I have been bone on bone with arthritis in my right knee since long before my weight loss surgery in May of 2004.  With a starting weight of 424 pounds exercise was VERY limited.  It consisted of actually going into the supermarket and getting groceries instead of writing the list and giving it to my husband.  I then progressed to a little bit of walking at the mall, or around my block...After losing about 100 pounds I decided it was time to quit using my knee as an excuse and start doing something to help stimulate my weight loss and add years to my life, so I started swimming...first 1 lap, the 2, then I decided a few lessons to assist with strokes and breathing were in order. 

Before I knew it I was at the pool 7 days a week swimming laps for up to an hour at a time and found myself 250 pounds lighter than when I started my journey.  I then knew I needed to add strength training to this regimen.  I hired a personal trainer to help since the 17% curve from the scoliosis in my back hindered my doing exercises without hurting my neck and/or shoulder.  I needed to warm up before training and found that the elliptical (true strider) did not hurt my knees so I used it for a few minutes.  Today I can do 35 minutes and push my heart rate way up on the elliptical and then follow that with 30 minutes of strength training or swimming laps.  I can also hike, ride 10-20 miles on a bicycle and LIVE my life. 

In 2003 I rented an electric scooter to go to Disneyland.  Now I go wherever and whenever I want propelled only by my own two feet. 

I have walked the 3.2 miles (or 5K) of Walks From Obesity and I will be walking (faster than ever) the 5K walk/run for the Weight Loss Surgery Foundation of America on 11/4/12 at CA State University Northridge.

I am still avoiding knee replacement surgery just because, like so many other things, I CAN!