How are you shining?

Today a lot of you have reflected on the changes that have or have not occurred in you lives since your WLS.  I, like Kellie, think some of my growth has come with my age.  Another part comes from getting my mental health in gear right before my surgery.  That in itself was a big deal. I wasn't SMO long.  I gained a 100 pounds in a little over a year.  That last hundred pounds really limited me.  Many people work the way I was and then come home to kids.  I did nothing!  I know my friends see a change, because I can walk normally again and participate. The longer we couldn't participate or move off the couch, the more friends we had that expected us that way.  Some of them needed us that way.  When we break free from our prison the shift in us ruins the role we had in their life. So many of my friends wanted the new Loris.  The one that doesn't moan and complain as much.  The one that can now overlook her mom's faults, because poor sick mom has a sucky life.  One who embraces her new body in cute clothes. The one who takes an interest in others that are breaking out of their old molds.  One who is now playful. Now I am ready to get back in the world and start volunteering again.  Yes, I have changed.  I have worked hard to have change my attitude and anyone that liked the downtrodden, immobile, grouchy me might not want to let me shine.  How are you shining?  Loris

Well, I'm only a few days post-op so I can't say how my life has changed since the operation, but the pre-op process really helped me to see a lot of things about myself.  As I kid, I suffered badly from depression and I've worked with therapists for many years (and will continue to).  No matter how much work I've done though, a part of me has always seen myself as "defective".  Completing my psych. eval. was a real eye opener for me.  The psychologist that I met with told me that she hasn't seen anyone as "well rounded and adjusted" as she has seen me.  I suppose that's a good thing since I'm also a counselor...it doesn't seem so much like the blind leading the blind, but it felt good and it made me realize that I really need to set this excess weight aside and be fully who I am...a well-rounded, adjusted person.  I don't need to hide behind the fat anymore and I will be OK without it.

Loris, great positive outlook on yourself and how others want the new you.  It's great that you are getting back out there and volunteering!  SHINE AWAY GIRL!!