Attitudes after WLS

Okay.....Here it is folks...What is your attitude like after WLS. How do you think its changed...think about it with a journey such as this what has happened to the old personality that may have gotten lost in the rapid fat loss! I will go first...of course!!! LOL I use to just go along with people, let things roll, or get upset at the wrong person....That was before the 210 pound loss that happened over the last 17 months! Now I focus on things and voice my opinion big time...you may ask why....because my friend FOOD can't help me eat the bad feelings away so this is my new outlet! Or my new personality....I am more outgoing, I try and stay focus on my goals...yes I teeter all the time.....If I didn't this would be such a boring journey! I expect pitfalls and hope there will be someone there to pick me up. Usually there is! And its a comforting situation to be in knowing others are there to help. I never depended on others before and its a nice change to my personality. This journey has been such a learning process for me. I am still learning....Maybe I should change my screen name to Da Learning Curve. I am more of a sponge and not afraid to take in new things. I am more open! I want it all! I don't think I had all of this ***** before surgery....or maybe I did but the food medicated it! So are these good changes. I think so. Okay...its your turn....

Debbie, I think my biggest attitude change is now I am thinking more about ME. I am coming first in most cases and I am not sure my family likes that. Well, too bad...they are not the ones who made such a drastic change to their body and their life!! I also see, like you, that I don't have the food to comfort me and take the stress away so I am trying to find new ways to do that. Exercise is helping, but it is not the only answer. I also use the support groups and these boards to help. I wish more people would take advantage of them. Thanks for posting this interesting topic. Have a great weekend. Love, Ellen

Ellen, Where I use to work we had a saying that went "Whats in it for me" I use to laugh at it but how true that statement is....we evaluate ourselves more! I have to commend you for recognizing this so soon. Maybe those PMRI classes helped? Nah I think its your determination to make the change...Change is indeed a good thing. I am glad to have you in my recovery part of life! Delaware has a good Team Support! I am so glad I got to know so many of you...its a blessing and what wonderful people. I would have never known you back in the day of my former 425 lb self. You have a great day....I got busy weekend again. Does the fun ever end? Hugs and Fleece Blankets Debbie

wow, that is a good subject!!!!! Before surgery my mom was always getting on me because I never did anything for myself I was always doing and buying for my family. When she would give me birthday money she would threaten me not to buy for anyone but me. Now, after surgery it seems like I am only thinking of me. When I go shopping, I am looking for me, I go once a month and get my hair done, and a pedicure, I go tanning. Pictures, I was always the one behind the camera now, I hand the camera to someone else and ask them to take the picture. So, I would say yes wls has changed my attitude, for the best! Atleast my Mom and I think so. My husband has become very jealous, that is an obsticle I have been trying to work around, because I can't sit still anymore, I love going places, where before I was content laying on the sofa, and he was content laying in his recliner. Now he gets mad at me when I say I am going somewhere, even working ot on saturdays, he will ask me what hotel am I going to be in this weekend, I know he is just kidding with me, but I can tell he would rather have me home.

Dana, I might look into that once a month treats that you do...I found that the manicure/pedicure day with Gigi and Dee was a lot of fun. Although I am getting concerned...does that mean make up too? You have made great changes and should be extremely proud of yourself! Be a camera Hog its good for you! Have a great weekend... Debbie

Absolutely make up is a must!!!! Lets go to Macey's and get the girl at the Lancome or Estee Lauder counter make us up like hooka's!!!! LOL I worked for Estee Lauder as an artist for about a year in the early 80's and yes, we wore SO MUCH makeup, my mother used to ask me which corner I'd be on (just in case she needed me for something)!

One of these days....I just never got into the makeup scene even as a kid. I dunno why? But your Mom asking what corner you would be on is a hoot! LOL.

Debbie, First I have to tell you it was a pleasure to meet you Monday night. You have such a bubbly attitude and seem so full of life. Your smile was just glowing!!!! As for my attitude. Yes I have changed. I was a very shy person in my prison of fat. I think I want to make up for all the things I missed as an obese child. I am more out going and opinionated. I think my eyes are open more now. I see so much that was there all along. People treat me differently too. Sometimes that makes me angry for I have not changed that much. I am still the person I was before surgery but just different in size. I am proud to say I have always been a caring person and was always there to help others. I do, do more for myself now. Maybe because I like myself now and feel I deserve it. I honestly can say I didn't like myself before and I just exsisted. I did what I had to do and not much more. I watch very little T.V. now. I have always been involved with my grandchildren but can keep up with them now. I feel stronger now about the fight for obesity and see how much it hurts people. It really makes me angry when I see discrimination!!!! I feel like I need to fight the cause and I will in any way I can. My dream job is to someday work with obese children. My heart really goes out to them. When you look around obesity is everywhere. When and where will it stop? We need to start as a society with our children. I'm sorry for going on about this subject but this is something I feel so strong about. I will shut up and see you all lighter. Joanne

Joanne, no need to shut up....your views are great! What strong convictions you have and good values! I like the idea of helping obese children...that is where our focus should be. We should care enough to be sure they are in good health because they are our future! Thank you for the compliments! If you would have met me 210 lbs ago I don't think you would have seen the same gal! I am very proud of you and your accomplishments! I hope to see you again soon.... Debbie

Hey, Debbie, Great topic!! I find that I stand up for something or someone I believe in a lot quicker now. I think I was afraid to say something when I was at the 330 mark because I wanted to be liked so badly. Now if I see an injustice being done I'll stand up for my beliefs right away. It's made me a more honest woman!! Have a super weekend. Love, Kathleen