He doesn't know how that made me feel

[Tina Marie]

Hello. I had my surgery on 3-13-13. I've been doing a lot of walking and feeling pretty good.I know that when the humid,sweltering days of the midwest summers start it would be unlikely that I would continue to do so. Well, I visited a local gym and decided that I would join. I never thought that would happen because of my size. I felt embarrassed. I told myself that in order for this surgery to be successful exercise had to be a new way of life for me. So far I just been walking on the treadmill (WOO HOO). The owner was there today and we talked a bit about some of the other machines, especially ones that could help with my "batwings". He said I was doing things correctly by taking it slow and for now the treadmill is what I should be doing. I hesitated for a minute trying to decide whether to tell him I had surgery. As we all know, people can be so judgemental. Well, I told him and I was completely surprised, he reached over and gave me a big hug. He said "Good for you. We are here to help you out with whatever you need." OMGosh !! Am I crazy that I cried when I got in the car ?! It just made me feel so good !!!

[danrhowell]

No you are not crazy, it is about time people started embracing the change in the world. I am proud of you and you are doing a great job. I hope it all works out for the best. I am hoping that mine does the same.

[ACE]

Nope not crazy you are exactly where you need to be apparently because having the support of the gym like that can be a huge help! That is a wonderful story and it reminds me of what made me say YES I am going to do this. A woman I know who my huband goes to church with came up right before my surgery and gave me a hug telling me I was brave for doing this and she thanked me. Which at the time felt weird but then she said "Thank you for having the courage to help yourself because I havent been able to help myself and I am happy to see you are taking action. This woman is now in her early 60's and she lumbers around weighing somewhere in the 400 lb range. Every time i see her she hugs me and tells me how inspirational I am for having done this and it still makes me cry.
I am so happy you are having such a great day and that you are able to just tell people without the judgment that says WE as WLS patients are becoming accepted so much more that is a great step in the right direction. Good luck with your journey and you keep up the great work you are doing to change.

[inarakatra]

That is very cool!

[rachan1000]

This story made my day! That man was so sweet. Keep your head up this journey is hard and hopefully you wont encounter anyone who will make it harder.

[Socaldixiegal]

How awesome! It's good to hear of fitness experts who truly are out there to help and encourage others. I think we tend to think of them as only there for the fit few . . and sometimes they are, but good things happen when we give people the opportunity to be wonderful!

[danrhowell]

I have heard that water is your best friend. I am thinking about changing my membership to one with a pool so I can go swimming and work off the weight

[ornursetab]

That's AWESOME!!! I wish people could be more like that. Good for you and keep up the good work!

[ffrobbyrob]

I have heard that water is your best friend. I am thinking about changing my membership to one with a pool so I can go swimming and work off the weight

I have heard that too. The gym I go to has one and I have not stepped foot in it. I love to swim and get in water. One day i will make that leap. Literally.

[65fl]

Surprising ending, I was going to tell you to check out Curves, my wife loved it there till the local one closed. Sounds like you found a great gym for you, that's fantastic.

[Dixiegirl]

I am so proud of you for taking such an awesome step. You are brave and sounds like you are in the right place!!

[MrsB0324]

That's great! Some people are put in our path to help us along our journey and he was where he was suppose to be when you walked through the door! Oh yeah, tears of joy are the best!

[nana banana]

Thank you for sharing this special moment with us. I'm so happy for you to have found a wonderful gym!

[LealScott]

How wonderful! I loved Curves but since injuring my back I can't use the machines. Water aetobics has been my salvation. Of course I get to use the heated saltwater pool outside in Hawaii which is an added bonus. And walking. Even on vacation I did my 10,000 plus steps today.

[Char75]

That is such a HUGE step. You overcame your fears and joined anyway. That's an amazing accomplishment. You should be very proud

I hope to join the local ymca soon, so I can utilize their pool!!!