DREAM REALIZED!!!

More than anything else that drove me before I had WLS, one vision or dream in my mind pushed me to this. I dreamed of being small enough again to ride a roller coaster with my oldest son (almost 6 yrs old). While I had surgery in May, I never thought that this would happen in 2005, and I was fine with that. I knew it would take some time to lose that much weight since I started so far north of 400 lbs. But yesterday, I rode a roller coaster with my son. I'm nearly crying as I write this because I can't believe it happened. It was only 20 seconds long, but all the pain, frustration, anger, sadness, etc. that I've lived with for years being so fat was released. It was a fantastic ride. The fact that it was my son's first roller coaster ride, surprisingly, was secondary to the emotions I felt being able to experience my dream. It has been 12 years or so since I last rode a coaster. I absolutely love them. I was apprehensive when we got situated in the car because I was afraid again like it was the first time. Then it moved. And after topping that first summit and going down, it was heaven-on-earth for the next 20 seconds. Hands in the air, screaming...folks, I can't convey how much that little ride did for me. God has brought me so far this year, not only with WLS. But WLS has been the catalyst for so many good things. And WLS made my dream not only possible, but a reality yesterday. It was one of the best moments of my adult life. Thanks for being here to share it with. Only those who've had WLS can understand some of these feelings.

Tom, I am so happy you got to have this experience. I know so well how incredible it is - I had the same experience a few weeks ago with my son. It was indescribable... Speaking of your son, how is he? I was actually JUST thinking about him as I was reading an article about kids with seizures in a PARADE article from my Sunday paper. Any updates on what happened? Enjoy your rollercoaster moment - you so deserve it! Becky

Oh congratulations that is one of my goals also. I know it won't happen in 2005 as I started closer to 440 and have only lost about 75lbs. I know it will happen maybe by next summer. My son is 7 and he talks alot about when his mom is skinny like him. I told I'll probably never be that skinny but I'll be healthy and able to do more stuff with him. I can imagine but I probably don't even touch on the emotion of all the years of being the fat person afraid to do things because you won't fit or you might break something then now able to fit anywhere and try anything you want. I am so pround and happy for you. Well you led the way but I working at being behind you and experiencing that joy for myself. I usually lurk but your post made me come out.

WTG Tom! Its those moments that make everything we go through worthwhile!! Keep up the good work. hugssssssss Krista 327/239 -88

Oh, Tom! I'm so happy for you! I cannot imagine the joy that you must have had riding that roller coaster. We're going to Disneyland in February and I'm looking forward to some moments like that!! Big Hugs!!!! Michelle

Oh Tom that is so cool. I also LOVE roller coasters and ride them every chance I get now. My question is did your son like the ride? My daughter had a fear of roller coasters for years and years. She had a major breakthrough when we went to Magic Mountain and rode 3 or 4 of them and it was just the greatest riding with her for the first time.

Tom, That's fantastic! I want to ride roller coasters and other rides with my daughter and will feel such joy when I do. Congratulations to you!!! ~Wanda

(Sure, sure, make a gal cry at her computer monitor...) I'm so very happy for you! I can just see the emotion and excitement in your email. I appreciate you sharing it with us. I understand it was a very big dream of yours but also it is really exciting that you didn't miss out on your son's first ride. You were there for that. Had he gone on his first roller coaster ride last year or even earlier this year...you would have had to sit it out. I think of how many things you'll be able to do with your son and family now that were only a dream a few months ago. I think of all the things that all of us are getting to experience again and heck - some things for the first time at our ages - and it is just wonderous. (Some of us older than others - of course! LOL!) I'm getting to share alot of things with Rich since his surgery too. Earlier this year we went to Six Flags and went on a few rides. He hadn't been on rides in 15 years or so. Today we went to the Renaissance Festival and walked all over the place. Just over a year ago, he would have never been able to do that - he would have been in too much pain and I would have been too fatigued myself. But we had a blast for several hours. Excellent job, Tom! Kathy

Okay, I am crying my eyes out too!! But happy tears for you Tom! It is such an inspiration to read triumphs such as yours. I know thats how I felt when I took that 5 miles walk yesterday for Junenile Diabetes!! Thank you for sharing with us in such an emotional way!

Tom, I can't wait to go on my first one since my rebirth. The day I had my surgery, I was suppost to go with my son and his 8th grade class to Islands of Adventure. I am glad I didn't because I would not have fit on anything and I am not sure I could have walked the whole park. They are planning one for April. You can bet your behind that this momma will be the first to sign up as a chaperone. Your story is a true inspiration. Thanks for sharing with us. Smiles, Kat