Wow moments this weekend

I am so grateful that I had this surgery. Things do improve daily with some baby steps backward and forward. I found some energy last week and made 4 fleece throws for family Christmas presents and then as I was in the fabric store, I found this really pretty velvet like material and thought, I'd like to make a jacket of that. It would sure be nice to wear with my black velvet skirt. I laid the pattern out (BTW when did the cost of patterns go to $12.50) it was multisized from 14-22 with cups B,C,D in it. Much to my surprise I could do the size 16!!!! What a difference to be able to cut down the pattern rather than having to increse in all of the seams. I used to sew lots but got out of the habit when I had to make everything so much bigger. I don't have it sewn together yet but I will by the end of the week. The other WOW moments were when I attended a Christmas program and a Christmas concert. I went with my friend who just tole me that all of the weight I lost she found. It's been hard for her the last couple of months since her mother died. At the Christmas progam yesterday, she had to ask to be seated in a regular chair, rather than the theatre style chair. All because she couldn't fit in the chair. Another friend at the program is now using a motorized cart because of arthritis and morbid obesity. She could not sit in the chairs either. I could fit in the seats at both concerts, with room to have my heavy winter coat underneath me. So there was room in the chair for both me and the coat. I also was able to wear the fake fur jacket that I haven't been able to wear in about 10 years. Neither of these friends will even consider the surgery. Jeanne

YAY Jeanne!!!!!!!!!! How awesome. I sure do know that feeling of the chair thing. I hated to fly. I had to ask for a seat belt extension every time. This year, when I flew down to Arkansas, I didn't need one, and had room to share. It was a great, great feeling..... And I know about my friend. My best friend has 2 kids under 7, and is getting bigger and bigger. I'd simply love for her to have this surgery as I know she is a beautiful person inside and out now, but for her life and her children. I think she could benefit so greatly from it but right now, it's not even a concern for her. I hope to be an influence on her and hope that she sees my success as something she can accomplish. I can only hope that she might consider it. I believe that when she does see me, she sees how happy it has made me, how much healthier I am, and how much more active I am. Your friends, though they may not consider it, still may consider you an influence and perhaps in time they might question what you went through and how things work. In their own time, they may ask. Just be the great friend you are and be there if they have questions. I know for a few of my obese friends, I feel that way. I love them no matter what, but if they choose to ask, I'm there. Again, congrats on your WOW moments!!! Truly great work!!! Stacey W 310/147

Congratulations, Jeanne! Those are GREAT wow moments. I can relate to the "seat thing" - - I went to concert at U of M once and had to stand in the back because the seat was too tight. I was so humiliated. Isn't it wonderful to not have to worry about that stuff anymore? Karen