Long - My Wow moment results in a new view of myself!

I'll admit, I've just been a lurker until now.  I've never been one to be comfortable posting my comments and opinions on a forum.  I am eleven months out from my surgery and I've been doing great but have reached that point where the pounds are not dropping off as fast as they were to begin with.  But I'm still happy with my results because the pounds still are coming off it's just a slower process and hey no weight gain as of yet! 
When I weighed 315 pounds I never saw myself as that "Big".  I've always had a different image in my head of what I really looked like.  And that's even true now.  I know I've lost over 125 pounds but I don't see myself as that much skinnier even though I know I am because I am in a size 14 that are loose versus the size 26/28 that I used to be in.  So I decided the other night that I wanted to put on a pair of my old jeans just to see what they would look like on me.  OMG!  I put on a size 26 jeans and was totally amazed at how big they were.  Needless to say they were not going to stay up without me holding them.  I then proceeded to fit myself into one leg of the jeans.  What a shock!  I never realized how big I was until that moment.  I am so happy with my decision to have the surgery and am finding more and more things to do each day that I couldn't do before.  I've even started jogging!  I haven't ran or jogged in over 15 years!  I have energy to play with my horses and dogs and am totally loving it.  My husband loves the new me even more too, which is great.  I've always come to this forum for answers to some questions that I've had and have always found them without having to post myself and so that is why I've never posted before.  But I had to share this moment with someone who I know would understand. So thanks for letting me share and sorry it's so long!

1. WELCOME out of the shadows!  Glad that you posted!
2. That is FABULOUS! I LOVE hearing other people's WOW stories... they are so fun!  I have had the same issue as you...and still do. I didn't see myself as big as I was and now I don't see my self as slim as I am...goofy how our brains work, huh?
3. Your story wasn't long - it was fun to read, so it went by quickly.
4. HOPE YOU POST AGAIN!  Don't be a stranger!

Thank you for your support.  Now that I've posted once, you may see me more often!


Thanks again!

Danyel, I'm so glad you shared that very important wow moment with us!!  It helps me remember where I came from and it helps others who have doubts or need motivation.  See, it's just not your journey, it's OUR journey....all of us are excited to see others succeed and we're there for everyone who needs encouragement or help!

I'm a lot like you....I came from being 349 pounds, and I've always had a good self esteem and I loved myself no matter what weight I was.  I thought I always looked hot, even heavy.  When I had lost around 85 pounds, I told my nurse that I didn't "see" any difference in my body.  She had been taking pictures, and they told the truth.  It took me awhile, I'd say over a year, before my minds eye caught up with what I really looked like!!  Now I can see myself.  My sister doesn't see me much, so she's still looking for the fat me, but others that are around me a lot, can't recall me as large.  It's a funny thing.  I don't hate seeing myself in my old pictures at all, it just helps reinforce my happiness over my weight loss and all the gifts I've received from having the surgery.  Gifts of life, energy, health, etc.

I'm so very happy for you and continued success and happiness to you!

Edi

Thank you for your words of encouragment.  It's amazing how our self esteem plays a big part in our lives.  I developed a thick skin at a young age since I was overweight most of my life but I was always told that it's not the outside that matters, it's whats on the inside that counts and I've always believed that even when you wouldn't get the job because of your weight or not get asked out on dates.   I always saw myself as a beautiful woman and when I found a man who loved me that way too I was in heaven.  But when it came to my health, than I knew I had to do something.  We are hoping to start our own family soon and having this surgery was the best option I took.  I'm so happy and it shows both inside and out.

Thank you again!
Danyel

Danyel...congrats on the awesome WOW moment!!!

You have come along way and I am sure there are many more WOWs to come!!

It does take awile for our heads to wrap around how we really look. I weigh 121 pounds and still see myself fat sometimes.

Hugs, connie d

Thank you for the support.   I don't think this whole process would be as successful as it is without the support we receive from others in our same position.

It's great to know there is a place where one can come and know that there is someone out there who has had a similar experience and can provide the advice one looks for to get through it.

Thanks again!

THANK YOU for sharing your WOW with us!  I think most of us LOVE reading about them - either to remind ourselves of the wow's we've had, or of the wow's we HOPE to have as a result of WLS!  Everything you read and share here reinforces that you made the right choice for YOU, and you never know?  You might just have something to say that gives a "newbie" that final bit of motivation or reassurance that THEY are ready for what we have!

CONGRATS on your success, and GOOD LUCK to you and hubby as you move towards starting a family! 

DON'T BE A STRANGER!!!

Hey sis,

YOU have come along way and I am so very proud of you!!!  It is fun to be able to go through our change together...I am always here for you and I know you are always there for me!!

Love ya !!!

Your sister
~Jodi~

HEY! Thanks for posting! The more the merrier!!! :-)

We had 'fat pants' night (posted some photos on here).. and I know what you mean! I am still in the process of losing weight, but still..... my size 24s fell off me!! :-) It was amazing!!!

Looking back really helps us to remember where we came  from and how much effort we have put in!!