Making the Journey Together – sample chapter
A guide to the bariatric surgery experience in the words of patients who have been there
Chapter 25:
What things do you enjoy doing now that you weren't able to do before you had baratric surgery?
| Walking, camping, fishing, riding bikes, skating with my son, playing ball with my son, volunteering at his school, being a cub scout leader, gardening. — Rebecca R. (Idaho Falls, ID) |
| Everything. Hiking, swimming, amusement park rides, spending quality time with my kids, boogie boarding, bicycling, enjoying life to its fullest instead of standing by watching everyone else have all the fun. — Karen B. |
| I can fit on rides at the amusement park again, I can dance without getting tired, I can outwalk my mom on the track, I can shop for clothes in regular stores now, I can go to movies or sit in booths in restaurants without worrying if I'm going to fit and I can blend into a crowd as neither the smallest or the largest person around. I am finally normal! — Kellye C. (Highlands, TX) |
| Little things that I can do now amaze me. I have not been able to cross my legs when I sit down since I was in high school. Which was 21 years ago now. So, for 21 years I have not been able to cross my legs, I can now and I am thrilled. I can do so many things now that I was unable to do before so I could never list them all here. — Kathy K. (Livermore, CO) |
| I am able to participate in programs at my kids schools. I am not afraid of them getting teased or taunted. My husband can take me with him to work functions and not be embarrassed. I am able to ride on roller coasters again and walk around the amusement park without getting so easily tired. It's wonderful, it's freedom, it's exciting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! — Lorraine R. (Aylett, VA) |
| Getting out with my family, going as far as they do. I have osteoarthritis in my knees and that is getting better as the wt. comes off. Being able to fit into seats when we go to shows of any kind. Just walking is a pleasure, as I was almost invalid before surgery. — Waynetta S. (Lawson, MO) |
| BUY CLOTHES GO WALKING WITH MY SON AGAIN — Sandra R. (San Diego, CA) |
| Breathing. Moving about. Lying on the floor with my grandson-the only one on both sides of his family who can! Fitting into chairs, car seats, restaurant booths, public seating. Wearing tiny clothes. Wearing the same size each summer. Wearing the same sweaters each winter. That is truly a miracle to me. — Michelle C. (Puyallup, WA) |
| Exercise is much easier now. I never allowed myself to not do things before but Im sure someday I will discover something. — Deactivated Member |
| Be able to have the energy I never thought I had. My house is getting cleaner now (before I just didn't have the energy). My sex drive and life is soooooo much improved..YES!! — Arlene P. (Quinton, VA) |
| Bending over and not losing my breath, getting out of a chair without great effort, crossing my legs, fitting into all chairs and desks without worry, buying clothes that are regular womens sizes, keeping up with my friends when we go out on a walking activity, climbing stairs without chest pain, there are so many things I could never share them all!! — Sandy H. (Tacoma, WA) |
| Everything!!! Going to the grocery store is even fun. I can shop and know that the very small amounts I eat will go farther. I can sit in a theater seat now(I went to see the new Star Wars movie). ** I am now wearing 4 sizes smaller** Isn't life just super?!? I can even hold my 3 year old great nephew and play with him outside without croaking! My energy levels seem to go up with the weight loss. I am now able to do NORMAL everyday things including housework! I am even going back to school so that I can try to go back to work this year(2000). I have been disabled for 12 years due to my weight. — Cheri H. (Bakersfield, CA) |
| Camping, swimming, walking, cleaning.....you name it....I am better at it!!! — Cherri S. (Columbus, MS) |
| I can rollerskate with my kids and run around with them, etc etc etc... basically, my energy level has increased and i can be a good mom to my kids, where before, they were lucky if i ever did anything with them cept sit and watch tv or maybe get down and play a board game with them... — Diane R. (Schuylkill Haven, PA) |
