I splurged and bought a new bike on Saturday, got a lighter weight 21 speed aluminum frame bike that is a LOT easier to peddle than my old steel frame 6 speed Schwinn.

2 years ago I used to bust out in a sweat in making the effort of getting up and going to the bathroom, now I'm peddling a bike for 10 - 30+ miles down our city trails with not much more effort. I'd do more in the evenings but the durn sun sets too fast for me! I leave work and hit the city pool, swim for an hour (120 25 yd laps) and then head home, grab a bite and hit the trails on the bike.

If anyone asks 'Was weight loss surgery worth it?" The answer is YES , it was worth it. It was worth the miserable pre-op diet, it was worth all the money (I'm self pay), it was worth the misery post-op, it was worth the hair loss, it was even worth the kidney stones I got from too much Calcium and not enough Water, it's worth the saggy skin and other weird things. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

If you're reading this and haven't done it yet or are just considering it, my advice is to DO IT. Believe me, it's worth it.

Edit: 9-3-12 So finally a pic, not very flattering but it'll have to do:

BUMP: Added a pic to the original post, not sure if just editing a post would put it back in the NEW list so I added this bump to force it.

You are a total Fred (someone who can really ride but doesn't dress like it). Me too. No Lycra or spandex for me.

You are a total Fred (someone who can really ride but doesn't dress like it). Me too. No Lycra or spandex for me.

Thanks! I still don't like clothing that's very tight. It's funny to pass the guys wearing the full "costume" in my denim shorts and polo shorts. I may break down and get a "real" bike jersey just to get something in chartreuse for visibility.

I just bought a bike today. How awesome to find this thread.

I bought a cute girls Huffy Cranbrook Cruiser. I'm not ready for anything more serious. I'm just looking for more activities to get me out of the house and moving. My next toys will be quad skates and then a kayak so I can get out on the lake.

I did take the Huffy on her maiden voyage this evening. I made it around the block (two city blocks?) and home safely. It was fun. I was quickly reminded of a few muscles I'd forgotten about. I can't wait for my next ride tomorrow and if I get decent stamina by the weekend I'll load her up and hit up one of the local trails. I'm so excited.

Yay for bikes! I did bike in a skirt and nylons for my commute, the girl bike "dip" wasn't that helpful. I've chewed through so many bikes in the last few years, but this thread has inspired me to start looking for my next baby.

Yay for quad skates too! Am I the only person who aspires to join a roller derby team?

Yay for bikes! I did bike in a skirt and nylons for my commute' date=' the girl bike "dip" wasn't that helpful. I've chewed through so many bikes in the last few years, but this thread has inspired me to start looking for my next baby.

Yay for quad skates too! Am I the only person who aspires to join a roller derby team?[/quote']

I would love to roller derby!!! However I'm kind of a weenie girl when it comes to pain and I'm terrified of dislocating a joint (I've had a dislocated elbow... Worst pain ever!). All of that being said, a girl can dream. And where I live right now I'm not too far from a derby team or two. I guess when I'm ready I could at least audition.