For more years than I can remember, I've sat in the aisle seat on airplanes. Some of the reason was because my arthritis made it easier to get in and out of the seat but there was also another reason why I sat on the aisle. I was so heavy that it made me very self-conscious when I lumbered over the seats as I struggled to get past them just to sit down or head to the bathroom.

In order to not feel so bad about this, I told myself that looking out the window was just for kids and folks who didn't fly often and since I flew alot, I didn't need to have a window seat. Well...tonight I purposely sat in a window seat because I can move around on an airplane much better than I used to between the weight loss and easing of my joint pain due to hip replacement.

I live in New York City as many of you know and for the first time in a very long time, I was able to see my city in all it's glory as we flew over it. I had forgotten how breathtaking and spectacular Manhattan is from a bird's eye view. I could see the Statue of Liberty and then the Freedom Tower below me. I could also see the Empire State Building all decked out in red, white, and blue. Plus I could see the Chrysler Building, the Citicorp Building, and the millions and millions of twinkling lights below. It looked like beautiful sparking jewels as far as the eye could see. All I could think of was how much I missed this amazing sight and how grateful I was that my band made it all possible again.

Beautiful observation of this NSV. Thanks for sharing this with us.

^5 I keep looking for pictures, before and after?

^5 I keep looking for pictures, before and after?

Here you go TMF.

OK, that's it, I'm getting my knees replaced. You must be thrilled to look in the mirror now?? Thanks, I needed the motivation.

Oh, WOW, GoWalking!!!!!

W O W

So very very proud of you, go walking! You are beautiful and your expressed gratitude for a new lease on life is beautiful too!!

Gowalking, WAY! TO! GO!

You are A-M-A-Z-I-N-G friend!

OK, that's it, I'm getting my knees replaced. You must be thrilled to look in the mirror now?? Thanks, I needed the motivation.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. I can give you a heads up on what you'll be dealing with. I had my hips replaced though we thought it would be my knees considering all the arthritis. But with the hips now aligned correctly, the knees are much much better. Joint replacement is joint replacement be it hips or knees though. I won't sugarcoat it...it was a brutal surgery and a long and difficult recuperation but now that I'm six months post op, I can appreciate both the big and little things regarding better and mostly pain free mobility now. It's miraculous to me. Hell, I dove into the pool while I was in Florida last week. I haven't done that in years. It felt glorious.

What a great NSV! You look so good! I love what you said about your view from the plane, so happy you were able to enjoy that

For more years than I can remember, I've sat in the aisle seat on airplanes. Some of the reason was because my arthritis made it easier to get in and out of the seat but there was also another reason why I sat on the aisle. I was so heavy that it made me very self-conscious when I lumbered over the seats as I struggled to get past them just to sit down or head to the bathroom. In order to not feel so bad about this, I told myself that looking out the window was just for kids and folks who didn't fly often and since I flew alot, I didn't need to have a window seat. Well...tonight I purposely sat in a window seat because I can move around on an airplane much better than I used to between the weight loss and easing of my joint pain due to hip replacement. I live in New York City as many of you know and for the first time in a very long time, I was able to see my city in all it's glory as we flew over it. I had forgotten how breathtaking and spectacular Manhattan is from a bird's eye view. I could see the Statue of Liberty and then the Freedom Tower below me. I could also see the Empire State Building all decked out in red, white, and blue. Plus I could see the Chrysler Building, the Citicorp Building, and the millions and millions of twinkling lights below. It looked like beautiful sparking jewels as far as the eye could see. All I could think of was how much I missed this amazing sight and how grateful I was that my band made it all possible again.

Congrats !! I hope your vacation was wonderful. Welcome back to the cold.

You look AWESOME Gowalking...hope I have such success!!!

Love your post your such inspiration . I always chose the window n pray I didn't have to pee . I hated the aisle always getting bumped as I was so big for seat and poured out if it. Can't wait to fly this July and experience the flight as the new me. In sept I flew and was happy the seatbelt wasn't yelling it's to right u idiot as I strapped myself in. Prior to bring banded I was almost ready for seatbelt extender ....