Changes in our lifes

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Mine was not bad at all, can't complain. I'm back to the old grind mill today (work) There is good and bad to going back to work. I'll be getting out of the house and getting my daily workout but I'm tired of my job and it's time for change. How many of you have made changes in your lifes since having your WLS? Don't matter if it's small or large. My first chang was. I cut my hair right before my surgery day. Second I colored my hair. Now I'm wanting a job change and for the better I also don't let people get under my skin anymore and I DON'T care what people think of me either. Don't like me then tough I'm more sexual toward my husband I feel like I'm finally back on top of the world and loving it Donna 338/232 -106

Donna, start reading the paper, bulletin board, go online at your employment services in your area, and let friends and family know you are looking for a different job. I am a fairly young widow (58). I loved my job but my boss was a perfectionist and would put me down lowering my self esteem. I would do okay at work during the week but weekends were hard and lonely. In January she left me a 2 page "memo" nit'picking me on this and that, and she was gone. Thi**** me the wrong way. I sent her an email that same night that if she knew how lonely and depressing my weekends were she would not have sent me out of there on a Friday afternoon with such a note. I went on to defend each point she made in the memo. Same night there was an ad for a job in same company, different division. I called the following Monday and applied. I got the job!!! Former boss said she didn't think I would get so upset by the memo she sent that I would quit!?!?!? So I kept my sick/vacation/holidays/insurance/pension plan by staying with same company. I still see my old friends. I still fight lonliness and depression mostly on weekends. I do better if I have plans made. I am active in my church and with my family. I have started doing my own yard work since losing 82 pounds. This saves me $$$ and gets me outside which is good exercise and lifts the depression. Sorry I rambled. Barbara

Donna hugging Barbara I'm sorry your so lonely on the weekends. I came so close to losing my husband the first of this year and it really made me stop and apprecate him so much more. It brough us closer together. This is why i started thinking about my future and my job as I make NOTHING from this job. Thanks for the advice on the jobs. I already put in for another job at one of the hospitals in my area and I go on May 3rd for some kind of video they have you watch and I might be able to ask about a few positions they have open then. I might even go back to school to become a CNA. Donna 338/232 -106

Yup. I am entering the "selfish" phase of life. Making changes for self-improvement, all around. I cut my hair shorter and changed the colour. Started taking belly dancing classes. Stopped relying on my car, in favour of walking or public transit. Changed my daily routine - earlier to bed and earlier to rise.... Joined the gym and began a daily cardio workout Turfed my border, so that I can enjoy more secluded romantic time with my other half. Now, when I go to the bars, I get up and dance. Which is something I had avoided for the past 15 years. I have more confidence and better self-esteem. Karen G 294 / 223 / ???

Karen, you make me take stock of myself. You have made some great changes in your life. I need to exercise more, I know this. Somehow I just can't make myself go. I tried getting up at 5:00 to go before work and that continues to fail. I pass right by the gym on my way home from work and I drive pass. Any tips women?? I have cut my hair shorter and I love it this way. I am buying bright colored clothes, fun stuff at Walmart and Target, I love this. I could never shop at either place at 330 lbs. I used to have to pay sooo much $$$$ for my clothes, shopping at the BIG women specialty shops. Now I can spend $10, $16 and get some really fine, nice fabric, stylish pants for work and play. I am wearing makeup each day and I am moisturizing my skin all over. Drinking so much water each day has helped with my very dry skin problems. I plan my food choices and insure that I have good stuff to pick from. I mix up my food routines also. I buy a large bag of frozen shrimp and bring it to work. 2-3 times a week I have 6-8 jumbo shrimp for lunch. I also find good SF treats for me and all these great choices make me feel as special as I am. Donna I love my job & work at the VA. I have wonderful supervisors and I love helping the men and women who served and protect us. My DH is a 100% service connected veteran and the VA has saved our lives, I feel priviledged to be working here. However I would really love to move to Florida. My Dad left me his beautiful condo in DelRay Beach and I am trying to convince my DH that we need to move there. We still have two adult children at home, ages 25 & 21. WE need to move on and have a life of our own. So I am actively applying for jobs at the West Palm VA in Florida. Wish me luck, As I wish you luck in finding a new job. Now to get to the sexual nature....my DH and I have always a good sexual relationship. However my extreme obesity did put a damper on sex. I was always so self concious and never felt sexy or appealing, even though my DH said I was wonderful. Well 76 lbs later, sex is fantastic. I am much freer and can move easier and just feel beautiful. Happy women I am. Thanks for sharing, all of you. So glad that you are all part of my life. Are any of you going to the ObesityHelp convention in May in New Jersey. There are a good number of us over fifty ladies who are going, some coming from the west coast. I am very excited to be going. I have never done anything like this before. My surgical angel Maryann (5/2004) and I are traveling together. I will share with the December crew what I learn. Hugs to all Monica