| Walk (smile). I can take my kids someplace and walk around with them and it doent bother me like it did beofre. My joint pain is just about gone and breathing is already much easier. Even walking uphill isnt a battle anymore. Its nice! — Christine C. (Cortland, OH) |
| Well so for, I can walk better. I also have noticed that my body changes have changed. I was always hot all the time before. Now I'm not, I never sweat now, and I love it. I don't feel like a freek with sweat running down her face. — Glenda H. (Wheelersburg, OH) |
| I haven't found anything different with my life yet. I still went swimming and dancing before the operation I didn't let the weight stop me from having fun. — Patty R. (Olmito, TX) |
| Not worry about fitting in a seat- BUYING CLOTHES!! I love to garden it is much easier now — Beth R. (Belmar, NJ) |
| Being able to take care of myself hygenically, buckleing my seatbelt, taking a shower and not having to rest afterwards. — Patti W. (Lake City, FL) |
| At 5 weeks post-op...I am no longer short of breath when I walk. I also have NO knee pain...I had major knee reconstructive surgery in 1997 and 1991. I used to take 800 mg Motrin 3x day just to walk...after just losing what I did in 5 weeks....I am walking PAIN FREE !! — Lisa P. (Douglassville, PA) |
| Ride horses, and motorcycles. I run and play on the floor with my daughter. I stay awake for more than 3 hours at a time. Sex! — Patti S. (NY) |
| I'm able to fit into desks at school. And I can walk to class now without being winded. — Nicole F. |
| I enjoy being able to do physical activities now that before were very painful and unpleasant to me. Even walking was an effort before surgery. — Debbie D. (Reno, NV) |
| Shopping in the Petite and Misses departments. Walking more. Actually, eating out. I get a kick out of eating so little. Before I usually stuffed myself and felt miserable. I did a hula-hoop demonstration at a church party on New Year's Eve. Haven't done that in years! — Lynda B. (Soldotna, AK) |
| Walking at the beach, swimming with my niece and nephews, eating to live and not living to eat, and trying on clothes to find that they are too big and I need a smaller size! Hallelujah! — Annmarie C. (north of Boston, MA) |
| Playing and umpiring softball. playing tennis. travelling on airplanes and trains. going to ball games. pretty much anything and everything that my weight prevented me from doing before. — Don P. (Bowie, MD) |
| It's great to come home from work and have the energy to fix my husband a meal and even do some housework. I used to have to save it all up for the weekend when that would be all I would do in a day. I enjoy swimming and riding my stationary bike also. I still can't walk far because of a ruptured disc in my back and plantar faciitis in both feet. I'm planning on having pain managmement treatments for my back to increase my mobility and I'm hoping that continued weight loss will cure the foot problem. 5 Month Update: Plantar Faciitis 90% gone. Pain Management epidural injections were very effective for back pain. I am now able to walk with almost no limp. — Diane N. (Brooksville, FL) |
| Not have to take as many pills & insulin as in pre-op — Deactivated Member |
| I now have energy to go shopping in more than one store. I have been camping again and am planning a long trip through the lower 48 next summer, all in my RV. — Anna D. (Eagle River, AK) |
| Go out with my friends... have a great time! — Michelle M. (Ravena, NY) |
| I walk and i can walk up stairs with out being out of breath. I also play with my daughter, and am able to ride bikes with her as well as swim. — Ann Shelia J. (Brandy Station, VA) |
| I have LOTS more stamina---walking is actually enjoyable, and teaching doesn't wear me out as it did before. — Charlene M. (Geneva, AL) |
| wearing smaller clothes! — Lori D. (Green Mountain Falls, CO) |
| Riding roller coasters with my kids, walking without pain, Being able to be active all day and not hurt at all. I also like to shop. Life is so fulfilling now. — Nikki M. (Milwaukee, WI) |
