Lovin' Goodwill!

My clothes have been hanging on me, but I don't want to go out and spend a lot of money until I lose the last 25 pounds to goal. So.... I went to Goodwill and guess what? I started out wearing size 2X tops and 20 pants. I now wear Medium tops and size 12 pants!! This process has been the most amazing part of my life. I haven't worn a size 12 since I was 20 years old! I just wanted to share my happiness with people who understand. I am so grateful for this surgery and a second chance at life, even at my age!! HUGS!!! Joy

Hi Joy. I am so happy for you! I too have done my share of shopping at Good Will since I lost about 70 lbs. I still have a ways to go, and I will continue to shop at Good Will and at Value Village until I get to a weight where I want to invest in clothes again. Of course, it helps that I retired a little over a year ago I don't need as many or as formal wear as I did. I was wondering something. Are you plugged into any support groups in the area? I need to find one and was just wondering. Thanks! Peg

Hi Peg, I belong to the Sunnyside Kaiser Hospital support group. Also, there is the one I think I told you about that meets once a month in Beaverton. Did you ever pursure that one? Gee, maybe we can start one of our own?? I'm retired, too. I don't need the professional clothes anymore, but I look forward to wearing things that are more "feminine". It's not about simply covering my body anymore. Now, I want to look nice! Best wishes to you! Joy

Hi Joy. It's you! You're the one who told me about the place in Beaverton! I haven't gone there yet. I guess I was kind of hoping that I could link up with someone on this board so that I would know someone when I attended a meeting. I know I need to get plugged in now that I am feeling healthier because it's hard doing this on my own. I want to keep losing. I am definitely struggling with old thoughts/feelings/habits. Does your support group meet only once a month? I would love to find a support group that meets weekly or twice a month. I am going to check out the Beaverton meeting after the first of the year. I agree with you about clothing. I love to wear feminine clothing and jewelry, etc. I always have. It is definitely easier to find clothes and to feel more feminine at my current weight. Thanks again for writing, Joy. I hope you are having a nice weekend. Peg

Hey there you two. I am up late, can't sleep, so decided to hijack your posts. I know both of you guys, sort of, from the over 50 forum, which is where I usually hang out. I'm getting nervous! My surgery is scheduled for Monday morning at 7:30, with Dr. Emma Patterson at Legacy Good Samaritan in Portland. I have only heard good stuff about her, so hope all will go smoothly. After my gall bladder surgery, which was an absolute nightmare, I vowed never to do anything like that again. But, here I go again. I know the results will be worth it. Tonight, I am just feeling a little scared. OK, a lot scared. Soon I will be joining you two losers. Joy, are you surviving the Oregon weather so far? It has been so foggy and damp in this end of the Valley. The air is so bad it makes my eyes sting. We need a little wind to blow it away. Well, thanks for the opportunity to blab! Kath

Hi Kath, I'm so glad you decided to highjack us! Your fears and anxieties are absolutely normal, so it's okay to feel them. This is a major step you are taking, but it's such a positive step. I remember how scared I was and how I wanted a reversal immediately after surgery!! Now, that's FEAR! LOL Now, I am thankful every day that I was able to have this surgery. Let me know how you're doing, okay? I am surviving the weather just fine. I went to Goodwill and bought some heavy sweaters. I never needed tham in California. Now that I am thinner, I am cold most of the time. I haven't noticed any bad air in Tualatin. It's been beautiful here. Stay in touch! Joy

Hi Kath. It's about 8 p.m. on Sunday night, and I just read your post. I know you are scared. I sure was too, but you have an excellent doctor from what I hear. I had my surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital, and they took such good care of me. I know you will have a good experience there too. Do post when you are well enough so that we know how you are doing. You will be dancing with your son before you know it! God bless. Peg

Yep, it's me! We could always get together a few times a month and share our support. I attended the Beverton meeting once, but it seems like I always have other things I have to do on that particular night. I would also like a meeting every week. I am a retired therapist and used to facilitate many groups. I wonder if we could start a group around here. What do you think? It would also be great to have a clothing exchange in our area! Joy

Hi Joy. You are full of lots of good ideas, aren't you! What kind of a therapist were you before you retired? I like your idea about getting a group going. I was hoping for something during the day since I am retired. What do you think about getting together sometime to talk about it, or we could exchange emails? I'm sure open to exploring some options. I look forward to hearing from you. Peg

Peg, I was a Marriage and Family Therapist working mostly with adult and child victims of domestic abuse. I also facilitated groups with women in recovery homes, who experienced domestic violence and had substance abuse issues. You have an email headed your way! Joy