Lost lbs. and humiliations

(Hope my previous message didn't post incomplete, I hit something by mistake). My husband and I were fortunate to go to Hawaii for a week, many years since our last vacation, and how I wished I had the power (not the mention the $$$) to scoop up all the deserving people here and take you with me. Like many, I have lost about 35 pounds by now and am starting to see and hear about changes from others who see me. Never fast enough, you know! I'm so impatient to lose the next 30 pounds, as that will put me into numbers on the scale that I haven't seen in a decade. Right now, as great as the weight loss is, I have some clothes from when I was on the better end of the 40 pound struggle, that is that last 40 pounds on the way to my all time high. For a decade I've bounced around inside this 40 pounds. But going on vacation did show me that some things are really better already. Most of them are in the embarrassment area and here is the list: 1. I could fasten the airline seatbelt without embarrassment AND I didn't feel like people were looking at me. 2. I could find the buttons on the side of the airline seat and actually SEE them. 3. I treated myself to a massage and here is the BEST part -- the "one size fits all" robe actually included me. Granted, I could "just" get it shut, but before, I've had to carry a towel to preserve my modesty. 4. I'm still obese but I felt I was standing out less, there are a lot of matronly women my age in Hawaii and they're not letting it stop them. So I went snorkeling, which was one of my pre-surgery fantasies. I was lucky enough that the folks on the boat I picked were truly kind as I was a beginner and not feeling too great and they were very solicitous. Of course, THEY don't want an accident. But people can be professional or go that extra mile and be truly kind. They went that extra mile. So although I'm still focused on the larger issue of getting through the next 30 (I can kind of handle increments of 30, more than that boggles my mind.), I do see it's the small things I will feel the most.... Gano

That is sooo great to hear about a pre-op fantasy being realized!!!! I am so happy for you. It sounded like you really enjoyed yourself. Vacations should be that way, not always worrying about fitting through turnstiles or being too heavy for a ride, or even fitting into it. You are on your way. Congratulations! Keep up the good work - 30 by 30, it will go. I'm focusing on 25's. I also find it easier to deal with in smaller amts. mgm

Gano, It sounds like you had a wonderful vacation. You really deserved it! Hugs, Mo doin' a happier happy Mo post op dance every day

Sounds great! Snorkelling is actually easier for us big people--we are virtually unsinkable! So enjoy it now. I love scuba diving, but to sink down, it would take about 25 lbs of lead weights right now. I am planning a dive trip to Bonaire in September. Hopefully by then I will sink like a rock! Joy -32 lbs