| Buying clothes at some stores where I could not anymore because I got to big. Fitting in rest. chairs alot better. Not having people looking at me every place I went. And most of all the way I feel. I feel so much better. — Janice K. (Edmonton, AB, Canada) |
| So far my favorite is getting a good night's sleep! And getting up early in the morning like I used to do, and then staying up all day. — Jaye C. (Talofofo, Guam) |
| I am able to bend over without gasping for breath. I can tie my shoes by bending over and not crossing my legs. That has been a really big deal to me. I also like shopping in “regular” sized women's stores. Regular department stores like Penny's and Braun. — Ginger B. (Nampa, ID) |
| Walking! Shopping!! Walking!!!!!! oh, did I mention walking??? — Cindy Lou C. (Pemberton, NJ) |
| Bike riding, shopping at any store, walking without becoming winded, fitting into restaraunt booths, bungee jumping, riding roller coasters... WAY COOL! — Gloria S. (Hobart, OK) |
| Walking without getting soo out of breath. Being able to shave my legs without becoming exhausted. Having my husband and my sons wrap their arms around me. — Catherine M. (Townville, PA) |
| To breath normally. To not have to take naps on the weekends because I am exhausted. To play with my daughter on the floor and outside. — Laura L. (Green Bay, WI) |
| I feel more comfortable in my clothes even though I still have a ways to go to get into smaller sizes. Things fit better! — Jodie H. (Fargo, ND) |
| I can sleep in the bed now (been in a recliner for over two years), I can bend over to tie my shoes without a tummy getting in the way, I can walk without feet or hip pain, sex is definitely better. All my medical problems are gone so not having to take over 20 prescription pills in the morning is great too! — Victoria T. (Goose Creek, SC) |
| nothing so far. I am still tired and weak from the recoveries of major surgery. two months post-op. I enjoy crossing my legs and walking a mile at a time. and getting in a size 20 instead of a 24-26. nearly 4 months post-op. I am in a size 18 and feel absolutely great. I can do all kinds of things now and not feel tired or ache all over. I can dance, do house work much easier, walk fast, shop in regular stores for clothes, walk into a room with confidence, speak up at gatherings, relate to people better, not get depressed, wear bright colored clothes.3/2000 lost 92 pounds and feel great. — Sara H. (Bloomington, IN) |
| Going places and knowing that I can fit in a booth or a chair. Being around other people that are thin and not feeling uncomfortable around them. — Anne L. (Windsor, CO) |
| wiping my butt, fitting better behind the steering wheel and in airplane seats, dressing to go out — Rebecca M. (Richmond, VA) |
| LIVING! — Kate G. (Westfield, MA) |
| Sitting on the floor and getting up easily. Sliding out of booths. Walking. Running. Chasing my grandchildren. Outdoing my husband. Wearing jeans. Sitting in a lawn chair. Getting in the back seat of a 2-door car. Sitting in a particular seat because I'm the smallest (yay!) On and on and on! — Nancy T. (Grand Rapids, MI) |
| Crossing my legs! Walking the longest route to the car! Sex! Saying no and meaning it to food. Gardening, hard physical labor, fitting into booths, chairs, tight spots. Clothes shopping!!!!!!! — Susie M. (Bakersfield, CA) |
| GOING OUT IN PUBLIC, BUYING DESIGNER CLOTHING IN SMALL SIZES, SOCIALIZING, WORKING OUT AT THE GYM, WEARING A BATHING SUIT, EATING IN PUBLIC PLACES AND NOT FEELING LIKE EVERYONE IS LOOKING AT THE FAT LADY. BEING ABLE TO EXPERIENCE LIFE AS A NORMAL SIZED PERSON! — Renee C. (Liberty Twp., OH) |
| Shop in the small shops. Wear smaller clothes. WANT to look into a mirror. Enjoy the seating at the movies or on an air plane. — Nancy R. (Elko, NV) |
| Breathe. — Becky C. (Valley Grove, WV) |
| Shorts, bathing suit, shopping, fitting in booths, shopping at “Regular stores”, walking without running out of breath, stairs are no problem...i could go on and on... — Sherry F. (Kennett Square, PA) |
| I really have not been doing anything different yet. Like I said before I can walk now without having difficulty breathing. — Carolyn A. (Wellington, OH) |
