Question of the Day Sorta (Long)

I will apologize in advance for the length and also that this is my editorial for the week . I have been putting off posting this for a few days now, but today I feel like I need to get it out. Since the beginning of the new year there have been several posts from many on here who are disappointed/disgusted/discouraged with themselves and their progress. I hate all those "DIS" words so much! We are all entitled so those feelings but I hate that it is happening at a time of year that usually represents change and renewal. We have all been through so much already and we need to focus on what we have accomplished, not what we have left to complete. I'd like to ask you all to try hard to focus on the positive things the WLS is bringing to our lives. It's all about positive internal talk! What are you saying to yourself???? I know that isnt easy to do day-in and day-out, but dont let those negative voices take over! I am so glad that this board offers us a place to vent, seek help or get a kick in the butt when needed yet it bothers me that so many are beating themselves up because they feel they arent living up to the expectations of their WLS. Relax, take a deep breath, gain some perspective, practice patience, get back on track if you have slipped and know that we are here for you, but most of all, try to see that the glass is half full and remember how far you have come! Today's question: What is one (or more) benefit of your WLS that is NOT just your lost pounds? If you havent had WLS yet, what is one thing you hope to do again or be able to do for the first time after WLS? ****Let's try to see if we can beat our all time high of 19 responses and get some long-timers to post some reflections!!!**** Luv to you all, have a great day! Amy -136lb.

I have realized that through all my complications, I really am strong and if I could beat everything that happened to me, I can beat anything that comes my way. I am stronger than I thought.

Great post Amy! I have many things on my list that I want to do again, but I guess at the top would be riding a roller coaster again. I love amusement parks and really miss being able to go on the rides, especially the roller coaster. So look out Hulk, Kumba etc...here I come. Have an awesome day and I look forward to meeting everyone at the 1/22/05 meeting at Altamonte Mall. Mary P.S. I have my first meeting with Dr. Overcash this Friday and can't wait!

I cried many nights last summer over how I felt sitting in the desks at college and how my legs would go numb from loss of circulation. That won't happen again now. I have been sick a few times since my surgery...and it only lasted a couple days instead of weeks or months. A year before surgery I was sick and this is nooo lie for 4 months with sinus issues. To play with my kids and see their reactions to what I can do now...get up on the trampoline and really jump, not just bounce a little bit. My son calling me his skinny mom and giving me big hugs, he is almost 13 and most of us know about teenagers. My husband smiling at me after he hugs me tight and saying how proud he is of me and what I have done. To walk around Disney and wear everyone out, because I don't stop every 10 minutes anymore. I have tons more...but I will stop. Tracey -106

Amy, Great post & a good question! Since my surgery is 2 weeks from today, my wishes for post WLS life are: 1 - to have more energy and not be tired all the time 2 - to be able to stand or walk for as long as I want without having to sit down and rest 3 - to go off some, if not all, of the 10 prescriptions I'm currently taking 4 - to be able to stop using my C-PAP machine And when all that happens - WATCH OUT WORLD, HERE I COME!!! Vickie J

Great post and great question, Amy. I'm a "half full" kind of person and get down once in a while, but not very often and not for long. I say positive things to myself and try to find the bright spot in a situation. I love my increased self esteem and energy. I feel like I can do anything and I have the energy to actually do it!! The weight loss is almost like the icing on the cake, because I really did do this to get healthy and feel better, more so than just looking better! Jan

Amy you are awesome...... Today is my 8 month anniversary. I started this journey at 236, today 153. I feel wonderful. I look forward to every day. But best of all no medications. I was on sugar meds, high blood pressure. I am a new person. Thanks for asking. I can't wait until March 26 when I go to the keys and go snorkeling and swiming. Yeah. tina

I am preop lap band 1/28!!! I will not fly again until I don't need to ask for an extender AND I do want to go to Vegas. This is one of many hopes and dreams.

Good point, Amy! It is hard to put into words what this wls has done for me and I am a writer. I went into this to lose weight and to be healthier so I would live long enough to watch my children grow. What I have got in the 3 months (as of tomorrow) is more than I bargained for. I felt wonderful from the day I came home from the hospital. On day 4 I was walking around a huge flea market and walked the Daytona Beach boardwalk . Something I couldn't do just a few days before. My self-esteem has changed and I just feel like I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. I have been busy with just the normal things of life that I couldn't keep up with , like cleaning my house and taking care of my family. I have also been able to walk the mall with my girls all day. My hubby and I have gone for many moonlit night walks. I have been lucky and have not had any complications. I have thrown up a few times when I ate too fast or too much but it doesn't even faze me. I try to remember I am still learning how to use this new pouch. I no longer take any diabetes meds or high blood pressure meds and they are both in normal ranges. I feel blessed. I have not been of a normal size since high school and then I was one of the "bigger" girls. This surgery has saved my life and also give me a life that I am going to cherish. If I get down a little, it doesn't stay long. I know now that I will live longer and I will do what ever it takes to make this work. Plus, another benefit is meeting all of you. You are my support that my family can't do. They are wonderful during this but you all understand things they will never. For that, I am greatly thankful. Knowing that my feelings are not just unique has helped. I only hope I can help others here like everyone has helped me. Thanks for listening. Good luck to all. Carol

Amy B./ Everyone, As my weight SLOWLY melts away, the best things I have gained from WLS were my long lost self respect, sense of self worth and self love. Those things were long gone years ago. Through this board, I have also been able to see people in a different light. I always thought we lived in a "selfish society"; yet, the support and love I receive(d) from complete strangers, who have become my friends, is very humbling. I have vented many, many times about OT issues and WLS issues, I have gotten incredible support either way, you all are amazing. Thank you all for every little comment, and every email you have sent my way and/or allowed me to send yours. I have a new view of society. I do believe, now, that there are indeed good people out there, who will counsel you and pray for you expecting nothing in return. These past 5 months would not have been easy without you. -Flávia