When I joined this forum in December 2012, I was morbidly obese and in so much joint pain that I was probably only months away from being wheelchair bound. I was terrified of surgery and terrified of what lay ahead. I expected the lap band to fail as everything else had failed when it came to weight loss. But it was my only shot as I needed hip and knee surgery and no orthopedist would work on me at nearly 270 pounds and with a BMI over 50.

I decided my forum name would be gowalking because that was my wish..my desire, my hope. Walking, like breathing, is something we all take for granted till we can't do it. Then we realize how badly we are impacted when every step is torture.

Many of you know my story so I'll do a quick summary. I was banded on January 14th, 2013. I lost enough weight by June of 2013 to get my surgery scheduled. I had both hips replaced in October and after a long and difficult rehab, and another scary and unexpected surgery, I am finally as mobile as anyone else out there. No...I can't run and yes...I still have pain and issues but I no longer fear not being able to get to the grocery store, or running any kind of errand. If I can't catch a cab, I can walk. If there's a ton of traffic, I can walk down the steps to the subway and move around underground...which is sometimes the only way to get anywhere in New York City. That feeling of helplessness and panic is gone.

My knees are still with me. I am small enough now at 113 pounds that while I have bad arthritis in the knees, I can move them pretty darn good and have been able to delay knee replacement indefinitely for now.

So...here's the big news. For those folks who have travelled this journey with me on LapBandTalk and now BP, I always said that I wanted to visit England and see all the sights I've seen on TV since I was a teenager watching Upstairs/Downstairs which was the '70s version of Downton Abbey. I want to see it all from Buckingham Palace to Big Ben, to a boat ride on the Thames to a day in the English Countryside.

Friends...my trip is booked. I'm heading to London in July. I even booked a bike tour of Hyde Park, and St. James Park along with a walking tour of the East End and Whitechapel...where Jack the Ripper lurked. So I'm going to sit in coach on British Airways for 6+ hours and will be comfy because I fit. I'm going to walk and bike and explore and enjoy the city I've wanted to go to for nearly my whole life.

For anyone out there who is starting their weight loss journey or struggling with maintaining or in the midst of a stall or doing really well as I have been fortunate enough to be, just know that WLS has given me a second chance at life and I can't begin to explain how truly grateful I am. The numbers on the scale, the size of our jeans, all the goals big and small that we set for ourselves as we travel this road together makes me feel overwhelmed with good fortune. I've lost 150+ pounds and gained back my life. I think it was a pretty good deal, don't you?

One more thing....I can't thank all of you enough for being my support and strength these past two and a half years. I've made some wonderful friendships here and value each and every one of you. I did not do this alone and wanted to make sure to show you all my appreciation. I just wish some of the folks who helped me back in the beginning were still here to see this post and know how thrilled I am to finally say that I'm getting a big item on my bucket list checked off.

Have a great holiday weekend everyone and thanks for reading this long, but heartfelt post.

Wonderful story. Perseverance pays off! Have a great time!

That is so wonderful. God is good. I pray you have a safe and wonderful trip. Make sure you pack warm clothing and have a poncho or umbrella. I sent my daughter there a few summers ago and she was totally not prepared for the cold weather in July. Leaving the hot summer here in Houston she was not prepared for that climate change. Congratulations to you.

I have had 5 back surgeries and have gained my weight along this awful road. Tried diet after diet, miracle weight loss pills. Etc. Lol. But this is going to very much help my back, feet, legs. I'm 5'3" and 219 lbs. My goal weight is 130. Just a little more than my weight per back surgeries. Gonna do exercise, already started. My surgery is in August. Happy, happy, happy to get there finally. ☺

@@gowalking ...

I didn't know your background. Your success is so much more wonderful, now that I know you starting story.

Enjoy your wonderful trip to the UK. What a beautiful reward for your hard work and accomplishments.

WLS has also been a miracle for me. I'm so, so grateful.

I too used to love Upstairs Downstairs on PBS back in the day! How amazing it will be to see those sights in person, knowing how far you've traveled in body, mind, and spirit to get there!

You are an inspiration! Thanks for sharing your amazing story!

That's wonderful news on all fronts! Hope you have a wonderful time in jolly old England!

Oh Liz I am so happy for you. I would love to go to England one day and Ireland. they are both on my bucket list. How awesome you must feel going from practically immobile to walking everywhere and now traveling England.. Wow what an accomplishment. So very proud of you and yes the lapband works and I am hoping you and I will have ours forever. I too miss some of the old banders.. Catfish, Carolina girl, Missy, Too much fun, are a few that come to mind. But, people move on and continue with life sometimes and probably don't need as much support anymore.. I still peek in to follow some of you and I am so excited to see how well we are doing. I do get to go to Alaska this year finally. had it booked last year, husband had a major heart surgery and cancer so we had to cancel. This year has been better and I think he will be good to go.

Go Liz! Can't believe I almost missed this post. So excited for you! What a grand time you're going to have.....look forward to hearing all about it. And thank You for your thoughtful insight, your supportive comments and the example you have set for determination and success. Here's to life and living it.

That's fantastic, a real achievement. One of my bucket list things is a shopping trip to NYC!!! Will be sure to ask you for the greatest shopping places.

Have a wonderful trip and enjoy every minute of it.

Congrats on your successes, and have a wonderful trip!

And just think, with your clothes being so much smaller, there's going to be all that extra room in your suitcase for souvenirs! I see a trip to Harrods in your future...

I am late finding this great post. Congratulations on your wonderful accomplishment. You have, with the help of your lapband, turned your health around. Your story was one that I found most inspirational when I was new to BP.

Have a fabulous trip. I have been to London several times, but I would love to go back now that I am so much more fit. I would love, love, love a bike tour of Hyde Park.

Thank you for all these lovely posts. I'm so excited to be able to make this trip. My son asked me to pick up a onesie for the baby that looks like either a beefeater or London bobbie outfit. I hope I can find something.

Have a lovely trip, you deserve it after your big accomplishment. My hubby and I plan on a Cancun Mexico trip after a substantial loss as a celebration

Have a wonderful time in our beautiful country and congratulations! Such an inspiring post !!

Kate

Such an inspiring journey over the past 2 1/2 years... Thank you for sharing !!!

Have a wonderful time in our beautiful country. :D

Kate