Hey Iowa People

Hiya All...Ive been posting on the Main board Mainly...but wanted to say Hi to My fellow Iowan's. I Have a Post on the Main Board Reguarding my Profile... I started out to make a Top 10 List...and ended up with 16 I think. Let me know what you think...did I miss something?...I wanna know! ~Bill

I want to be able to buy clothes that I LIKE in a NORMAL size instead of buying something just because it fits(and usually in a gaudy color/print!!)

Yeah Michelle, Thats what I mean...I buy 3-4X size stuff anywhere I can find it...Where I live...Means usualy is somewhere that sells farming supplies too. I would love to buy a XL or L again one day in a regular store ~Bill

Hey, Bill, Love that list! Let me guess, you shop at a Farm & Fleet? Too funny! Welcome! Andrea

My goal during this whole process has been to purchase a shirt that did NOT have an "X" in the size. I can hardly wait to tell people that I have a LARGE shirt on, someday that is.

Bill~ Your list is GREAT.....I think If I would sit down and make a list it would be around 100...lol.....Stacy XOXO

Hi Bill, LOVED your list, I can relate. After doing a year of research I decided it was time to to take the next step...so right now I am waiting for approval. I too am worried about the next ten years if I choose to not take action. I wish you luck as you continue on the road to a better quality of life. Look forward to hearing more so keep us posted..... Sherri

Bill, welcome to the Iowa Board! It is great to know that what we are going thru is not just a female thing. Sometimes we tend to get a little bit like a "hen party"! lol It is early Sunday morning so I can't think of anything to add to your list right now, but I bet you will think of more as you get closer to surgery. There are all sorts of personal things like not having to scan for the chair you think will hold you when you walk into a room. Or lots of others. Brain not working yet. sorry. Anyway, Welcome and please post here too, not just the main board, even if you just cut and paste it. I miss a lot of the main board ones since it is so busy. Can I be nosy and ask what part of the state you are from? It kind of helps when we try to answer questions you may have. Elizabeth (in central IA)

Bill, Your list is great I also have a clothes wish I want to go into a Harley store and buy clothes in the womens section instead of the large men's section. Now I'm not wanting the leather halter tops!!!!! just the T-shirts that are women's and of course the leather pants and jacket LOL LOL . My doctor had me make a 10 item list that they give to you when you have the surgery so you can keep looking at it if you feel the need to eat junk again. Best wishes on your journey. Ann

Hello Bill, Welcome to the messageboard, I like your list, Here is mine. What ya think? TOP 10 INNER-PERSONAL BENEFITS OF WLS FREEDOM Freedom from shame, guilt, ridicule, embarrassment, and worry. Freedom to move without pain and struggle. Freedom from the control of food. Freedom to dream without limitation. PEACE OF MIND Peace of mind knowing our HEALTH is the best it can possibly be. Peace of mind that our families will NOT have to go on without us. Peace of mind that we've done all WE can to insure we are around to take care of those who count on us being there for them. CHOICES To have unlimited options from which to choose everything from our clothing to our cars, to how we use our bodies and live our lives. Unlimited career options, relationship options, and all around LIFE OPTIONS! FITTING IN Fitting in any chair, any car, any booth, any seatbelt, any store, any bathroom stall, any bathtub or shower, any amusement park ride, any intimate position, any clothing we like, and most of all......... Just plain "fitting in" to society! OPTIMISM Suddenly life becomes half full instead of half empty. We feel more positive about ourselves, our future, and our life. We react to the world in a more positive light because we are no longer prisoners of our bodies. As we release the demon of food that has controlled us for so long, we accept and forgive ourselves for our own weakness; releasing us to become more tolerant and forgiving of others. Therefore, causing us to feel lighter in body AND spirit. DIGNITY The dignity that comes with being able to: take care of ourselves, reach for personal hygiene, easily get out of a chair, couch, or car, walk a reasonable distance, not drip with sweat when everyone else isn't, tie our shoes, or pick up what we drop. To be able to climb stairs, or out a window, or pull/lower ourselves or someone we love to safety if a life depended on it. SELF-CONFIDENCE As we regain our confidence in everyday activities, our confidence grows in our ability to do and try things we've never done before. With each accomplishment, we can see further and believe in ourselves a little more. Life becomes an adventure! Dr. Robert Schuller calls this "The Peak to Peek Principle" and authored a wonderful book by the same name. SELF-ESTEEM With increased self-confidence we often see increased self-esteem... Our vision of our own self-worth. The more we feel able to contribute, the more we come to believe in ourselves and the value of our place in the world. When we value ourselves, we experience self-respect, increased self-worth or "worthiness", and a higher deserve level. All of which leads to healthier relationships with ourselves and others. INTEGRITY The journey of WLS, all that leads us to it and all that follows, is a test of our courage. When we are courageous, we challenge ourselves to our limits. We get to find out just what kind of "stuff" we're really made of. We may find joy in the discovery that we are stronger than we ever imagined. And we find acceptance in the realization that we have weaknesses we never wanted to face. All of this is OK! All of this opens us up to self-acceptance and honesty about who we really are. And when we know who we truly are within, we no longer need live in fear of being "found out" or fear of losing control to anything or anyone outside ourselves. We find the courage to live by our own convictions. And...we can honestly say to ourselves and the world, "Who you see, is who I am", and THAT is living in INTEGRITY! AND FINALLY to end on a lighter note, my favorite "superficial" benefit of WLS is.............. A WHOLE NEW WARDROBE!!! From hat to shoes and coat to undies, NOTHING will fit anymore. So that means I get to design a whole new me on the outside to reflect the whole new me on the inside!