Diane, Take it one day at a time. Any exercise is great. I read something the other day that said small amounts of exercise several times a day is better than exercising for an hour. My goal was to be able to ride a bike with my grandkids. I can do this now and am so proud. My knees hurt but at least I can move them. I really felt before WLS that I was heading towards disability. I know it is hard to see people at our weight now having surgery. I too feel like I need surgery again to get to a BMI of 25. So called normal. Normal for who? I have accepted I will never be there. You can also go to Walk from Obesity and they have a training for walkers. It is really great and may be something you can do. Walking is the best exercise. Do what you can. See you lighter. Joanne. Hammond Obesity Help Chapter Leader

Anita, Your feelings are normal. Beleive me I have the same thoughts but I am looking at it differently. Weighing 263 lbs at 12 years old I never exspected to get thin. We need to accept where we came from and what we have accomplished. I will tell you I started second quessing myself and needed to start anti-depressants ( something I fought hard not to do) but I was lossing the battle. You have done so well and should be proud. Girl !! Get your head up high and strut that 242 lb body. You have lost more then me and I am so glad for you. Will I ever get to my goal weight? I don't know at this point either but I am so thankful for where I have come. I look at people at goal and wish I was there too but I am accepting myself for who I am and refuse to beat myself up. I have done enough of that for a lifetime. Stop looking at lbs lost and look at percentage of lbs lost. What did your surgeon say he exspected you to get down to? Mine said I would get to about 190 lbs. So for me that is my realistic goal weight. For my height I should weigh about 138 lbs. I have accepted I will most likely never be that weight. I'm not there yet but have not given up. On my profile I have a link to check out your percentage of weight loss and it will give you a chart to see where you should be. Check it out. We will all not be thin but at least we are healthier and for that I am very happy. I am so much healthier then I was a year ago and I feel I have a chance for a normal life instead of hiding behind my fat. See you lighter. Joanne

I can't say size 6, but I can say size 8!!! I was so happy. I had my year-out appt with my surgeon and my semi-annual appt with my gynocologist and both are THRILLED with my bloodwork and over-all well-being!! And some friends saw some before and after pics and one said that I've taken 10-15 years off my looks! I almost kissed her!! Who else had WOW's this week? L*

Laura, Your story is so inspirational. I really enjoyed reading it. It is a true testimonial of success. Congradulations and continued success. Keep posting so all can see the rewards. You never know who you touch with your post. See you lighter. Joanne Hammond Obesity Help Chapter Leader.

Helen, I have been very busy lately. I am really involved with support groups and taking care of 2 grandchildren. I have been riding my bike too. How are you doing? See you lighter. Joanne