doing something I would NEVER have done before surgery

I went and had a manicure. My daughter took me a couple of times before but I never felt comfortable. At 338 pounds why did I need my nails to look nice when I didn't? but Wednesday I actually walked into a nail salon BY MYSELF and had a manicure. I still can't believe it. My daughter noticed the next day and she was shocked. Now she wants us to go together all the time. And the thing is - now I can go with her. She missed out on those things before because of my weight. she can't wait to take me shopping for winter clothes. I was able to step outside my element and still feel comfortable. I didn't feel like everyone was looking at me and laughing or worrying that I would break their chairs. Have a great day. Koukla

Awww...Koukla, I think that's awesome! I've always wanted to get a manicure, they look so pretty, particularly the french tips, but working and washing dishes, etc. would tear mine up. My poor nails are thin and peel way too easy and I'd like to find something to help them grow beyond the tip of my nail beds. But anyway, I'm happy for you. What fun it's going to be for you to go winter clothes shopping with your daughter! Yay! I'm reluctant buying too much but at least need a new coat. Have fun with your beautiful new, glamorous hands! Hugs, Kelly

Hi Kelly, My nails are short and thin also but I decided to try. and i did get the french tip one. They do look pretty. short but pretty. They won't last long but that's o.k. It was the experience of going and getting it done. Yay, I don't want to buy too much either but I was thinking I have to buy a winter coat pretty soon. The slacks I bought in March don't fit anymore and I've taken them in. Thank you for your kind words. Koukla

Koukla - What a great WOW moment!!! I hope that you have ALOT more fun with your daughter or trying new things yourself!!! Shannon B.

thank you so much. Koukla

Look at you - getting yourself all spruced up -- just in time for your anniversary birthday! That is so special about your daughter, how sweet is that! My daughters liked taking me shopping too. You know I had a friend who had wls about 6 months or so before me. She weighed almost 400 before surgery. She lost about 50 lbs and wanted to celebrate so she went to Walmart where they had a nail salon (this is somewhere in Central Virginia) and asked to have her toes done and they too her she was too fat and would break their chairs. Now granted this lady didn't speak English so she wasn't that articulate, but my friend was so humilated. She of course left. I tried to convince her to tell the Walmart manager as I was sure he would be appalled at what the lady had said. But she was too embarrassed to do that. So when I heard your story I thought of this friend of mine and know for a fact that she has now lost a ton of weight, but she still to this day, will not have a pedicure!! Too sad. Good for you little Koukla - next you'll be getting a massage! love donna

Yes that is exactly what I was always afraid of.I would rather not go anywhere than face that embassessment. Massage?????? I don't know about that? But knowing my daughter she just might drag me to one. LOL Thank you so much, Koukla

Koukla, That is great that you went for a mani! Did you just have them polished, or did you have acrylics put on? I used to always have beautiful long nails. Went for a manicure twice a month and loved it. I had kids and the priorities for money went elsewhere. My 8 year old always goes for manicures when she saves her money or we give her a reward for doing well with homework, and hubby took her for one for her first communion. She's a girlie girl for sure! It's these small things that we do for ourselves that boost our condfidence and self esteem. Isn't is something that we held back taking care of the "little" things when we were so heavy or too embarrassed to go because of the weight. Now is another story! paula

Hi Paula, Glad you had a great vacation. We missed you on the board. glad you are back. Yes I just had them polished in the french tip style. That is so cute how your daughter already likes to do that. My daughter is going to be 23 on tuesday and she was always a girlie girl too. And she still is today. We call her high maintenance. LOL Yes it's another story about how we deprived ourselves all the time. Thank you. Koukla

Hi Koukla, I'm right there with you. My daughter loves to go places with me now that I'm able to walk around better. She loves the shopping, manicures and even splitting lunches out with me. I too feel that I lost a lot of time with my family, by being afraid to go places with them. Always looking at the seats before we sat down, to see what looks strong enough. I still do, although I know most chairs will take me now. Keep the manicures up and the smile on DebbieP