you for your post.  This journey is about more than the weight loss.  It is a self discovery.  Congratulations on all you have done!

Carole

Lauren, your such a success story. I have no doubt that with diligence, and enlightenment into your own psyche your going to make your goal. 200 lbs in two years, that's a success story all it's own. Honesty is the best tool you have at this point with the willingness to enhance what you've been given. that sleeve tool will still be a great advantage point to your success. exercise IS key for many of us. I know without exercise I'd not be almost at my second set goal point. I had more shoulder surgery and won't be able to exercise for 4 months at the gym like usual, but in a few weeks now, I'll be able to walk again on a daily basis without jarring my shoulder and I'll be looking forward to doing anything other than being stuck in this house. lol
I am so proud to say you and Lisa are my two best role models for honesty, light and admiration on this board. I have met many here that have enhanced my mind and my soul, and I am eternally greatful for all of them, but I hold in such esteem, mostly the two of you graceful lovely ladies your honesty and your warm outlook that keep you coming back. I am in such admiration of that. Keep it up sweetie and my best to you and your lovely family.
sue

Congratulations Lauren!  Your insight is always spot on to how many of us feel and just can't put down in words.  Thank you for all your post over the last two years...you are truely an awesome person!

Lisa