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 be. Peace of mind that are families will not have to go on without us. CHOICES To have unlimited options from ehcih to choose from clothing to 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, car, booth, seatbelt, store, bathroom stall, amusement park ride, clothing and most of all just plain "fitting in" to society. OPTIMISM Suddenly life becomes half full instsead 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. DIGNITY The dignit 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 resonable 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. 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! 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 contrinute, the more we come to believe in ourselves and the value of our place in the world. We we value ourselves, we experience self-respect, increased self-worth and worthiness. 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 discovery that we are stronger than we 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 to 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! Enjoy your benefits everyone.....YOU'VE EARNED THEM!!!!

Lora - That is an amazing post. It brought tears to my eyes. We've all come so far on this journey.

Cheryl- I've not made it near as far as many of you have, but I sure hope to be there soon!! I saw this on one of the yahoo groups I belong to and thought it was great and share it with everyone else! Have a great night!!