Hey Jack My doctor wanted me to lose 10% of my weight so I did a crazy thing and went on a slim fast binge and only ate once a day. I lost all the weight I needed to and got my surgery date but backed out at the last minute because I had not followed any of the guidelines the nutrionist had set. I got scared to because I really didnt know how to eat and was afraid I would be sick all the time after surgery. It is now two years later and I am suppose to have surgery on August 30th. I know if I only lose 5% of what they want me to they will still do the surgery and I know it sounds crazy BUT if you cannot follow the way they want you to eat now then how do you expect to do it once you have the surgery? if you are an over eater its best to try to get it under control now, you can have the surgery and stretch your pouch out again just like that. I would hate for that to happen to anyone who goes through this. Well thats my two cents on the subject just wanted you to know that I felt the same way you do!!

Hey all - I am a newby to the horse messgeboard. I didn't realize that this is a subcategory of the WLS site. How absolutely . I am very horsey. My passion and hopefully soon my profession, once again, is Equine Experiential Learning and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. I have just recently moved back to the Brd MN area and am having to board my two quarterhorses. They are super low maintenece and out to pasture right now. The place they are at is going to triple the board fee in Sept and I simply cannot afford it. IS ANYONE OUT THERE WITHEN 20 OR 30 MILES OF BRAINERD AND WANT TO BOARD MY HORSES. . . . . . My family and I have been moving around so much, we just spent a year in MO where I was running and brand new million doller facility for EAP, EFP and Therapuetic Riding for disabled. Due to some administrative difficulties I had to leave and am now here. My weight has really kept me away from my loves but I will not give them up as I consider them not only my friends but my collegues! I will hopefully be having a lap band in 6 to 8 weeks. And I am in the process of working out my business plan to launch here in the area. Unfortunately we are renting right now and have no place for my horses. ANy suggestions or offers are greatly welcome. And if none come up then I am simply happy to have a message board such as this to be a part of!! Thanks bunches in advance. . . Sara

Hi Jack, I to have a new baby he was two months on the 18th, and we have spent the last 14 days in and out of vet offices. I just moved to this area and finding a vet is like finding a doc. for your kids.The local vet didn't seem to think i could tell which end of the horse had a head ( I've had horses for 32 yrs)and wouldn't give me straight answers said he had growth plates in his leg that had slipped, after 10 days of not getting better i hauled him all the way back home to our old vet and they found no bone issues just a little soft tissue stress.Guess i'll keep looking for a new doc.

Hi, I agree that being heavy shouldn't keep us from riding! I leased a big ole TN walker and then a big QH this past year before my surgery (I was 270 lbs). I figured the whole experience was great exercise--going out into fields, chasing the horse down, grooming, and then riding. I was TIRED afte3rwards, but felt very alive! The only problem I had was mounting. There was no way I could mount from the ground and swing my whole body up. The stables didn't have a mounting platform or platform. So I improvised by using the end of a picnic table. Usually I was alone and didn't mind this method, but would have been embarrassed if others were there. I'm not even sure if the owner of stables would have liked me using the table, but it was the only way up! Mags

Hey gal! We have corresponded on the singles board. I do so love horses. I'm fortunate that my sister has 6 and is good about sharing since I live in an apartment. Have you ridden lately? patti