What have been your successes since surgery?

Candy, My husband tells me that now I'm a really cheap date!!!! The other day we went out, he got soup & salad. I ordered a chicken sandwich. I ate about 1/5 of the chicken and gave him the rest. I'm making up for it tho in needing new clothes. I've dropped 5 sizes since last year. Isn't life grand. Mary

Hmmmm, let's see . . . 1. No more GERD . . . That is sooooo awesome!!!!! 2. Off all pre-op medications 3. Weight loss --- 42 lbs total (32 since surgery) 4. Being able to wear old clothes that had no longer fit me 5. Being able to clean out my closets & dressers because I knew that I would never be able to wear the things again (truly letting go) 6. Being able to walk my dog & not feel like I'm having a heart attack 7. Having guys flirt with me Finally, I'm getting ready to go on a trip here in 2 weeks & I'm anxious to see how I'm going to fit in an airline seat . . . I'm hoping for the best!! Amanda

Awesome Amanda. At first it was hard to give up some of my larger clothes, but now I can't wait to get into smaller sizes. Have a wonderful trip. I'm sure you will fit just fine in the seat. Mary

1. i have a collarbone 2. my clients (i am a therapist for children with autism) can hug me 3. my acne has gone mostly away 4. period is regular 5. low back pain? nope!!! 6. no feelings of deprivation or hunger 7 being able to cook some food for my fiance and eating my little bit... 8. having to give up clothes because they are too big 9. sitting with my knees to my chest 10. no more seeing stars when i bend down 11. allergies much reduced!! 12. 50+ lbs gone

Elizabeth, Wonderful news ... that is GREAT!!! The hugs from the children must be touching your heart. My husband one day asked me to stand sideways by a full length mirror. He then came up to be and wrapped his arms around me and showed me that he could clasp his hands behind my back. What a neat feeling that was. I'm packing too big clothes tomorrow. I ordered some new clothes that came today (all on sale ... yeah) and they fit to a T. My shirts now fit my shoulders instead of hanging way over because I needed them bigger for the tummy area. Told my hubby, I had gotten my "cuteness factor" back in my life cause that is just how I felt ... CUTE. LOL Ain't life grand!!! Mary

Hi Mary, Congratulations on your success! As for me: (1) I can wear a pair of jeans that have a zipper instead of an elastic waist. (2) I bought clothes that are 3 sizes smaller than before. (3) I am off my anti-depressant medication. (4) I used to take 3 pills a day for my anxiety and now I take one. (5) I have lost 34 pounds since surgery. (6) I can climb a flight of stairs without having to sit down when I get to the top! (7) I am happy!!! Thanks Mary! I think sometimes we get too focused on the numbers on the scale and forget about all the great things that are happening to us because of the surgery and all our efforts! Thanks for helping us remember the other important benefits.

Linda, You are very welcome. I'm guilty of focusing a lot on the numbers at times. So I try to turn it around with this kind of positive thoughts. I wore my first pair of jeans (haven't own any kind) in 17 years. Yep, got the ones with the zipper and regular waist. What a head trip, I was so excited!!! Bet you look cute in your jeans too. Isn't it fun!!!! The reason I did this surgery was for my health. It is such a blessing to be off the blood pressure meds. You are doing GREAT too. I know you have to be excited to be off your meds too. I've had 2 different people tell me that they always felt I was a "happy" person, but now I "glow"!!!! I do feel so GREAT and feel GREAT about me too and it is definitely showing I think. Mary