| I have a daughter that plays collegiate and national amateur golf. This summer I was able to caddie for her, 90 holes in 5 days at the Women's Western, 126 holes in 5 days at the Women's Pacific Northwest amateur and 54 holes in 3 days at the US Women's Amateur. — Bill R. (Dade City, FL) |
| Sitting in seats without feeling “smooshed” in. Climb stairs without “dying” of exhaustion. I am going to take an aerobics class and I want to learn to Scuba dive. — Carol K. (Butler, PA) |
| Just walking, going out in public, telling anyone who wants to listen that I'm willing to share my story...just ask me!!! This surgery has restored my life!!! — Kathy A. (Plano, TX) |
| I guess that would be going to the beach or swimming pool, where as before I always had to where a shirt over my bathing suit — Dawn S. (Woodbridge, VA) |
| Bending over without pain. NO HEARTBURN !!!! Getting into and out of a car with out any trouble. Buying a new coat without any X's or extras in the size. Shopping in a regular store. I do not have to go to the Fat Lady's store. Not being ashamed to walk down the street. Not wonder who is laughing at me. Putting on make up and feeling that I look OK. Compliments. Tying my shoes without any effort. Not having to wonder if a folding chair will hold my weight before sitting down. Or standing because I am afraid it wont. Walking the mall with out having to stop to rest. Not being embarrassed to be seen by my extended family during the holidays. — Susan K. (Hobart, IN) |
| Wearing my husbands clothes, playing with my kids, roller coasters...EVERYTHING!!!! — Katy G. (Fergus, ON, Canada) |
| Dancing...been 6 years since we went dancing...now I want to do it every night! — Brian M. (Charlotte, NC) |
| I run and play with the kids, I run and play with my husband. Once we went out and played baseball and I actually ran bases. Recently I fell and I was able to get up on my own without any help. We had a snow storm and after it was over I wanted to lay in the snow (all bundled up of course) and look at the night sky, when I was ready to get up, my husband took my hand and pulled me right up, that would have never happened before the surgery, my arm would have come off before my body came up off the ground. — Debbie S. (Smithfield, NC) |
| Walk without my back hurting, wear my daughters coats, fit in seat belts without having to suck it in and struggle with the clip. — K B. |
| I am very happy that I have my children. I enjoy being active with them and taking them places. I am also glad that they don't have to worry about my size. — Susan C. |
| RIDING BIKES (BEFOR MY BUTT WAS TO BIG FOR THE SEAT,AND THE TIRES WOULD GO FLAT) :) — Sarah M. (Fort Atkinson, WI) |
| I can wear smaller clothes which I love and I can get around much more easily without tiring so much! — Jane B. (Lynchburg, VA) |
| RIDING HORSES! — Penni T. (Statham, GA) |
| Fit in rides at amusement parks. Have the kids wrap their arms around you. Sit on my husbands lap without squishing him. Riding our new bikes we got for Christmas. — Jana W. (Fairview Heights, IL) |
| Still too soon to elaborate much - BUT!!! I can fasten my shoes and breathe at the ame time! I can fit behind the steering wheel of my car, even with a winter coat on, and have space to spare! I can stand for a few minutes, and not fel as if I am going to keel over. — Alice G. (Hilton, NY) |
| Sitting in the movie theater seats comfortably, my husband being able to lift me, and put my arm around my entire waist. And to be able to shop ANYWHERE I WANT!!! and wear a bikini and name brand clothes! — Christy E. (Cromwell, IN) |
| Moving with less pain and actually wearing the clothes in my closet that I couldnt wear,and couldnt throw away.I think everyone understands what I mean.Heavy people always have a closet full of clothes and have nothing to wear. Always in between sizes. — Cynthia R. (Long Beach, WA) |
| Fit into my clothes. Walk for a mile or two without being exhausted when I'm done. — Sandra T. |
| walk far distances,walk up steps,stand longer,more energy,social situations.Buy, buy, buy,clothes! — Grace F. (Louisville, KY) |
| FLIRTING! — Juliana W. (Houston, TX) |
