Hi Rich: I am pre op, having to jump through some more hoops for the insurance Co. I was hoping to have wls by Dec, it didn't happen. I have a six month diet and exercise program to go through for the insurance co. to accept it. If my phsyc had her s__t together, and gotten her report off to the surgeon on time, I could have been post op by now. The insurance co. changed its criteria on Dec 1. Any way enough about my problems. I am on the ski patrol at http://www.andestowerhills.com In Alexandria MN. nowhere near the better hills in Wis, but we do have several runs Let me know if you're ever in the area in the winter time. MN Dave Take care have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Ps as for exercises, I'd go with squats, walking, leg stretching, a good weight lifting regimen, wouldn't hurt also.

can't wait to be able to ski again. I miss it a lot. Ellen

I love to ski as well, and have done it for the past 3 years, every weekend at 320 lbs. I have Solomon symbio boots that are rear entry, and the local ski shop had extenders for me, and they fit great. Next season I am sure I won't need them. I am excited to try more black diamond runs, as now I am slow going down them because I know how much potential energy I have. But, by next season I should be down 120 lbs. and will be flying down the double diamonds I hope.

Maria, Skiing is one of the biggest reasons that I am having WLS. Last year I could not get my boots buckled up because of my fat calves. I already owned the longest buckle extenders available for my new boots that I bought the season before because I grew out of my old boots. I realized that my alredy out of controll weight gain would get worse as skiing was my favourite form of winter exercise (golf and lake swimming in summer). I figure I am two seasons away from getting back on the slopes based on getting surgery this spring/summer. Maybe we can get out skiing together then. I often go skiing in western New York State (Holiday Valley in Ellicotteville, NY and at Whiteface in Lake Placid NY) and Vermont (Jay Peaks and Killington). David

HI :0) My name is Maria I love to ski. I'm not great at it. But had so much fun doing. I'm still learning. But didn't start skiing until I moved to Colorado. I had the fear of "Fat girls" they don't ski. They just sit home and do nothing. Bla bla bla. I'm so happy I got over that fear. Now that I'm back in NYC and spring is here. It's going to be along time before I can do that again. Anyway I'm looking to meet a few people that likes to ski. Maybe lives in NYS or lives near NYS and would like to ski when fall and winter comes around. Plus it's always nice to make new friends