Why *I* Bothered

There's been a lot of talk around here the past few days about why we 'bother' to have WLS, since it's not going to solve all our problems---heck, it's not even going to make ALL of us skinny!

I'm one of the (majority of) people who hasn't lost 100% of her excess weight---and I DON"T CARE. Why? Because before I had my DS, I was pretty much confined to a wheelchair. Walking from one end of my not-very-big house to the other left me breathless, and there was no WAY I could shop in stores that didn't have handicapped carts. I could barely drive---short arms and legs plus big belly equals difficulty reaching the pedals. Work in my garden? Play with my dogs? Forget it!

I couldn't even have the two complete knee replacements my osteo docs told me I needed desperately. I wasn't living, really---just existing.

This week, seven plus years post-op, I took up and re-laid 4 dozen stepping stones, that weigh about 25 pounds each. This involved carrying them about forty feet, shoveling up the soil, hauling soil, getting down on my knees (AND back up!) multiple times. After I finished doing THAT, I went to the woods and dug up about a dozen grocery bags full of native plants, then came home and re-planted them.

Then I cut the grass, pulled weeds, and played with the dogs for a while. Then I bathed the little one (a bigger task than bathing the BIG one, LOL!) After that, I swept and mopped the whole house, and cleaned the bathroom.

Oh, and I've done all this on my original knees---after I lost 170 pounds, I found they still worked well enough to put off surgery for a while yet.

Was my WLS just a waste, because I did all this while wearing size 16 pants? I don't think so. And I'm going to have a steak for dinner, with a baked potato, salad, grilled veggies, a roll, and *probably* a piece of cake. And enjoy every guilt-free mouthful.

 This is a very inspiring post.  If the goal is health and happiness, then you have crossed the finish line.  

As well you should Ms. Batt!!!!! You earned it! ((((((hugs)))))) You and I had surgery for the same exact reasons. (I was also wheelchair bound AND had a service dog!) What a mess I was.

I outwalked my 24 year old Skinny/healthy son teh other day and am stronger (physically) now from going to the gym than my husband. I have gotten back into dog rescue and otehr things I though I would never do.

This surgery was a "sucess" for me just a couple months post op, when I was off 10 different prescription meds and walking again! I get it. Everything else is "icing" on the cake and you have done WONDERFULLY.

Enjoy your good health! You earned it!

Warmly,
Jackie

I wish MY dogs could provide some service around here! Seems like I'm the one taking care of their needs all the time.

I'm still not a big walker, because of my knees---I mostly do things in short spurts. (Carry five stones, rest. Carry five more, rest some more. *grin*) But yes, I am so much stronger and have so much more stamina. And although it took me six years, I FINALLY got off my blood pressure pills!!!

It's wonderful that you're doing dog rescue---any particular breed?

Ms. Batt-
While I love ALL breeds I am a "sucker" for the big dogs...Rotties, Mastiffs, Dobies, etc.  I have always had big dogs in my life and love working with the rescue ones and having them show the public not all "scary breeds" (Pits, Rotts, Dobies, etc) are "bad".

Currently I have only 1 rescue Rottie whom I have given a forever home too, because she is to shy to go to someone else. (She can be a fear biter, but never has for me...In the wrong hands she would be...Positive training has given her confidance and a whole new outlook!)

I also adopted a Toy Manchester Terrier (looks like a tiny black and tan chichuahua) from our local shelter and our "patriarch" is currently Monty, who is an ancient Rat Terrier and is very disabled himself. He is my sons dog and the two grew up together. My son is currently 24 and Monty is 12.

Your dogs are absolutely adorable (in your avatar!) and the surgery has made it so much more easier to walk the dogs, play with the dogs, do pack walks with the dogs and offer training to local people (mostly help with problems).

Again, you have done WONDERFUL Ms batt! ((((hugs)))) and I am so happy you have some measure of better health! Give a pat to your sweet pups for me...

Warmly,
Jackie

Talk about big dogs---I was adopted by a Great Pyrenees last spring. Unfortunatly he's since passed away. When he came here I didn't think he'd live six DAYS, but I was blessed to have him for six months. He'd been badly abused---he was nothing but skin and bones, his ears were so infected they were running, his teeth were broken, and he'd been tied and had suffered damage to his vocal cords. I groomed, doctored, and fed him back to health, or so I thought---then one day he just went to sleep. I miss him. (*sigh*)

I've had two pits in the past---both of them just showed up at my house. Max was just a baby, and we had him for several years. Winston was about 5 when he came, and he still lives at a friend's house. They're such gentle dogs, when treated properly!

excellent!

and who said why bother to have surgery? I missed that but it makes no sense.  because life gets better, that's why.  duh.

My Lady Heidi posted a message a few days ago, stirred up quite the brouhaha or so I heard. She has me blocked, so I only saw it once when I wasn't logged in.

ah!

well, one might ask why bother having WLS if you are still going to be miserable about eating.

I love the word brouhaha - sounds like what a horse would say.