| Participate — Dianne C. (Farmerville, LA) |
| Going for walks, fitting into plane seats comfortably, walking with someone and being able to keep up with them, fitting into smaller clothes! — Joan C. (LaVergne, TN) |
| Walking without pain,getting into a car and knowing the seat belt will go around me.Sliding into a booth at a resturant.Not having to ask to sit at a table with chairs.Keeping up with my 21/2yr. old grandson.Mowing the lawn (can you believe it WORK).Seeing the proudness in my families face.My 19yr.old son is the best all his friends make me feel special.For my husband I couln't ask for a better friend... — Denise B. (Houston, TX) |
| Just being able to move my body in ways I once forgot I could do! — Ann F. (Worcester, MA) |
| I am really starting to enjoy this staying home on medical leave stuff. Since I can't lift over 10lbs. yet I get out of carrying in the groceries and taking out the trash. It has only been 30 days so things will change. I went back to work 8 weeks post-op and I became tired and had a achy abdomen in the afternoons. Now at 4 1/2months post-op I seldom get an achy abdomen (maybe once a week). — Cheryl H. (Bloomington, IN) |
| Walking, sitting in a theatre seat,fitting in a booth at a resturant,having clothes fit more comfortably, feeling better about mysefl, being more comfortable around my husband.Not sweating all the time, singing in the church choir, without having to sit down halfway through the service!! — Robin C. (Kentwood, MI) |
| I can walk again, I can do almost anything. i can stand for longer periods of time, I don't have to use my cane to walk anymore. Sex is better with my husband. I have more confidence in myself, especially wearing a bathing suit. But most of all I can bend over, put my clothes on without any help and take care of personal needs without any problems — Cherie F. (Fontana, CA) |
| i sleep alot better and i can sit ways i have never been able to its more comfortable when i drive I can walk around the block without being out of breath and feeling like impending doom — Kyle D. (North Dartmouth, MA) |
| Just about everything!!! I can fit on rides at the amusement park, enjoy life with my kids and myself in general. — Michelle L. (Catasauqua, PA) |
| walking without getting short of breath. — Lana H. (Odin, IL) |
| DANCING, RIDING ROLLER COASTER, WALKING WITHOUT GETTING OUT OF BREATH, LAUGHING, AND ENJOYING LIFE. I ALSO LIKE SHOPPING AT A REGULAR CLOTHING STORE AND VICTORIA SECRETS. — Beverly B. (Visalia, CA) |
| Plain walking without getting short of breath. I can wipe myself in the bathroom and go in a non handicap stall. Buckle my seatbelt without an extender - Put on my own socks and shoes. This is a start. 1/23/00 the list continues - Just feel much better - have been able to buy off the rack at Walmart. Look at myself in a mirror. - watch the fat shrink - have wings under my arms - but thats ok - everyone always said I was an angel!!!! It just means I'm getting closer to my goal and being healthier. — Mary R. (Madison, WI) |
| Well, I'm still holding off on climbing the trails at Yosemite, but I have more energy for the daily stuff. Laundry, washing dishes, cleaning the toddlers' room, just getting out and about. — Lisa F. (Fresno, CA) |
| Hugging my hubby and kids and having it returned. They can now reach around me with ease. I can walk 2 miles without breaking much of a sweat. Danced with my hubby at 6 months and it felt GREAT! — Diane B. (Duncannon, PA) |
| I like buying clothes. I like going for walks uphill and not getting short of breath. I take the 125 pound dog for a walk and don't get tired out. I go swiming and hot tubbin. — Billie S. (Sonoma, CA) |
| I can work in my rock garden again. I can go for walks. I can cross my legs. I can shave my legs. I can wear hose and dresses. I can dance again. I can tie my shoes. The list is endless. I have a normal life again. — Kathy E. (Crestline, OH) |
| Driving, buying clothes, having my hair and nails done. I didn't drive for almost two years due mostly to my wieght, so it is fun to be able to go places now. I also swim in public, I had always loved swimming but was way too big for the bathing suit scene and this past summer I really enjoyed myself in the water at the lake and local pool. — Lori H. (Moravian Falls, NC) |
