In late Sept 2011 I finally had my failed band removed. It had been implanted for 10.5 years (March 2001) and i really grieved that failure.

I was going through my "bariatric notebook" that had all my sleeve instructions and found some things i had written - sort of journaling. I dared to dream of maybe getting under 200#, I dared to dream of being able to exercise, ride better, normal clothing sizes, all that stuff.

That time between the band removal and sleeve (Dec 2011) was a sad and scary time for me. I was sad about my "failure", I was so incredibly hungry, I was at a level of obesity that was a tipping point for me meaning I felt like crap! I wrote down the things I hoped would be better... and for the most part, my eventual results way exceeded those dreams.

One reality check though - I noted the hip pain even then! I forgot about that because it went away after losing weight. Now, it has come back as I have bad arthritis.

Anyway,I was glad that I had a complete record of my weight loss journey (in numbers including average weight loss per week etc), and at least some notes (the journal part was short) as it really really reminded me of how far I have come!

Thanks @@CowgirlJane!

I always enjoy your posts and responses to folks. You have been inspiring me. I am so happy to see your progress with the sleeve. You've worked hard and it's really paid off.

I have a question regarding hip pain and riding. I have severe arthritis in my right hip (I had dysplasia as a kid so the cartilage wore out and I need a replacement) and want to go riding now that I've lost weight.

I used to ride when I was young and miss it so much, but people are telling me it would be way to painful. Do you have any tips? For example - I think the western saddle would be more comfortable, and if I keep my stirrups somewhat long, posting might be easier. What is your experience?

My current experience is I need the hip injection (had one in May) in order to tolerate riding. Before I had it, after a 2-3 hour ride, I couldn't walk when I dismounted. I had the same type of pain from hiking, riding on back of a motercycle.. you name it. I started losing my confidence because I felt like I had no strength, no ability to respond to a challenge like a spin or something.

Now that I have a hip injection, I get pain from staying in one spot too long, but i ride well, i ride relaxed so I don't have a problem with that now. I ride western, and I most definately post the trot and ride "up and out of the seat" at a gallop and can do those things.

I assume you don't have a horse and want to start up with lessons. I wonder if you can find a place willing to start you on 30-45 minute lessons so you can build up and assess the discomfort?

So, i wonder if I have hip displasia too. I have a doc appt in a few weeks to try to understand more about my medical condition. My physical therapist told me that my right leg (right hip is my problem) is turned out - either from a birth defect or childhood injury.

Good luck and enjoy!

@@CowgirlJane - This is a great post. I'm going to go look through some of my early content on this site and put it in my WLS research file. And all my early measurements too. In five years I hope to look back it and go "huh, was I really that big?" This might be good motivation before going on vacation or feeling like I'm getting off track too.

@@CowgirlJane, thank you so much for sharing this great reminder of how important it is to take time to reflect on our progress and how helpful it is to journal.

You are one of the people on this site who has helped me and inspired me the most.

I am sure that somewhere in my journal I have written down how much I want to be able to ride a horse again. Right now, I would be happy with being able to feed my equine neighbors apples without risking life and limb by stepping in a hole.

I'm going to the Pennsylvania Dutch Country with the BF next month and sure enough..he wants to go horseback riding. I haven't been on a horse since I was a kid but how nice to not have to worry that I'd kill the poor animal by just getting on him.

This sweet girl is one of my neighbors.

I grew up riding my neighbors horses ( coincidentally in Cowgirl Janes "suburbs of Seattle " ) and loved every minute of it. I rode a few times the summer before my WLS, a picture of me and the horse shows how big I really was ! Poor horse ! Now it's on my bucket list to take a pack trip up in the mountains someday. I wasnt sure if I ever could with my aching hip, but 8 months of Pilates and orthotics in my shoes have strengthen my core and eliminated my hip pain. Maybe that trip isn't too far off !!!

@@CowgirlJane,

I really enjoyed this post, I wish that I had kept a journal such as this. I was at rock bottom before my surgery and I have to say 1 year later, I am a completely different person!

No everything is not perfect but it is 90 percent better than the life I led 1 year ago. I waited too long to have my surgery and have severe arthritis in my spine. Thankfully all the other medical issues I had are now gone. Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, severe Gerd and stage 3 kidney disease. - all in remission! Tomorrow is my 1 year surgiversary!

Anyway, your posts are always refreshing and inspirational and I appreciate having pals like you to get advice from.

Thank you for sharing your experience.

In late Sept 2011 I finally had my failed band removed. It had been implanted for 10.5 years (March 2001) and i really grieved that failure.

I was going through my "bariatric notebook" that had all my sleeve instructions and found some things i had written - sort of journaling. I dared to dream of maybe getting under 200#, I dared to dream of being able to exercise, ride better, normal clothing sizes, all that stuff.

That time between the band removal and sleeve (Dec 2011) was a sad and scary time for me. I was sad about my "failure", I was so incredibly hungry, I was at a level of obesity that was a tipping point for me meaning I felt like crap! I wrote down the things I hoped would be better... and for the most part, my eventual results way exceeded those dreams.

One reality check though - I noted the hip pain even then! I forgot about that because it went away after losing weight. Now, it has come back as I have bad arthritis.

Anyway,I was glad that I had a complete record of my weight loss journey (in numbers including average weight loss per week etc), and at least some notes (the journal part was short) as it really really reminded me of how far I have come!

@@CowgirlJane ... you are such a source of inspiration and good counsel. Truly. Thank you for all your posts.

Your posts are a bright light in my day. Thank you for keeping it real!

i love horses they are such amazing creatures ive always wanted to ride one but never have because i was scared with my weight a fall would break something so i might take lessons when i lose the weight we have tons of farms with beginner trails near my house