What an ego booster

Before I post this I want to make it clear that in NO_WAY am I posting this to brag about myself  .In another post in a different forum I was attacked by some members because they interpreted my words as if I were saying that I was better than they are or at least have gotten better results than they did. I WILL say that my results post WLS are NOT typical. I WILL say that I've done alot of hard work to get where I am today. I wish only the best to everyone that has made the decision to better their lives through WLS. Real quick I was 330 lbs pre WLS at 5'10". with many health issues. I was at the end of my rope(almost literally because the thought of ending it was an option). This surgery saved my life and I take my recovery from MO very seriously. I don't want to go back to that dark and desperate place, I'm sure many of you will relate. I started working out 2 mos, post-op. At first it was 2x a day till I reached a place where I felt ok to only go 3x a week to the gym. This story is an experience that I had at the gym one night, it goes like this...... Monday night I was working out at the gym with my ol lady.We were about an hour in,I noticed these two youngsters kinda eyeballin me ,compared to me they were youngsters,they were in their 20's,I was putting up some big numbers on the bench,I noticed them commenting to each other back and forth.I kinda knew they were talking about me but I wasn't within earshot.A little later we were doing legs,by this time I had a pretty nice upper body pump going,arms and chest blown up.The two guys approached us and asked me if I didn't mind telling them my age,I didn't mind so I told them I was 44.My wife asked why they wanted to know this?They replied in a very nice way that I didn't look like I was in my 20's,I guess a nice way of saying I was alot older than them.They then paid me some really nice,and ego boosting compliments about my physique,and also about my strength.I'm no pro b-ber or anything like that,but I do take pride in being fit and looking good,and for being 44,I know I'm in good shape.You know,it really felt awesome to have these two guys who were in great shape themselves approach me like that,needless to say they made my night!I guess it just goes to show that an old dog like myself can still get the job done!I still feel I have a long way to go,but as long as I stick to it,one day at a time I'll get to where I want to be. Now , my point is that we're never too old to change. If I can do it, so can you.This wasn't easy, BELIEVE ME! And it didn't happen overnight. But it started with the first step. And that was WLS> The second step was to start working out.There was a couple times I was hospitalised because of serious side effects of WLS> ONe time it was renal failure. But the one thing that was consistent was my desire to go back to exercising, and I did. Take from this what you will, flame me if you want to, but if an old cat like me can get in shape then I believe theres hope for all of us...............Inky

Congratulatins n thanks for posting.

As Baja would say this aint tuna town. We don't flame each other for posting what is possible with hard work. Obviously you have found something you enjoy doing and are reaping the rewards of your hard work. By posting your results, aka FARTS, you let the rest of us know what is possible with a little effort.  I look forward to hearing about what  Boner, Scott, Tim, Kyp, not Dave, you and the rest of the guys latest adventures are. It,should I say they, all motivate me into geting off my ass and do something. Two years ago I would have had a hard time walking around the block, today I am running 8 or 9 miles at a time and entertaining the idea of doing a marathon.  Keep postng Inky it's all good.  pan head

I don't understand why you got flamed for this post.  You have worked very hard at the gym to get yourself into your current level of fitness.  You have set a goal for yourself, came up with a plan to achieve this goal and followed through.  You should be proud of what you have achieved.  It is the setting of our goals and meeting these goals is what makes this journey worthwhile.  This journey is about changing our lives, getting healthy, becoming fit and squeezing enjoyment out of every aspect of our lives.

Jim

P.S. were the flames signed with signatures and  (((HUGS)))?

 

Congrats to ya! Keep on keepin' on!! Sounds like those folks must have some problems if they attacked ya over a post like this.

Congratulations! Several of the guys here have hit the gym hard and gotten ripped along the way. Keep it Up! Best Wishes- Dx

Positive post like that motivates and encourages a lot of us to stay focused on why we went to these extreme efforts to get healthy. Its easy to loose your focus once the weight starts falling off. The weight is just part of the equation, exercise and routine visits here for support are just as important for long term success. I'll stop now before somebody ask for a %#@! Group Hug!! C'ya Bob

Glad you posted this. We have nearly identical stats, with age being the exception (I'm 10 years younger). You used this as a tool and not the whole program, which is exactly the idea. To hell with the haters. You've accomplished something other than crying in your ice cream.

I am 11 years post-op, and all I can say is I wish to hell this forum had been available then.  I lost part of the weight, but never did the exercise or tried to understand the what and why.   I eventually put on all of the weight that I had lost along with interest.  Now, I am finally using it as PART of the program (or tool) as I should have all along. Brother, you deserve to stand tall and be proud!  Thank you.  You give me hope, (I'm 41), that if I keep on keeping on, I will get there.  I am riding my bike again, and started lifting again.  I haven't lifted in over 20 years and it feels great. I am not trying to steal your limelight that you have earned and deserve, I just wanted you to know that I love reading this stuff!  It helps keep me motivated! James

NIcely done, James! Keep up the great work. I see a RAGBRAI in your future. Boner