What CAN you or WILL you do after......

I'm making a list for myself to remind me of my goals (I need some cheering up).   What CAN you or WILL you do after surgery that you can/could not do before??? For example: Walk up and down stairs unsupported, sit on a toilet seat without being afraid it'll bust, tie your shoes.....

Geez I keep wondering WHY THE HELL MY TOILET ROCKS!!!!  OOOOPPPPSSSSS

I have a list thats about a mile long but the thing I'm most excited about is feeling good about myself. I can't count how many times I've turned down plans for a number of reasons. Nothing to wear, I feel like a blimp, everyone will be normal size but me, I'm too ashamed, people will judge me, etc. There are so many reasons but they all come back to my weight and appearance. I'm finally going to feel great about how I look...and I can't wait till I've crossed that bridge! 

go shopping or to a fair for a whole day without being winded all the time and slowing everyone down. Be able to sit in a chair with arms or at a booth and not worry about your belly being in the way or people staring be a "hot mom" go to a beach without stressing the entire time about who is looking at you and what they are thinking (yeah- I know- I have alllll sorts of issues- lol)

There are so many things to do on my list... the ones that I am most looking forward to are going horseback riding and going in a plane!

When I was younger, I was an equestrian rider for many years and I rode in competitions and participated in horse shows, however, I havent been able to do it in years due to my weight. I'm hoping to do this by the end of this summer!

I've never been in a plane and there is no chance I would have fit in the seat before at 427 lbs so I am really looking forward to this!

Laura

Laura,  I rode when I was younger to.  Have you looked into any places to do this now?  I would love to get involved with this again, perhaps even buy a horse at some point.  If you find some where let me know.  Did you ride English or Western? Hope you are doing well.

Hi Emilie! Thats awesome that you rode too, we should go together sometime! I havent looked into it yet, but will soon. I mainly rode english style, but every once in a while western was a nice trail ride! I miss it soooooo much and I cant wait to do it again!

Laura

 SO many things. Dont be sad, there are so many things every day it seems like somthing new!!!!! One of my favs is I dont feel like I am so out of place when I go anywhere or that people are looking at me weird. To be able to walk from point A to B without having to stop because you cant breath. One of my favorites it I CAN WEAR MY HUBBIES CLOTHES and they are to big. LOL so many I could go on and on. Just keep that positive that you always give to us and keep smiling. You are going to do awsome. pplease email me if you need to chat. **HUGS DD**

Things that I can do now that I couldn't do before:

walk on a treadmill for longer than 10 minutes without having pain in my legs.

wrap a regular towel around my body when i get out of the shower

sit on a wooden chair or a metal folding chair and not be in fear of it collapsing

sit in a booth a restaurant and not have my belly touch the table

wear a size 16

look in a mirror and smile, and actually have happiness behind it and not just practicing the "Perfect happy face" for pictures i would dread taking

i can get a hug and have my nephews short little arms wrap all the way around me

i can legitmatley look at myself and say, "Look at what you did for yourself" and again, slide into the 16's

i can sit in my chair at work and not have my "Overhang" on the arm rests, theyre actually for my arms now

I can eat a normal portion of food and be satisfied, and not beg for seconds, thirds, or fourths

My list is pretty long, but I hope these few were helpful. Hang in there sunshine, its a beautiful journey we are all on. When you are discouraged, stop, take a look around and admire for a few minutes.

Lauren

I will tell ou Jules, I remember going on a plane and the seatbelt actually fit me and I could pull it tighter.. it was WEIRD! I was like.. Holy Sh*t, I fit comfy in the seat! Felt good.. I was smiling like a goofball.. but who cares???  LOL I also like tying my shoes in the middle and not the laces always being on the inside.. I could never get my leg up straight and had to lean so I could tie them. There are plenty of things I feel good about.. and Im sure there will be for you..soon enough!