Amazed and Inspired

Hello everyone. I am new here and have spent the past couple of weeks looking through the site, trying to connect with people, and getting as much information as I possibly can about surgery and life before and after surgery. Today I was browsing through the Before & After photos and was just completely touched by the amazing strength and determination of the people on this site. I saw soooo many beautiful people (both before and after) but I can see the ultimate happiness in the after shots and it moves me almost to tears. I feel like they have finally become who they were supposed to be. I want that so bad and I can almost see it happening for me but I have a long hard road ahead of me. I feel like I've been living a half-life for so long and I'm finally ready to start my life. I'm just so inspired by the people on this site. I know the rest of the world, the "thin world" thinks that surgery is the easy way out, that people who get it don't have to work or struggle to lose the weight. If only they knew.

VERY well said hun I know for me this surgery changed my life! Now I am living more fuller then before that is for sure. Also working on inner peace sure helps! Learning about our bodies and this new way of life (healthier) sure is empowering!!! I have a very strong voice when someone says it is the easy way out now, because I KNOW this is one of the hardest thing I have ever had to work on!!!!! Thanks for posting hun Debra P

:party:! Welcome Damara, Where are you in your quest? The surgeons themselves will tell you that this is NOT the easy way out. It is a life altering event that we have to incorporate into our lives for everyday once we make the decision to have the surgery. (I have yet to have the surgery-June 5th- but feel totally committed to the lifestyle change). This site really helps-I wish you the best. Carol :type:

Thanks! I have only just begun doing my research into it. I am scheduled to attend an informational seminar on August 30 in Rochester--3 hours long--which will answer questions I might have about the procedure. I haven't yet applied for insurance approval--something I'm quite doubtful of because I want lap band surgery and according to my insurance its an investigational procedure. Right now I'm just trying to get as much information as possible so that my decision is an informed one.

Perfect!!!!!!  They make me very tearful and happy!  I admire them so much for reaching for that gold ring and grasping it, just as the rest of us will do or have done! Thanks for such a nice post, Damara! 

Welcome to the boards! Congrats on your new life to be!!