Charlotte is VERY wise indeed!! Your doc did not present the option of getting a new knee? My mom got both done and is like a new person. Is that an option for you?

Also, go to swimsuits just for us.com. they have really cute suits on there. I got one that almost goes down to my knees, and I wore it at 335 on a cruise! I just PUT it all out there, ya baby! I pray you find peace in your situation.

Your story is so inspiring! I have bad knees too and have avoided going to the doc to find out the same results and I too have a dream to finish a sprint triathalon. However, I was once a swimmer as well back in the day...way back in the day. Look in your community, they hold swimming events mostly competative, fund raising, and or endurance. So find a long and short term goal. Instead of running the marathon plan on being on the Masters team which is an adult swim team that competes and ages range from 20-80+. I know the issue is getting out in front of others in a bathing suit and I totally get that. But maybe seeing a goal down the road that is similar to the one of the marathon it can give you that same motivation again. I think, not positive, but in the past when I have looked up information about triathalons (dreaming of the day) that they do hold some team triathalons where each member does one of the three lengths of the race (starts with swimming, then biking, and last running) That could be an option for you and your brother to do together. Plus you would be amazed at how much better your knees feel after doing the same hard work without the impact in water. Don't give up, you are my inspiration, and I just started this journey.

Your post made me weep. I am not kidding. I wept. You are awesome and your kids are awesome. You doctor is also fabulous! You can absolutely do this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Holly,

The quickest way for me to want to prove to someone I can do something is when someone tells me I CAN'T.

Let me explain.

Two years ago I was scheduled to have 2 knee surgeries. The reason was because I was extremely overweight and I loved to walk. Just like you. I was told I couldn't walk anymore because I'd completely abused my knees to the point of causing arthritis, to try other things... and I myself was only about 36 years old.

So here's what I did instead.

1. I cancelled my knee surgeries.

2. I scheduled myself to have my Lap Band removed and replace it with a VSG.

3. I let myself recover slowly but surely.

4. I did other workouts to help me continue to lose more weight.

5. Once I got to a certain weight, I started walking again.

6. I continued to lose, and I continued to walk.

7. I signed up for my first 5K running event.

8. I ran that 5K, from start to finish.

Today I have ZERO knee pain, and I didn't even ever need to reschedule my knee surgeries.

Do NOT lose hope in that you will never run a 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or a Marathon. NEVER IS NOT IN YOUR VOCABULARY.

Now, dust yourself off and keep doing what I know you can do, and that is keep working to be a better, more fit and healthy you.