What does it mean to lose weight?
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| "I couldn't participate... I was constantly ridiculed" |
Growing up in Colorado, the leanest state in the nation, as an overweight child was difficult. I was the only fat kid in school – every year. I couldn’t participate in the games, the sports, and I was constantly ridiculed.
Having the lap-band surgery and losing the weight means a new life. Without the program and expertise of Dr. Johnell I would never have quit watching others and would never have learned to live for myself.
These are the things I have learned and experienced since the surgery and weight loss:
- Skiing
- Motorcycle Riding
- Dancing
- Dating
- Camel Riding
- Walking/Hiking
- Rollerblading
- Ice Skating
- Dog Training and Shows
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| "Living life 188 lbs. lighter!" |
"A year ago I couldn't walk - let alone attempt to ski" |
While I was learning to ski the instructor told me “Sheryl, I can walk faster than you are skiing.” I told him “you don’t understand – a year ago I couldn’t walk – let alone attempt to ski.” I’m still not the fastest on the slopes – but I can successfully negotiate blue terrain and I absolutely love participating.
I also learned to ride a motorcycle. I ride every chance it’s warm and really enjoy being in the wind. One day I had an opportunity to ride a camel and I was terrified. I thought about it and decided that if I could ride a motorcycle surely I’d be safe on a camel. I got on and didn’t even have to worry about hurting the animal – it was terrific and a wonderful experience.
When I used to go places I couldn’t walk around much and enjoy everything – I would get tired. Not carrying around the extra person has tremendously increased my energy level – I’m able to do and participate in anything. I’ve shown my dog, a yellow lab, in obedience, rally, and agility and we have five titles. I also have learned how to roller blade and ice skate.
Doran Geise said “Self-Improvement comes from competing against yourself – not others. For me weight loss has been the best competition and self-improvement I ever could have imagined.
” For me weight loss has been the best competition and self-improvement I ever could have imagined"
Life in Colorado truly is great and losing weight has meant I can experience this life – and we only get one chance to really live. I am a new person living the life I was always meant to live – and can live because of the weight loss and my new body.
Sheryl Y.
Colorado