[lpkayak]

i have needed a board like this for a long time, but i am 63-not that good with computers, and usually go to lyme support sites because i got lyme in the 80s and it was untreated a long time. then i got osteo arthritis in both knees in my early 30's...and the whole "cant move", stress from being a working mom with chronic illness has led to an obese life.

so i am looking for a place to come and hopefully figure out how to lose again. the last time i lost 40 lbs i ended up with gall bladder surgery and they said it was related.

now-i am having trouble with artificial knees and other ortho problems and in a wheelchair/walker some of the time.

for years i was able to keep the weight down some by riding horses (i used to compete) and kayaking(i started when i could no longer jog) but in my current state i cant do either. PT even made my shoulder much worse...so i am going to have to be really creative about finding movement i can do.

i taught PE for 30 years-so i have some knowledge of movement...but with severe back, knee, hand, foot,ankle and shoulder ortho problems...i am running out of ideas.

my immediate need is to find some sort of band or belt to put around my middle as i lose because my skin is hanging so bad there it is hard to move. i still have 150 pounds to lose ideally. but i think if i could lose 80 i would be able to ride again and that would be really good for me both mentally and physically.

so if anyone knows where to buy one of those...the things i find online dont give measurments so i dont know what to get. spanx are to hard because of the arthritis in my hands. even sweats are hard to get on and off. thanks.

i'm going to go check out the other forums. glad i found you.

[Kalaya]

I used to ride also! I definitely agree that it is highly therapeutic both mentally and physically. You may have motivated me to get back into it also, so thank you .

I'm new to the forums as well. There are some great resources available here...information and people alike! Welcome and I wish you the best!

[Fluffypuppy]

You are not alone. I have met many folks on this board who have physical limitations. Hopefully one of them will be along shortly to give you some tips. And it is possible to lose weight without exercise. Sorry I don't know where to find the kind of belt you are talking about.

Welcome to 3FC!

[lpkayak]

thank you!

fluffy i am finding my way around now and so glad i can figure it out-this site has many places for me.

kalaya-pretty name! lets keep in touch on our journey. i started ridng hunter/jumper...then to balance seat...then to dressage but never above 2nd level. i have taught hundreds of kids to ride. quarter horses are my favorite. recently i have ridden draft cross and haflinger. took a fall 2 years ago...first one in 30 yrs. tell me about your riding!

[Kalaya]

Thank you

I've dabbled in most facets of riding mainly for pleasure. I was always too shy to compete, lol. Like you, I started in hunter/jumper also and worked a little bit into dressage. I spent a few summers working on a very large farm where they had some amazing rodeo horses. I learned reining, cutting, and roping...and WOW was that a totally different experience than I was accustomed to! Those horses are SO fast and agile. The first time I shot out of a gate it took me by surprise just how much on-demand power these little QH's had!

I've had a few falls myself, extremely comical ones at that...haha. Luckily I was never hurt beyond some bruising and it definitely never deterred me from riding. I do miss it though, it has been quite a while!

[Mozzy]

Welcome and good luck on your journey!

[PatLib]

I would contact your health insurance company. Some companies will pay for the special band and offer to partially cover your loose skin surgery if you show that you are serious about loosing weight.

This could mean that you have to see the doctor more often and give reports to your insurance company to prove that you are sticking with the weight loss program until you reach your goal weight. This is relatively new thing insurance companies are doing, I heard about it on the news.

[penmage]

[Misti in Seattle]

[lpkayak]

patti - i dont have a weight loss doc or anything...i need to lose at least another 100 lbs...so wouldnt have surgery b4 that...im not talking about the band that makes your stomach smaller...i just need a way to support the skin so i can continue exercising. spanx are too hard for me...i wonder if a seamstress could cut them and put a velcro closure on...i was hoping someone made something like that

[PatLib]

Actually that's what I meant too. There are special bands that stop your lose skin from rubbing against you while you exercise but the good ones are very expensive. I really would contact your doctor and tell him about your goals. There really is a chance that the insurance will cover the band (and eventual surgery) especially if you have a doctor helping you.

[lpkayak]

is there a link or what should i google to find the band? thx