Both Vets/Newbies - What did or are you going to do when reaching goal?
I never really had anything planned, but started to do things along the way. If you look at the bottom of my profile, I made a list of things I hoped for out of WLS and the changes I wanted in my life. As I started losing weight and feeling healthier, some of those items just fell into place. Others, I had to work at. Several months post-op, I started venturing out and trying new things - learning the Viennese waltz, belly dancing, skiing, traveling, etc. These items were not really 'rewards,' just steps and changes I made in my life. I gradually started to fit into the person I wanted to be, but in the past always let my weight, then my health, hold me back. Some big milestones for me were fitting into normal size clothes, buying a pair of size 8 pants (even though I am now mostly size 10 - 12!) and buying a winter coat that was a size 10 for the first time ever.
Not only did I accomplish everything on the list, but I have continued to have new experiences and to experience life more fully. Last year, I spent almost 3 weeks in Peru flying over the Nazca lines, hiking 28 miles of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and spending 3 days at a remote camp in the Amazon. This year, I went to Iceland and hiked on the lava fields, took a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, NV, and hiked in the Blackhall range and spent a long weekend in the Barossa Valley (wine country) in Australia.
Rather than make it a one time thing, I try to celebrate on a continual basis! I am super grateful for the changes that having the DS made for me. I have never thought of this as just a weight loss goal, but as a continual journey and commitment to a healthier, better life.
I have thought about this for a very long time! I have a few things I plan on doing when I reach goal:
1.) Give away my plus size wardrobe.
2.) Run a marathon.
3.) Get a tummy tuck and boob lift.
4.) Buy a new wardrobe...whi*****lude a few pair of skinny jeans...which also include a belt...something I haven't warn in about 20 years.
5.) Wear a bathing suit in public with no tee shirt covering my entire body.
6.) Walk around naked in front of my husband of 7 years...never ever have done that yet:/
I'm almost 3 years out and I celebrated in many ways. I took a picture of myself sitting on the plane without the use of an extender yay Me! I went parasailing in ***** Cana. I went dancing with some "freak em" heels on. I went skydiving this past summer (best experience ever). This past weekend I jogged for 20 mins straight....so I plan to go keep working at my jogging skills so I can do a marathon or at the very least I've always wanted to jog down Lakeshore Drive in Chicago next to the lake with my sunglasses on and my hair blowing in the wind. It's a combination of the little things and big events that make the difference and make me say I LOVE MY DS. Oh yeah I was in my friend's wedding last year and I didn't have to have anything covering my arms. Boy did I strut down that aisle!!! I felt so confident for once in my life. Again....I love my DS.
HW:330, SW: 280, CW: 161, GW: 165 
