Newstart101507

Hello Gang - - I lurk here nearly every day, hardly ever post but today I want to share that I have made it to Onderland! It is definitely new territory for me as I have not been under 200 lbs in over 30 years. It has been slow going for me but worth it all. I always come here for inspiration so hoping this will inspire someone else.

Many years ago I was having horrible pain in my legs - - could not walk far or even stand very long. I finally got up the courage to see a surgeon who told me I just needed to lose some weight. I cried all the way home and then suffered for several more years before I finally got up the courage to see another surgeon who quickly scheduled me for disk fusion. Thankfully it was successful and I have not had any problems with pain since. Makes me sick for all of the years I suffered needlessly!

Patty - - sorry your story got bumped but glad you posted it here. Congratulations! You are surely an inspiration to many!

Oh my gosh Donna, you are doing great girl! So close to goal. You are an inspiration to this "over 50" and I hope I can do as well! No one said weight loss was going to be fast. Most tell you it should take at least a year, and come summer - - you will be there!

I am going to join the challenge, 500 miles in 2008. I have been walking 1 mile each day and will have to bump it up some. 2008 is going to be my year!!! Wish me luck! :clap2:

I have been walking on a treadmill everyday for about 3 months now, 1 mile a day at least. I just discovered that your workout is diminished if you are holding on. The treadmill makers probably won't tell you this for safety reasons but any able bodied person using a treadmill should not be holding on to the hand rails. Walking while holding on will not give you as good a workout and you will not burn as many calories. It is bad for your posture too. I had my suspisions but when I noticed that the trainers on "The Biggest Loser" won't let the contestants hold on I did my own research online. Anyway, today I walked my mile without holding on and it nearly kicked my butt! :faint: This infomation is given for those that do not already know. I wish someone had told me before! You might have to slow down some, I did, but you workout will become much more effective.

Right back at ya" !!

I have RA and was banded in October 2007. My band doc took me off my methotrexate for 2 weeks after surgery but other than that I have done real well. I did this because of my RA, not in spite of it because I believe losing weight is the best thing I can do for my joints.

Hi East Texas Gang: I live in Edgewood. Those that don't know Edgewood, we are just out of Canton. I would love the 10 rules. I can use all the help I can get. Thanks,

I was banded 6 weeks ago, age 55. I was worried about doing it at my age and with my medical issues. Glad I did it - - sailed through the surgery with no problems. My doctor's website say's he considers surgery on 15 to 70 year olds.

I have only been banded for 6 weeks but I can tell you that I am very happy I was banded. On Thanksgiving day I fixed my plate taking just a small amount each of the things I wanted. I looked over at my skinny daughter-in-law's plate and it looked just like mine! It just occurred to me that I am now eating like a skinny person! Good luck on your journey!

Just wanted to say what I am thankful for today. One of the things I am thankful for is this forum. It has been a place of encouragement to me so I am thankful to all of you! I am thankful for my band! I am thankful for the 1 1/2 lbs I lost since yesterday that gives me confidence to take on this day of eating withour fear. I pray for all of you "Peace with the food" and let this day be like any other on our journey as we stand by our committments. Love, Sharon