QOD 4-26-04

For post-ops- What is your best "WLS moment" so far?? For pre-ops- What is one "dream" you have for after WLS?? My answer: I think the best thing so far is that I've had several people tell me that they didn't recognize me until they got closer to me or did a double take. In the last couple weeks, I've been told that several times. It convinces me that the changes really are dramatic. And also that several people have used the word "wow" with a big smile as their reaction upon seeing me. It's hard to beat that! And I also love that I don't feel like I've been in a wrestling match just putting on my shoes. I guess that's more than one.....I got carried away!! What's your best moment so far.....or what are you looking forward to post op??

Oh Jenni, it's so difficult to pick just one! First it was when I went on a trip and didn't need an extender for my seat belt on the plane, then it was fitting in the restraunt booth without the table digging into my gut, then it was mowing my own lawn for the first time in years - and not even being tired when I was finished! Now it's digging out clothes from the back of the closet that I haven't worn in years. How do you pick just one??? Cherie

Mine would have to be going to smaller sizes over the bigger ones. I also would like to walk for a long time and like you said tie my shoes instead of slipping them on. I would also like to breath and sleep better too. And get down on the floor and play with my grandkids and be able to get up with no problems. Brenda S. Burch ([email protected])

Wow, so many to choose from! Being able to walk in the March of Dimes walk coming up this Sunday will be a huge one for me! The fact that I can walk a mile (more) and still not be out of breath, Crossing my legs, fitting in "normal" sizes. Not so happy about having to show my kids and my sister in law that I am the same person and you can't push me around or ignore me just because I am physically smaller! (I can still kick their butt, I don't care how big they get or small I get!!) Crossing my legs! I really look forward to being able to ride the roller coasters this summer! Being called skinny is kind of freaky. I know I am not even near skinny, but when you compare! Fitting in the seats...everywhere! For those wondering, I have lost 120 pounds since my surgery August 18, 2003. Something I didn't think of before surgery, being able to wear jewelry again is really nice. Not being recognized is kind of hard to deal with after a while. I am afraid I will have to show my driver's license and they won't believe me, especially since it says at 295 pounds in the picture that I weighed 145. HAHAHAHAHA Maybe I will actually weigh close to that some day. You all have a wonderful day!

I swear I'm going to do everything fat people aren't allowed to do. I'm going hanggliding, scuba diving and ride the rides at Disney World. Then I'm going to do it all over again. I also plan to make it to my next high school reunion and make it a point to meet all those jerks that made fun of my size. It should be great fun!! So far my best moment has been getting approval so quickly from the insurance co.

being able to go to my closet and picking out cloths i want to wear not what i can fit into!!

I have to chuckle at that one...since I'm on the way down.....I have 3 pair of pants (1 jeans and 2 others) and 2 shirts to pick from that actually FIT me. Everything else is like a tent....even though I've already done a major cleaning out of my closet and gotten rid of the REALLY big things.....most of the things that are left are things that didn't even fit me pre-surgery but are now hanging. So I have very little to choose from at the moment but it will get better! And I'm not complaining!!! Jenni