Wow 8 years...it's been one hell of a ride!!!

 I was going to say all I need to do to get warm fuzzies is stick my hands between my thighs...which IS how I warm my hands up at work...lol...damn I miss that hand warmer of a stomach...ok not really but when it's cold.

ha ha .... I just did that at the office today as the heater under my desk and sweater that I was wearing were just not cutting it.  My chunky thighs indeed have a purpose in life ... to warm up my cold fingers to that I can type! 

I am amazed and inspired. Thank you Sarah!

Hi Sarah: I have followed you since I started on OH almost 3-1/2 years ago and you certainly were one of my inspirations.  I also suffer with lymphedema (mostly confined to lower legs but my therapist does feel I also have it in my upper thighs -that of itself is no picnic besides all of the other effects MO has on our bodies!!  I do agree with you on the gene issue.  I know that at least part of my MO stems from a chemical imbalance /change which took place in my mother's womb either just before or just after birth.  Doctor's told my parents this when I started gaining weight rapidly and at that time the solution was to put me on diet pills (I was under 2 years old) My mother finally said NO MORE! when all's I did was sit on the sofa and cry and shake all day. (Probably amphetemine over dose who knows??) So I have a long history of MO.
This surgery did help with many of my co-morbidities.  I also will probably never make it to goal.  At my highest known weighed weight I was 450#.    I am now at 250# and know the surgery was a success by weight standards.
However, that said, it doesn't help when I feel dis-satisfied with myself and frustrated because I gained 15# and can't seem to get started again.  Maybe I can't do it due to this heredetary factor? Maybe I'm blocking out serious childhood memories of abuse or something horrendous? I can't say that I have that answer.  I see so many others who are truly successful in the sense they get down to a "more normal" weight.  I ponder if 250# is normal for me?  Like yourself, I am employed full time, work, walk, do exercises (though probably not loving this as much as I see others on here do) can drive my car without a seatbelt extender, etc. etc.  I know you know all these things, too.
I apologize for my ramblings, just wanted to let you know I felt alot of emotions when reading your post.  Perhaps my journey was/is not as full of as many "potholes" as yours, -- I'm working on patching as I go along and may  never be fully mended or "perfect".
You are doing, you are living and you feel good about yourself.  I am hoping to get to that point but I know it takes time.  I've had this body for over 50 years, so change is difficult but can be brought about.  Thanks for posting and it's good to see someone who's been there and is doing it!!   You are alive and you rock, girl, thank you.  Keep in touch, Mary

 Thank YOU Mary. It's exactly people like you (us) why I post. I know I often thought I was the only person with legs like mine, etc. It was wonderful to find other who could relate to what I was dealing with, it's even more wonderful to find people who while not suffering  with LE are empathic to what I deal with, and still encourage...like give me just a bit of hell when I don't want to wear my garments...but also will give me foot rubs. =) 250 felt good...but my body disagreed...I guess.

I love you! thank you for you positive upbeat attitude and inspiration! and im so glad that you realized what matters most to you! God Bless.

Just want to say congrats to you.. I like your attitude it is refreshing to see someone being positive on here. God Bless you take care..

Sarah,
You have a fabulous attitude!  I wish you continued success.
Pam

Good for you!!! You go girl.