I want to reach out

I want to encourage anyone who is considering wls to lean to the YES answer. There are risk, and with proper research you will know them all. There is risk in any surgery even knee and dental.  But I want to dwell on the part that brings all the wow moments only an obeise person can understand. I'm sure we have done this before but it just feels good. Feel free to add to the list. These center around my embarassments and inconviences of weight. After wls I can....... Tie shoes Fit in booth at cafe get behind wheel of smaller cars and trucks Go through turnstyle gates easier Use airline seatbelts without extender Walk easily done isle of bus Sit in lawn chairs Not be afraid of plastic chairs Sit in movie seats  without butt getting stuck Ride Park rides (had bad exp. at disney) Fit in my western saddle My DH can get his arms all the way around me(ye haw) To walk into a public place  and not feel like all eyes are on me. Shop in normal stores Not run from a camera But any style watch   Remember feel free to add to list All these thing, a slim person takes for granted, but to me the were a subject of shame. Soon all this shame will be out of my life and that feels WONDERFUL! I want all that, live this same torment I have, to find the joy I am finding now and I am not even halfway there yet.  Have a blessed weekend Myrtis

Great post, Myrtis! In addition to all your "plusses". after wls I can: Wear jeans for the first time in YEARS Sleep without a CPAP machine   Be off blood pressure meds Be off GERD meds Walk and move without constant back, hip, and knee pain Smile a whole lot more Shop for clothes without shame Enjoy trying on new clothes that I never thought would look good on me Clean my house without feeling like I am rolling a boulder up a mountain Plant flowers without wondering if I can get up again The list could go on and on as we all know.  Thank you for an uplifitng topic!

I would have to say it is the BEST thing I have ever done for myself, and would do it again 100 times if I had to!! Andrea

SOUNDS GREAT !!   I CAN'T WAIT!!..MAYBE IN APRIL I CAN START?...~mARY~

Thank you Myrtis for starting this list. I can tell from your post it is heart felt through your words. Only obese people can relate to many of your accomplishments. I would like to add I was taken off all diabetes medication after RNY. I can walk my dogs everyday. I can get out of my car and walk to the ATM like it is no big deal I sleep better than I have ever slept and dont need my bi pap. I feel much happier and can hold my head up. I gave 600 dollars of clothes to PTA Life is beutiful and I am so happy and proud of myself for having surgery. God Bless you Mrytis and all the wonderful people on the NC boards.                                      Annie

Thank you girls for responding I hope more respond also  and we show the  ones teatering on the fence how we feel about wls. Looking at your list additions and mine .....we have only skimmed the surface of what it has done for us. Keep -em - coming gang! Thanks Myrtis

Thanks so much for posting this thread, Myrtis!  Such good things to think about! Lisa (one of the aforementioned fence-teeterers)

I have a lap my son can sit on my stomach is no longer taking up all the room :) I can run on my treadmill, and at the park after my children...

Hi Myrtis -

Thanks for such an inspiring post. I truly have enjoyed reading your thoughts and those of others who have added theirs.

Like you, I find that this journey has been absolutely lifechanging for me. While I know that it is not without it's risks, I honestly believe that staying where I was before was much more risky.

Since I started this journey ...

I can tie my shoes, paint my toes and put on socks while breathing at the same time

I can walk all day and still have energy to keep going

I can fit into a theater seat without having it press against my hips

I can fit into clothes in almost any store ... with the exception of plus size stores ... HeHeHe

I am off all of my diabetic medications and my diabetes is considered resolved

I am smaller than my 6'2" sons, my 'little sister' and my mom.

I can now share clothes with my daughter instead of my mother ... not that we really wear the same types of things, but we do wear the same sizes ;-)

I actually like what I see in my reflection ... most of the time ;-)

I make better, more thoughtful and responsible decisions most of the time.

I have learned to consider the consequences of and be accountable for my actions