After having surgery last month I am on track after having a big stall and a bit of adjustment to my new lifestyle.

I have been thinking in the past few weeks that I really want to become a police officer. But am I hoping for too much? Is it even possible to go from where I am now, 356 lbs already down from a year ago when I was 420 lbs, to a weight where I would even be accepted into the police department?

The only thing I can think of is to keep on with my good eating habits and maybe start going to a personal trainer to get me in shape. I know it will be at least a year before I could even think about trying out for the police force.....

But am I hoping for too much? Is this dream even obtainable?

Advice anyone?

You can do whatever you want. That's my opinion.

thats what I want to do too, I belive the cooper fitness standards are what most states require to be certified by law enforcement academy.

http://www.dmgov.org/Departments/HumanResources/PDF/PoliceOfficerPacket2011-2012.pdf

There is a chart on here that shows what you will need to do. I don't see myself ever being able to do it, but I do sometime give up easily. Go to work and make this happen!

You have the spirit. Just keep on working towards the goal. Whatever happens, you will be healthier for it.

Thanks for the encouragement yall. It is a dream that I never even allowed myself because of my weight. Right out of High School I wanted to join the military but there was no possible way since I was so obese the wouldn't even talk to me.

Now that I have a daughter I don't think the military would fit my lifestyle but if I could get into the police that would just be so awesome. I am going to keep going and work out as much as possible working on weight resistance and cardio workouts. Will keep yall updated.

Henry Ford said "If you think you can do a thing or you think you can't do a thing, you are right".

I say you go for it girl...you've made amazing progress already. You've got the desire, just work hard and it will pay off.

I read the link on the fitness standards - I think this could be doable! If it is your dream, let it inspire and motivate you. The reality of whether you can make it depends mostly on your determination, but also perhaps if you have early onset arthritis or any other obesity related issues that might make you partially impaired.

I have two bad knees (bone on bone arthritis) a bad hip and back/shoulder/neck issues but I am very physically active and just loving it. I keep up with other women my age range who have been thin their whole lives. I don't think I will be running a marathon soon (those knees!) but I sure do alot.

I think that often our desire to suck up life and just do all sorts of stuff is so strong that the physical "limits" become an obstacle that is readily overcome. Don't count yourself out yet!