Question:
How do you feel physically after losing so much weight?
I have been over weight so long that I no longer know how to feel 'skinny'. My family is so used to seeing me this way that it bothers me that they will treat me differently than they do now. — millietoombs (posted on February 17, 2009)
February 17, 2009
GREAT QUESTION,I am almost 42 I have been heavy all my life. I had RNY
Gastric Bypass July of 08 I started out at 368 and now weigh 246, I feel
great, my mind does not believe my body at times, I have documented my blog
if u want to read more.I have gone into places thinking tight squeeze then
wow I fit with no problem,The bathroom stall for one not the handicap
stall, I am able to sit in a booth, I am able to tie my shoes straight on.
I remember one day not to long ago thinking I was actually feeling I was
floating as I was walking I actually felt for the first time like I was so
lite it was wonderful, I still have days that I feel FAT as if I have never
lost any weight I think that is normal? I am so glad I have lost this
weight and would have this surgery in a minute. Truly blessed. Go for it
Dear life is great, I want to live and not hurt so bad be able to move,
serve God and LIVE my life.
— Tammi Sandoval
February 17, 2009
I had RNY 8/4/08 and I'm down 85 lbs. There were so many things I
physically couldn't do before surgery. I couldn't tie my shoes, cross my
legs, walk stairs, or sit at a concert with out my butt overlapping someone
elses chair. I now can do all of these things. I was very afraid that
people would treat me different. I didn't want to be treated different. I
was still me and I liked me, I just wanted to be a smaller me. The truth
is though people do treat me different now that I am smaller, but not in a
bad way. I realized that they were treating me different before so they
didn't hurt my feelings. When I would go to dinner they would always ask
for a table because I couldn't fit in a booth. I would get excluded from
different activities like snow tubing and ice skating because I couldn't
physically do them. When walking someone would always slow their pace
because I couldn't keep up. Now they don't worry about these things. I
love that they don't need to spare my feelings anymore and I'm truly are
part of everything. People who love you will love you no matter what your
size but people will treat you differently because you will start treating
yourself differently. Losing the weight changes everything in your life.
Embrace it and enjoy it.
— amylbarron
February 17, 2009
The comparison is night and day...I could not believe how great it
felt...The energy alone was amazing...Then the pain started to melt along
with the fat until there was no more and the meds started dropping off my
list...I was able to shop in any store for clothes...rather than a Plus
store! I wasn't afried to go to new restaurants hoping there might be a
table rather than a booth in case I didn't fit! I could go shopping and
actaully walk the mall rather than go to the shops just at the ends! People
DO treat you different...That is not something I was prepared for
either...No one told me preop! I felt very naked in public...Suddenly I was
getting all kinds of attention from the opposite sex...and it freaked me
out! It brought back all kinds of issues that I had buried in the
past...Suddenly I had to learn to deal with that sort of thing again...I
also learned who my real friends were...Some became downright jealous of me
or stopped wanting to hang out anymore...Others pretended they didn't even
notice I lost half of me...and wouldn't even say a word...Even some
extended family who are heavy suddenly don't want to get together...My
Sister in law gave me a giant basket of chocolate crap...Big giant tower of
cookies and candies and stuff like that...I have to wonder what on earth
she was trying to say to me...I re-gifted it! She's a nurse, she knew
better and she also knew I was diabetic! I'm not anymore, but she didn't
know that! So yes...people will treat you oddly and strangers will suddenly
smile and seem more friendly as if the universe shifted or something! It's
odd...and old friends are the hardest to figure out their feelings. Some
you realize were never really your friend...and that is another reality
hard to swallow...But just be you and those that really love you will love
you fat and thin!
— .Anita R.
February 17, 2009
I agree with the answer above just be you. Those that love you will be
there for you no matter what. I just started my journey, and I'm glad you
asked this question, because I wonder how I will be treated by friends and
family also. the answers are up lifting. take care
— treeeza
February 17, 2009
I just have to say I had surgery 7/08 and people who know me will stop me
to tell me what a difference it makes. I feel wonderful but a little sad
that they saw me as almost slightly handicapped before.
Friends are amazed and so far all of them have been happy for me. It is
wonderful this side of the weight loss.
— trible
February 17, 2009
I know what you mean Millie. I had my RNY 4/08, I have lost 120 pounds and
people do not recognize me and when they do they are amazed. I feel 100
times better. I can do all kinds of stuff that I thought I would never be
able to do again. Someone mentioned the ease of putting on their
shoes..it's true, you don't think that would be a big thing but when you
haven't done it in sooo long it is on the amazing list! =]
I won't lie people will see you differently. Some will understand and some
will not. I have been dealing with both. You have to look within yourself
and let the nay sayers go. People ask me all the time if I was always this
tall - they just didn't notice my height with my girth. Just the way it
is. I wouldn't go back for all the tea in the world! Take care and good
luck!
— JaimeK
February 17, 2009
I have to tell you what my dear father said to me before my surgery:
"Don't send me any pictures until you are where you want to be in your
weight. (I am in the UK, he is in the US). I just want to see your
results. And remember, when you come back home to visit, and see all the
people who have always loved you, they will celebrate with you; and in
moments, they will have FORGOTTEN that you were ever overweight!"
So far, I have lost 4 stones+ (60 pounds). People do treat me differently,
in that they DON'T treat me differently (anymore). I treated myself as
'handicapped' (the loos, not taking part, etc.) and they would just follow
my lead. I still have another 5-6 stones to lose, but I'm on my way. And
not handicapped. Bettina (texasmorning)
— texasmroning
February 17, 2009
I have never been skinny. I have been overweight my whole life and now
weigh over 500lbs. I have tried twice to have surgery and was too
overweight at one place and the other one wasn't a center of excellance so
medicare wouldn't cover it. I just found this new book though about
obesity surgery, in fact, that is what it is called, by Marta Meana.
Incredible, incredible book. Would highly recommend it to anyone
considering surgery. She interviews people who have had surgery and does an
amazing job with interviewing them before, during and after. It would help
answer alot of your questions. Done wonderfully tasteful but honest
contents. Hope this helps. Bobbi Jo St. Germain-Maine
— extraordinaryme
February 20, 2009
Great question! I'm going on 72, lost 150 of 180 lbs. Have 30 to go to
get back to my slim and sexy body. But, check out my Positive Affirmations
listed at my personal OH site: www.ObesityHelp.com/member/ChristineGibson.
You will also find through your surgery you will change in 16 different
areas of your life. This means, as you change, your individual family
members will change as well. Some times this is for good -- well it is
always for good -- but, it may bring about changes which surprise you and
others. Again, please take a good look at my Positive Affirmations I have
listed and my goals. Then, let's talk. Blessings, Christine Gibson, MS,
MA, OH Coach and OH Support Group Leader, North West Weight Loss Surgery
Support Group, Kirkland WA, [email protected]; 425-885-2634.
— Christine Gibson
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