Unexpected Benefits from WLS

Even after some regain I'm still amazed at the changes that WLS brought to my entire life. Of course there's the benefit of no longer being diabetic ---that's the factor I use to determine my surgery was successful (regardless of a number on the scale).  Being able to shop "normal" size stores for clothing and just being able to go to the mall or department store and feel like I'm not the biggest lady there has been a part of the journey. Having some energy and the desire to be active. Taking control of my health. Cathcing my heart problem early so it could be fixed. (I'd never known there was a problem if I hadn't know what it felt like to feel good)

But the biggest benefit/blessing was rather unexpected. As a big girl I never thought I had self esteem issues. But once I started losing weight I realized just how many things I had avoided because I was "FAT". One thing was dating. I had settled for a horrid, unhealthy relationship because I thought it was the best I could do.

After I lost the first 50 lbs. a friend sort of dared me to create an on-line profile. Well the first site was a bust. We now call them e-family since they tried to match me up with my COUSIN. (I swear it!!!) Then a friend on here suggested Plenty of Fish. What the heck....I figured it would be a safe way to develop some dating skills. Little did I know what would happen 4 1/2 years later.

My online date is about to become my HUSBAND. We're getting married on July 4th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I never in a million years thought I would remarry. I'm gaining 2 wonderful children. I'll have 3 brother in laws and 4 sister in laws. The combining of our 2 families is going to be a sight to behold.

Weight wise I'm not at goal but LIFE wise I've surpassed my goals. Life is good.

- Iris

CONGRATULATION!!!

Be happy - be healthy. Glad you found your prince charming... way to go!!!

That is WONDERFUL, Iris!!!!!  I'm so happy for you, and send BEST WISHES to you and your groom-to-be.

Ain't the internet grand?!?!?!?  I met my husband online in 1996...yep you heard it right..1996.  Met on IRC when you had to have an actual chat program...there wasn't a website, and the only screening that was done, we had to do it ourself..lol  He and I lived 2000 miles apart, me in Calif and him in Michigan...was 6 months of online chatting exchanging photos and telephone calls until we met face to face.  With total honesty, a great relationship can be forged.  Congratulations and keep on loving yourself and each other!

I can't imagine a long distance relationship. It turned out that we lived less than 3 miles apart and our jobs are less than a 1.5 miles apart. It's unbelievable how many mutual friends we already had but we'd just never crossed paths.

Congratulations on your up coming Wedding!   Your story is such an inspiration.  It is amazing how WLS changes our lives.  I am able to move now.  I didn't make my goal, but still working on it everyday.  I've gain about 8 -10 pounds back.  I want to stop it before it get put of control.

Iris, I'm sooo happy for you!!!  My husband and I also met online and we only lived 25 miles apart.  And also like you, my past relationships were horrible choices due to my low self esteem...thinking I couldn't get any better than the losers I settled for. 

My husband now is truly my little piece of Heaven on Earth.  He is a mighty good man and I thank God for bringing us together.  Many many many blessings to you both!

Congrats!!! :) Wonderful news!