You made it! Welcome! Come introduce yourself.

There you are!

 If you made it this far-it is because you are already an important member of this group. Why? Because you have something to offer. It doesn't matter if you are just starting out-or post op for years. Each of us had a beginning and needed to hear from someone in their shoes what they were going through.

Each of you have an important place here-and you will be treated as such. I have learned equally from those just starting out to those long since post op. Even now-after 2 years-new folks give me SO much inspiration and info!

Please take a moment to share with all of us your journey. If you are shy about posting-think about all those who feel the same way. Hey-it starts with one light and it spreads, right? 

Let's light up the night! Here, I will light one and then you, and so-on. Take my hand-let's go!

Peace,
Therese

Ok well Miss T you know my story but for those that dont I will try and keep it short.

My name is Gary, Im 28, Live in Manchester UK, 15 months ago I was a little under 550 lbs (39 Stone) Today im a little over 300 lbs (22 Stone).

I was approved for WLS and planned to have a TNY in Sept last year, However before then I decided to help myself and loose weight, It just went crazy from there on, I never intended to loose almost 250lbs WITHOUT WLS but thats what happened, I have cycled to work and back every day since July last year and clocked up almost 1800 Miles (2900 KM) 

If you have an hour or 2 spare then PLEASE read my blog, There are MANY pictures and although it is a long read it will keep your attention from start to finish (Start at the bottom)

gazzasblogs.blogspot.com/

I am also doing a charity bike ride in July for cancer research, 70 Miles OUCH , Please see my other page:

www.justgiving.com/gb155


Ok so that me, Sorry its a bit long winded.

Gaz

Hey Mr. Gaz! Thanks for coming and sharing about your journey! I think its fantastic that you set out on one journey and life led you to yet another! I have always said this surgery is not for everyone and I DO believe when we set forth with the intention to better our lives-the right tools appear. And they surely have for YOU!

You are a great success and I KNOW as others join you will continue to inspire as always!

I can't wait to track you on your charity Bike ride in July!! My hubby and I might be able to come watch that! Where is it happening??

Take care and thanks!

T

Hey Miss Redd

Its crazy how life works isnt it, I set out to save my life, I was knocking on heavens door and by chance thought a way I never even dreamed I could I have saved my life, Crazy.

Thanks I hope so

It starts in Manchester ( just a few miles from you, Outside Manchester United Football Club) and ends in the seaside town of Blackpool 70 miles away, Would be awesome to see you and your hubby on the day

Add my blog to your fav's as I update at least once a week with pictures etc

Gaz

Hello!
Thank you so much for setting this up! It's such a great idea for us to all stay on track together! I hardly ever see anyone from the UK posting, but now it'll be so much easier!!

Well my name is Vicky, I am 24 years old, live in LLansantffraid in Mid-Wales, and I had RNY on July 18th 2008. I had my surgery in the Whalley Range Spire, Manchester under Mr Ammori. My starting weight was 364lbs, and I am currently 232lbs. I would like to get down to 175lbs ideally, but just taking it one day at a time! My weight loss has started to really slow down over the past 3 months or so, so need to get my ass in gear and do alot more exercise! I sometimes find it hard to stay motivated with the exercise, but I am SO determined to get as close to goal as possible that I will persevere!!

Well take care everyone, and I look forward to getting to know more people from the Uk here!

Hey Vicky!!

I am SO glad to see you here!! You and I started at nearly the same weight and I recognize your determination and drive. I can tell you that those two things are what will really get you to where you are going!!

I look forward to you being here and helping support all the new folks that will come in looking for support. Look at us already! We have a great mix of folks in the people that have already joined! We have surgery and non-surgery and we have lap-band and bypass! HOW FUN!!

The good part about excercise is that if you have been lax and you start in again-it will surely give you a good KICK start again!

Keep coming back and letting us know how it's going!

Hubby and I are going to Wales this weekend because he is going to be in a concert! He is a musician and I get to hear him perform properly this time!! So excited!

Peace and THANKS!

T

It's great to see a variety of different people here already! I am so glad that we will all be able to support each other on our journeys!

I am stepping up on the exercise from tomorrow, I've written myself a little routine out, gonna see how it goes, and increase/decrease the intensity depending on how  get on!
I must say that seeing how well you have done when you started out at about the same weight as me has really inspired me, I CAN do it, and it may be slower now that I'm further out, but I WILL get there!

Where abouts in Wales is you husbands concert? What sort of musician is he? I love watching live music, we're lucky in Wales, they call it the land of song so there is always a concert/band to see!

Take Care
Vicky

Vicky, DH and I spend much time in Wales. We lived in Draethen and then Penarth for 10 years; I went to Cardiff University as did my eldest daughter and my son. My middle daughter went to Swansea! Vicky and her Welsh-speaking husband live in Pontypridd and Becky and her very Welsh but not Welsh speaking husband live in Newport.

Kate

Aww wow! I loved Cardiff Uni when I went to visit, but thought it was too far away from home, so ended up going to Aberystwyth instead which I LOVED!!!  My father lives in Newport, but we live more in the middle!! We're very close to the border (between Oswestry and Welshpool). I love it here, have lived here nearly all of my life, apart from my time in Aber! I started teaching in a Welsh Medium School in September, and it's great! Only a small school, but it's better, everyone knows everyone, and the kids are so nice!!

Damn it all! I was going to be discreet and hide away - the UK isn't that big and I hated the idea of someone I know recognising me! I am a very private person and spending all my time on US boards preserves anonymity wonderfully! But what the heck!

So here I am! Banded at age 56; lost all excess weight within 15 months. Got too thin, started to look gaunt and ill so deliberately put a few pounds back on. Now maintaining without problem for well over a year. Last fill January 2008.

The band has changed my life. I have energy and bounce! Even at my largest I led an active and fairly adventurous live, but now I can do that with renewed gusto! I have all the energy necessary to look after my toddler grandson for days on end; my backpacking trips (mainly Asia) can involve more walking; life is just good.

Love my band!  So I won't hide my head away! If wannabes recognise me, they will know I have been a success story and it may help them change their life too.   Kate