Question:
How much can one weigh to get started riding a bike in public?

My six-year-old and I set a goal for this surgery that I would be able to ride a bike with him by October. I am not sure this is going to happen. I am 5 weeks post op today, down 23, but I am 5' 4" and 300 pounds. Is it physically possible to ride a two-wheeler at this weight? I can't even imagine how gross it would look, but exercise will help me improve that. I know Merri got an adult tricycle which she loves, but it is a little pricier than I had hoped, and I wanted one that could be taken in the car to a bike trail. Any ideas????    — Karen F. (posted on June 25, 2002)

June 24, 2002
Hi, I bought my bike when I weighed around 230. And I have ridden it ever since. I was like you, I thought well people are going to laugh at me. But I thought, if I dont exersise, then I am not going to do as good as I could. I can not tell you how much better I feel. I am so grateful for this surgery. I love my bike. I ride with my 10 year old daughter. I have four kids, and next year plan on all of us riding together on Sundays. When the traffic is slow around here ( I live in a coal company area) I hope that you at least try it. It gives you energy. I feel so much better now. I only payed 80 bucks for my bike but I feel that was probally the best 80 spent in awhile!!!!!! Open Rny 10/4/01 -99lbs and counting.!!!!! Btc of Ohio. Thanks Dr. Kaczmarski you are the GREATEST!!!!!
   — TONYA B.

June 24, 2002
I cannot speak for myself as I am not a bike rider, but I can tell you about a man here in town who weighed over 300 pounds and was so crippled by his weight he couldn't walk across a parking lot without stopping for breath and a rest. He began riding a bike. At first, he could not even go 1/4 mile, but he would go as far as he could. He kept it up everyday, disregarding what he looked like or not complaining about how far he could not go. Well, after a year, he is riding 30 miles a day and has lost 75 pounds. He still cannot walk because of damage done to his legs, but his breath is back and no more wheezing. I admire him for not giving up, for not using the excuse that he "couldn't ride more than 1/4 mile" (like I do), and for loving himself enough to do what he could do each day. By the way...he is 67 years old!
   — Brenda A.

June 24, 2002
Karen, I am 10 months post-op down 80 pounds. My high was 281 and I was still able to ride a bike. My son and I would ride the bike path quite often. However, the only thing I changed on my bike was to replace the seat with a more comfortable one. Give it a try. Go for short rides and each time you go out add a little more distance. Make sure to bring water for you and your son. Good luck to you.
   — Betty M.

June 24, 2002
Karen I love my bike, but that tiny little seat...ouch!!! Replaced it with one that fit better, and always make sure my tires are inflated (nothin' worse than tryin to ride with low tires!!) Have fun =)
   — Denise W.

June 24, 2002
Have you thought about a recumbent bike? You know--one that you sit in and put your legs out in front of you to bike? I've seen them with chair-like seats that offer some support and I know I find those types of bikes easier to use at the gym.
   — PT LawMom

June 25, 2002
I Have been riding a bike for a while now. I decided that as long as I could physically do it nothing was going to stop me from doing this with my son. The plus side is that It has helped me to maintain what weight I've lost on my own in the last couple of years. The downside is your butt is going to absuletely kill. So be prepared, but have fun. I was probably about 270ish when I got back on a bike after at least 10 years not riding. I cant wait for my surgery July 31st. My goal is to be able to get Ski boots to fit my Calves so we can ski together. My son is 7 and really wants to do this with me and I used to love skiing. Congrats on your loss so far. Keep up the good work. :-)Penny
   — pcollin4

June 25, 2002
I'm pre-op, 5'5" (I thought I was 5'7" until my consultation...hmmm) and about 300 even, and I ride my GT timberline occassionally. I think it depends on how you feel, how your balance is, it's all about you!! Just make sure you're wearing a helmet, and don't ever ride if you're feeling light headed or dizzy, and make sure you stay well hydrated. Also, consider getting a big padded seat, it will probably help make it more enjoyable for you, not hurt the butt/crotch so badly. Also, make sure the frame of the bike is the right length for your torso and arms, most bikes are WAY too big for women our height. (funny huh? the bikes are too big for us, not the other way around!) *lol* and just make sure you get a bike that has a solid frame, you're probably better off with a mountain bike than a road bike, because they're built to take the stresses of jumpers, cliff rides, etc.
   — Heather K.