| EVERYTHING!!!!! and ANYTHING!!!! — Rochelle S. (Fort Hood, TX) |
| I can walk without gasping and wheezing.I am up to 40 minutes a day of fast walking and I could never have done that the last few mnonths before surgery. — Cindy L. (Canton, OH) |
| I enjoy the confidence that I have now. I go where I want without a second thought. When I was larger, I was afraid to go to a new restaurant because I didn't know if they had booths or chairs. It is so awful not fitting into a booth. Now, I have know that that is not a problem. I can run and play with my daughter. My husband and I can go walking and I don't get winded so quickly. It is really a new way of life! — Heidi H. (New Castle, IN) |
| Wear smaller clothes. Not much has changed yet maybe after I get to my goal weight. — Kimberly R. (South Williamson, KY) |
| Occasional walk without having to sit down after about 6 steps. — William C. (Rockmart, GA) |
| Sitting in a restaurant booth, laying on the floor and pulling my knees to my chest (without my tummy getting in the way), feeling my hip bones!! I can't wait to discover more! — Nancy S. (Anacortes, WA) |
| i can shop, clean, ride a bike, the best thing is i can now cross my legs and sit indian style!! i can tie my shoes too!!! — Barb C. (Oswego, NY) |
| Walk the Mall with my family and not have to sit down to rest, because I can't breath or my back or legs hurt. I can now sit in a booth when we go out to eat, that is a great feeling. I can also wear my seat belt now, and that is even better to know that I am safer in the car. — Terri Z. (Mhafb, ID) |
| Buy clothes in regular stores or out of regular catalogs instead of plus size stores and catalogs — Kim S. (West Babylon, NY) |
| Watching people eat out...amazine how much they can eat..and knowing i was right on the side of them — Kelly W. (Woonsocket, RI) |
| HUH??? are you kidding me? I can and DO, DO anything i want — William C. (Corpus Christi, TX) |
| walk around without having to be in a wheel chair or an electric scooter. being able to bend over and sit with my elbows on my knees. — Brenda K. (Zephyrhills, FL) |
| I can fit into some old cloths — Linda C. (Nassau, NY) |
| I can wear some clothes I haven't been able to get into for years! Love that! — Elizabeth (Betty) S. (San Marcos, CA) |
| CROSSING MY LEGS HAS BEEN GREAT AND I CAN WALK AROUND MUCH BETTER. — Jeri W. (Imperial, CA) |
| The major change for me is that I am no longer a diabetic! After 4 days, my doctor took me off 6 medications including insulin, Rezulin, Lipitor. It is wonderful to realize that I am not a “diabetic” and that I am no longer a slave to insulin. — Alice L. (Leawood, KS) |
| JUST GOING OUTSIDE AND TAKING A WALK WITH NO PROBLEMS. I EXCERSIE NOW 5 TIME A WEEK 1 HOUR OR MORE A DAY. I HAVE ENERGY. — Jennie C. (Bridgeport, CT) |
| sex with my husband and not feeling like hiding under the covers Doing fun stuff, like 6 Flags and stuff outside and wearing shorts — Pat B. (Dallas, TX) |
| Walk with no pain. — Amy H. (Carneys Point, NJ) |
| Buying new clothes and taking a tub bath!!!!!! — Stacy L. (Aragon, GA) |
| In the work I am walking and standing whole day long. Before surgery - not a chance. Today? Tired but able to do it. I am still looking forward for spring and summer, for camping and boating. That I will enjoy. So far evening walks are great. — Michal M. (Boise, ID) |
| Walk! I can go shopping now without using an electric cart or wheel chair. I can even fit into a booth at a restaurant & I hadn't been able to for about ten years. Eleven months post and I walk clear through the mall & don't have to sit down even once! I haven't done that in over 24 years! — Karen F. (Findlay, OH) |
| WALKING AND BREATHING — Brad S. (Avon Park, FL) |
| I can cross my legs!! I can get in my car without having to lift the steering wheel after my husband has driven it. — Sharon L. (Marion, TX) |
| Being alive!!!!!!!! — Tasey B. (Gas City, IN) |
| I can walk without pain. I can hike, ride bikes. I can go to work and work 8 hours and come hime with energy left. I can go camping and can sit in a camp chair and not on a cooler. I can buy clothes in a regular store nota specialty shop. — Cathy D. (Stanwood, WA) |
