New Poll Question :-)

OK, since Deanna keeps coming up with great questions, I've got one. When do you know you've made it at WLS? You know, what is the event or whatever that you think will (or has already) make you feel like WOO HOO that your WLS was all that and a bag of jerky (no chips, LOL)? For me, I'm thinking that when I get flirted with by another man, other than my hubs. I live in such a small town, know most everyone and at 11 months post-op it hasn't happened! I know it's a small deal, but it would be nice to know that other men find me attractive enough to want to flirt. For me that's when I will KNOW that how I feel about myself has been validated. Wow, I feel so shallow now! LOL I think the other thing will be when I am able to walk into ANY store to make a clothing purchase. I haven't been able to work up the nerve to walk into places like Gap, Abercrombie & Fitch or American Eagle to look at clothes. I still feel that I don't belong there just yet, so I think when I'm able to walk into these stores and look at clothes and even try them on, that's when I'll know I've made it with my WLS. So what's everyone else's??

GREAT Q SHARON!!! You are sooo gonna get flirted with once you get outta BFE!!!"wink-wink";0) I've really been trying to come up with an answer for this and It's hard!!! I think being able to walk into some of those stores without feeling self conscience would defineately be a BIGGIE!!! But, I'm thinkin' for me it's gonna be being able to look at myself in the mirror and really be okay with what I see. I'm pretty much there with clothes on...but honey when those clothes come off I'm singin' another tune!!! My poor Bubba(hubs) I flirt and tease with him until the "gloves" come off and then I just want to RUN!!!(I'd probably black my eyes with flinging boobs) So I just cover up!!! ANYWAY that's when I will know!!

I don't know the answer to that. But it's been it's 17 months and I've lost 156 lbs and I still haven't had a man flirt with me. Who knows it's been so long, maybe I wouldn't even recognize it if they did!!!

Good Question!! When did I know I had made it...lol Well..I'm still a work in progress...but for over 1 and 1/2 years now I have been under 200 pounds..that hasn't happened in many many many years!! I am maintaining an over 145 pound weight loss..that is a MIRACLE!! I no longer find myself thinking about food all the time, worrying about the scale or giving a thought to the old diet mentality. I eat to live, cut back when I need to, and just enjoy this new found freedom. I still have alot of "head" work to do....men flirting with me makes me EXTREMELY uncomfortable...hell Men EVEN talking to me makes me uncomfortable..I dont' know how to converse with them!!! I will admit it can be fun to realize I had just been flirted with..when in fact...I didn't even recognize it as flirting to begin with because I was so afraid of what I might HAVE to say!!! Thank heavens for the most wonderful husband in the world..who still flirts with me, laughs with me, sings to me, and dances with me..albeit..in the living room..hahahahah! LIfe is sweet! (((hugs)))) and smiles =)))

Well, I know I am not a post-op yet but I want to answer this question anyway. I think I will know that i've made it when people stop saying to me two things: "You have such a pretty face" and "You have such a great personality!" I guess i'll also know i've made it when I actually can go shopping in "normal" stores but i'm not gonna count the chickens before the eggs hatch or however that goes! Thanks Sharon for such a cool question! Dawn (18 more days!!)