Yosemite trip Thinner! - ThinnerTimes

Suzanne-photog4fun · 06-02-2004, 07:57 AM

I just wanted to share my joy with all of you.

I just returned home from a 4 day hiking/biking/camping trip to Yosemite. My last trip there I was 273 lbs. and now I'm in a normal sized body. Wow what a difference! One day I hiked 9 miles over 5 hrs. past incredible waterfalls and gorgeous mountain landscape. The next day I biked 12 miles along the flat Yosemite valley area. Incredible beauty. And I could enjoy it without much huffing and puffing because I am physically fit.
My friend who is significantly obese couldn't do either because of her weight. I watched her snack constantly on "crap" then take a long afternoon nap while I explored Yosemite. She was my "old life" looking back at me.
This trip to Yosemite was so much more fun as a thinner woman because I had ENERGY, and wasn't obsessed with what I would be eating next. It was just plain wonderful. Life is so much better in a thinner body. The candy, cookies, ice cream, etc. just isn't worth the tremendous joy that I have today without them. It is a small price to pay for drastically improved health. I am grateful for my new life. Weight maintenence is challenging at times but definitely worth the effort.

I've added some Yosemite pics of me to my photo album if you'd like to see them. Thanks to all of you for your ongoing emotional support. You make a difference in the quality of my life.

brutherford · 06-02-2004, 09:20 AM

I'm so glad that this was the first post I saw today! My sisters and I have a trip to Yosemite planned for this September. The three of us hiked the Grand Canyon last year, and I was at a whopping 325

, so I know the misery that you described. That last 2 mile climb to the rim almost did me in (I seriously wondered if I was having a heart attack, but I just couldn't catch my breath). I'm already 45 lbs thinner than that now, and hope to be about double that when we go to Yosemite - I can't wait!!

My energy is not yet up to where it was pre-surgery, but I'm noticing so many things that are very cool. Yesterday at the gym, I did my usual pre-workout stretches (which I haven't done in over a week) and noticed that I can go significantly deeper into my two favorite yoga stretches: seated head to knee and bound angle. I've always been flexible, so the thing that's made a huge difference? My shrinking belly isn't getting in the way!

Thank you, Suzanne, for giving me a huge boost of hope, energy, and excitement today!

o2bthin · 06-06-2004, 08:40 AM

My family and I go on a big camping trip every summer. Usually we go to Sequoia, but last year we made the trek to Yosemite. My sister was a year and a half out from her GBP and had just had her tummy tuck. I don't know if anyone can relate, but she had ALWAYS been heavier than me. I was so happy for her, but at the same time, more depressed about my health and my body.(I am at about 260)

It has gotten increasingly harder for me to keep up with the group. The kids are getting older and I feel like I am getting left behind. I just can't keep up with the crowd anymore. All of the feelings surounding events like this are at the top of the list of reasons I have chosen to have this surgery. I hope to have my GBP by the end of June. Our big trip this year is in the beginning of August, so I don't expect a whole lot to change by then. But you just wait tell next year. I'll be at the front of all our hikes!

brutherford · 06-14-2004, 12:24 PM

I know exactly what you mean about being last of the pack, Vangie. Although August is certainly soon after your surgery, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how much better everything will be. If you follow all of the doctor's instructions and take really good care of yourself, you will probably feel amazing by the time the hike comes. In less than 7 weeks, I'm already 40 lbs and 34 inches thinner, and exercise is so much easier than it used to be!

Do you ever hike in San Diego? My sisters and I are active hikers, and we try to alternate between San Diego and North County, as one of my sisters lives in Vista. We do Torrey Pines (La Jolla), Elfin Forest (Escondido), and Cowles Mountain (La Mesa). If you're interested in going with us, let me know and I'll keep you updated.

Good luck!