Vacation at an average weight

We just returned from the Smokies yesterday. I had a great time. While I was having fun doing so much it occurred to me that I would not have been able to do many of the things I did just 3 years ago. Everytime I saw a weight limit sign, I had to be thankful for this surgery. As a family, we rode horses, rode amusement park rides, walked around the water park in a bathing suit and shopped 'til I dropped. All of the things I enjoyed so much had weight or other physical limitations or I simply would have been too self-concious to do them. I would have missed out on so much! I just needed to express my thanks for this surgery and encourage those who deep down doubt the value of WLS. Keep on with the fight, I still have many struggles and always will but the freedom I experience being free of the weight is invaluable to me. Thanks, Elesha

Hey Elesha, I'm so glad that you had a great vacation. All that walking & sight seeing. You must of had a ball being able to do all those things with your family. I'm so jealous !!! But this post has made me more happy about my decision to have WLS. Thank you ! I want to go to the Smokies after surgery. As a matter of fact Arlies & I talked one time about taking our families & going on a trip there. Oh What A Happy Day That Will Be ! Tammy

Thanks, you will enjoy the trip when you go! There are tons of things to do. Elesha

Thank you so much for posting this. If this isn't a motivator I don't know what is. I love traveling but at this point it's just too emotional and too hard for me. So on my "what i want to do after weight loss" list travel is on the top. Your post made me see just how wonderful that's going to be and just how much this surgery gives back! Thank you thank you thank you! Keli

Thanks, sometimes we get caughtup in the downsides of WLS and forget to appreciate how far we've really come. It was a good reminder for me. Elesha

Elesha, I am soo glad you had such a wonderful time on vacation this year and believe me I know the feeling. I haven't loss as much weigh as you but what I've lossed so far is priceless . We went to six flags in New Orleans earlier this summer and for me to even walk around the park and not want to just someone was a dream come true for me. So to everyone reading our post for encourgement, baby steps and one step at a time will get you closer to your goals and dreams. Elesha, I know you are bursting inside from joy. You truly look amazing so keep up the good work honey and keep working that tool. Take Care!!!

Thank you Sandra. It really was a good reality check for me to realize how different I am now than before WLS. Take care, Elesha

Hi Elsha, That is wonderful, and I bet an awesome feeling. Last year my family and I had 6 flags season passes. I just fit on some of the rides, and I mean JUST fit (I had to have DH push down on the bar and strap me in). BUT, I was devastated when the man at the paddle boats said, "I am sorry, but we can't let you on. We don't have a life jacket your size." Poor guy, I think he was more embarrassed than me. This year I bought some tickets, but sold them, cause I could not face going. I am 40 pounds heavier than last year. I know I won't fit. My dream is owning horses, and I know there is nothing I can do right now with them... so I am looking forward to the days I don't have to plan around my weight... Thanks for the encouragment, and keep up the great work! Hugs, Connie

I understand what you're saying. I avoided those situations at all costs even to the point of planning schedule conflicts so I wouldn't be able to go. Hang in there, the day you don't plan around your weight is coming. Elesha

Elesha, I am so glad that you had a nice vacation, you deserve it. I bet you looked and felt great in your bathing suit too! You were such an inspiration to me when I met you at the Hattiesburg Bash. You look like you have never been overweight a day in your life. I hope that you will be able to attend the October Bash, I would love to see you again. Take Care, Rhonda G. Biloxi, MS Lap RNY 03/01/05 240/155/125 85 down and 30 to go!