Life's lil victories

I was thinking, the other day, about all the things I can do now that I couldn't do just a few months ago. Here's the things that made me smile: I can sit in an office chair with arms without having bruises on my thighs from the arm rests. I can't sit for long, or my butt goes numb. I can walk, whenever I want to, whereever I want to. without a cane. I can breathe, and don't have to pack 3 inhalers with me everywhere I go. I threw away all my medications ( after talking to the Dr. of course) People who haven't seen me since the surgery or shortly after, are amazed at the difference in me. I have the strength and energy to play with my new grandson. I can get down close enough to the ground to garden now. I can mow the lawn without a 2 hour asthma attack, and the need for a 4 hour nap afterward. It's amazing how much roomier my car has become. I'm a real cheap lunch/dinner date =). I'm sure there are more, but what are your successes? Candy -96 since 2/3/04

My pants are too big and I have to pull out a belt that I havent worn in yrs to keep them up...the belt is on the last notch my thighs are smooth and thin looking when I put on my lotion after a shower I can bend over to shave my lower legs without my belly getting in the way now or lift my leg up and not struggle to tie my shoes anymore it does still bother me to walk up stairs but b/c I have a growth on my knee instead of tendonitis in my hips I can buy XL shirts now and be comfortable in them instead of pulling at them hoping they cover my rolls I enjoy the gym and knowing that people just see me as someone working out instead of a fat girl pretending to try to lose weight I am now able to tell the world that I did something about my weight problem and I extatic about my choice and now I want to help others with their battles instead of settling for being fat and pretending it doesnt bother me... sarah

A few more, I was thinking the same thing this morning: I don't always look for the handicapped stall in the restroom Shopping is more challenging and fun, because I can shop in regular stores and clothes are designed to be tailored instead of being tents. My grocery bill has dropped substantially I swim with my 5 year old without being mortified. I can go through turnstyles at amusements parks with ease. I have bones!!!!! Eileen -62

Candy, I share many of your same "accomplishments".... I fit in chairs better, and now when I am invited to meetings at work, my first thought isn't what type of chair is in that particular room. My butt goes numb too... has been doing that since the day of surgery. I still wonder what the heck they did in there. They weren't supposed to even be near my butt! I can walk... I no longer avoid going out of the house because I have to worry about getting back up the steps. I no longer plan my route to save as many steps as possible. Now I just get out of my chair and go! I can put my pants on standing up I can put my shoes and socks on without putting my foot on the bed I can easily reach all my body parts now. My car too is getting bigger. I told my husband this and said it was time for a new car, like my clothes. He told me to move the seat up and adjust the mirros. Killjoy. I spend less money on food, but make up for it in protein and vitamin supplements. I guess its a wash on that. Even though I have a lot farther to go, I no longer see disgust in peoples faces when meeting them for the first time. I know there's more.. I just can't think of them! Windy/Pat

Being able to walker longer and faster. Bending over and picking things up off the floor. Feeling good about me. So much more energy. Feeling more in control with food than ever before. Looking forward to doing some type of exercise each day. Candy, you are doing awesome!!!! Mary

1. I can tie my shoes. 2. I dont have to buy my clothes out of Lane Byrant and Romans anymore. 3. I can fit in any bathroom stall comfortably 4. I can walk long distances 5. walking upstairs without gasping for air. 6.I fit in the seats at the movies 7.I can bend over and pick up anything I dropped The list can go on forever. It always amazes me how many more things I can do now with ease, that was a chore before wls. Take Care Trisha

crossing my legs putting the tray table down on a plane fitting in the seatbelt of an airplane seat enjoying clothing shopping undressing in front of husband modeling clothing for my mom

I can cross my legs, fit in some restaurant booths, movie theater chairs, office chairs, I can stand up to shower and wash my hair, (and not feel like I have run a marathon) I can walk and not get out of breath, I can fit in clothes from my closet I have not worn in years, I can touch my palms to the ground without bending my knees, I sleep much better, I am no longer incontinent of urine, I can ride my bike, I can dance. It's just wonderful!!!