This CAN really change your life!

I don't want to claim this as a FART, but more of a perspective for the newer guys.  I am 56, and like almost all of you, dreaded the thought of going shopping for clothes.  Ever since I was a "big" kid, the thought of going to a store to shop for clothes made me tremble.  I had stomach cancer and had surgery on November 12.  I have a wedding to go to in a few weeks, and as usual, no clothes to wear.  However, this time it is not because everything in too tight or small, it is now because everything is way too big.

I still feel the same about shopping, but my wife said we should go on Saturday and look at what was available.  She is great, no pressure, just trying to get the ball rolling and making sure I have something to wear besides my WalMart shorts to the wedding ;-). We stopped at the local mall and went into Macy's.  My heart was pounding and I was sweating profusely, just as I had always done from my distaste for this event.  Since I didn't know what size suit to look for, she started taking down suits for me to try on. Long story short, the last suit I bought from King Size was a 64 Tall, on Saturday I bought a freakin' suit off the RACK in size 50 Long.  I was so shocked, I couldn't speak.  I can't still even imagine that a mug like me could by a Ralph Lauren suit off the rack in a department store and have it fit.  I have lost 150 pounds and my waist has gone from a 62 to a 46.  My neck has gone from a 22.5 to a 18.   I am in disbelief, even as I type this.

I know I am blessed as they found my cancer very early. The full removal and of my stomach and bypass has given me a new lease on life.  I ride a bike, started playing golf again after 20 years, and don't complain about the heat or doing "chores" around the house. If you are pre-op, or considering surgery, or even newly post-op, all of this can be yours for the taking.  It is a lot of work to stay with your program, eat correctly and stay positive about it every day, but boy is it worth it.  It is my wish for all of you that you are able to experience one of these moments.  If you are going to do it, or have done it, you know how important this board is to your success.  I honestly do not think I could have been as successful with all of you.   THANK YOU!!

 

Lou 

Lou, Call it what you will--FART or not--this is a great story. I hope the pre-ops and not-so-sure folks reading this can get some inkling of how truly life-changing these surgeries can be. Most of us lack the words to convey the many unexpected positively delightful experiences that come with this kind of change. You've done a good job of letting them know and reminding the rest of us how lucky we are. Thanks and enjoy looking good at the wedding.

Great post  Fantastic "testimony"  It gives hope to all of us out there of what you can achieve.  I'm beginning to experience some of the things you're mentioning.  I can't wait to experience more of them.  Good luck on the wedding (pretty soon, that suit will be too big for you )

Thanks to the both of you for your comments.  I hope it is a while before this one is too big.  Great thrill, but very expensive, as you know!

 

Lou 

woooooooooooHoooooooooo!   a MAJESTIC post indeed..... welcome to the rest of your life, Lou...it gets better'n better'n better too! :-)))) Jim

Cool Beans and I am glad to hear you are doing well. 

I'm one of those pre-op newbies.  I'm on target to have RNY in mid to late August.  Your post was extremely encouraging just when I needed it most.  Thanks for taking the time.  -Dan

Dan

You will do great.  Follow instructions and don't take chances.  I look forward to reading about all of your successes.

Lou 

I'm with you on the post-traumatic stress response to clothes shopping.  I still don't like it until it's over!  I go into the store feeling embarrassed.  I always pick out something way to big and work my way down.  Last time I tried on four different  pairs of Jeans before I got to a regular cut size 38 (first time since junior high school at least).   I'm getting more comfortable shopping but I don't think I'll ever have a "normal" experience. Now, when I get home it's a different story.  I tell everybody I'm wearing regular clothes, put them on and strut around and feel damned good aboiut it! CB

Sometimes it is really hard to read these stories. I feel like things are too good to be true. Then I rememebr, that it works IF YOU work. I too am pre-op and dreaming of a better place and I guess I won't fully believe until I am there.  I am also on target to have RNY mid to late August. Looks like my vacation will fall during my preop 2 week liquid diet. OK I get one non liquid meal. : ) Great stuff Lou. Thanks for posting. It smells like a FART to me.  Marc