Today was a milestone for me... I have used a motorized chair off and on for 5 years ..but all day/every day (24/7) for the last 3 years...Reason: i have had 2 back surgeries (have some disc fused) & have arthritis in my back, hips and knees (to name a few) ...Doctor wants to replace both my knees, but that's another post.

Since my WLS, i have tried to walk a bit everyday...at first, just around the island in the kitchen... Then from one end of the house to the other... Last Monday i added short, slow walks outside with my husband...(he would ride in my motorized chair in case i needed it). The walks gave me the confidence i needed...

Today, when i woke up, i said, "lets see how long we can go today without using the chair." well, i went from 5:45am to 5 pm...i was so happy, i cried when i told my husband after he got home from work... (he thought i hurt myself...sweet man, so caring)

Physically, I am very sore....but mentally i feel GREAT!

Thank you for listening

thank you.... today i walked this morning but by noon my left calf developed an ache/pain....like a Charlie horse.... so i used my chair awhile....walked awhile..... back and forth rest of day...

hope everyone had a great day...

That's it! Keep doing what you can each day. I admire your strength and will.

Just curious if you ever use a cane to help you out? Might make this transition a bit easier on you. I hike alot and I love using my hiking poles. You could get one of those and you would look sporty.

I love that idea!!

You're doing fantastic Tjsmom

Sporty .... can't say i have ever been sporty, but worth a try....now, off to find a knarly polished walking stick....thank you for the great idea!

My husband took me shopping today at Goodwill....

Before surgery i was wearing:

pants (all elastic waistband) - 26/28 - 3x

tops (all knit) - 30/32 - 4x

shoes (black only) 9 - 9.5

Today:

jeans (with zipper & button) 20

tops (knit AND some cotton ones) 2x

shoes (colorful) 8

For the first time (in i don't know how many years) i had fun (yes, fun) trying on clothes.... played "dress up" again when we got home.!!! it will continue to get better and better each month.... I LOVE MY SLEEVE!

Tjmom, you are fierce!

thank you !

now, if i could only figure out how to get my picture the right direction BEFORE posting it...i wouldn't feel like a goof ball..... sorry, it was an exhausting day... lol

I'm so happy for you on the size changes!! I think you need to post a new face pic for your profile, too! That's where I first noticed my weight loss and I'm betting your face has slimmed down a lot.

YOU are amazing! You go girl!!!

That is so cool! You are doing so well, I'm starting to get jealous;)

Lissa,

i looked at my pictures and i don't see a change in my face.... it's hard for me to think i am changing... thank you for your suggestion, and i will be watching my face from now on....here is my latest pictures.... thank you all for your wonderful comments

AMAZING!!!

Wow, what an insipiring story. Good luck to you and congratulations! I have not had my surgery yet (tenativly scheduled for Aug 14th pending pre-tests) but I love to hear stories like this. It confirms that I am making the right decission for me. Keep up the good work!

thank you Tracy....

i am in a stall again but i haven't given up on my walking... i know stalls happen, so not allowing the scale to dampen my spirits.... i am able to walk longer now, except when i am cooking... standing in one place for any length of time is not good... My back starts to fail me and begins spasming & after it spasms , i am in my chair the rest of the night......

before it begins to fail & spasm, i use my chair for cooking but then up and about rest of night... so, technically i walk from waking up to bedtime except for cooking dinner... woo hoo!!!

i am in a stall right now (been going on for about a week to 10 days) .... not fun but expected.... tomorrow is my day to take measurements, so looking forward to those numbers!

thank you again for all your support...