| I really enjoy bicycle riding with my son. — Cathi D. (Hollywood,, FL) |
| Playing basketball, flag football, work around the house, sitting and standing without discomfort, and walking. Sex is better, and my wife is very pleased with having less of me in the gut area and more of me in another. I can even do something now that you “skinnies” take for granted. A type of bathroom chore.....I used to have to perform that important chore with a towel. — Rod G. (Vancouver, WA) |
| Going out in public. — Marianne S. (Huntsville, AL) |
| Wear smaller sizes. — Vickie H. (Nunica, MI) |
| Getting out and doing things without getting out of breath. — Glendora W. (Bronx, NY) |
| Not having asthma symptoms every minute of every day. And I can get on the floor a wrestle and play with my son!!!! I can do anything and everything I want to now. What do I enjoy doing? LIVING!!! FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE, I FEEL AND ENJOY LIFE!!! — Dawn M. (Negaunee, MI) |
| I love that my cloths are falling off me! I also love the feeling of being more comfortable in movie theaters. Its also nice to walk and exercise with the feeling that my heart is going to explode. — Desiree C. (San Antonio, TX) |
| look at my toes from a standing postion!...i enjoy everything...from going to th basement and not being out of breath before i get down the whole flight of steps to being able to bend over and tying my shoes...no more slip ons for me! — Debbie P. (Louisville, KY) |
| I love to dance. I didn't realize what a big thing it was but I remember growing up how much I loved to do it. Now I go dancing every weekend. — Christine R. (Sterling Heights, MI) |
| fit comfortably in public places. Exercising at the gym. Shopping at normal size department stores. — Cindy G. (Dickinson, TX) |
| I can eat without worrying about getting any bigger. — Jeanie T. (Detroit, MI) |
| sleeping walking shopping its all new to me — Nicholas M. (Centereach, NY) |
| Everything. Playing with my grandchildren. Crossing my legs, bending over, sitting on the floor! AND having no problem getting UP! Going up the stairs, sleeping comfotably. The list is endless. — Donna S. (OH) |
| Easier to do my early garden cleanup this (spring) year. Doesn't hurt to bend over for long periods, I feel more flexible. — Marleen D. (Columbus, OH) |
| Roller coasters and tying my shoes. Riding bikes and being able to buy clothes in the regular section. — Frances H. (Brawley, CA) |
| I enjoy being more active, and spending quality time with my daughter. — Jeanette M. (Covina, CA) |
| getting up without hurting. Arthritis is already much better. — Dianne M. (Tanner, AL) |
| I can move more freely. I feel like taking better care of my self. What I look like. All those things. I am feeling good about myself again. — Debe M. (Flushing, MI) |
| Oh man, this list can go on forever. I can cross my legs now. I can wear tie sneakers instead of velcro. I can go to a diner and sit in a booth. I can fit in a movie theater sit. I fit better behind the wheel of my car. I can go to a public bathroom and not have to look for the larger handicap bathroom. I care more for myself so I fix my hair and put makeup on. I can walk so I am going to the mall. I can go to a gym. I can go on and on and on. There is no feeling greater than this. — Lorraine T. (Staten Island, NY) |
| Mostly I am thrilled I can get in and out of the car so much easier. And that I can get into my house without using my hands to pull myself in. I'm glad my knees don't hurt so bad anymore and that I can exercise now. Also, I can get into the bathtub much easier now. — Jerry C. (Marshall, TX) |
| So far I enjoy getting into clothes that have not fit in years. — Gwendolyn A. (Soldotna, AK) |
| Dancing, walking, and feeling great. — Sandy B. (Tacoma, WA) |
| To buy regular size clothes. I am now able to enjoy my son and the activities that he likes. — Connie C. (New Castle, VA) |
| Going for long walks, and having the energy to do this. — Sue Ann O. (Sioux Falls, SD) |
| Exercise, play with my neices and nephews. Going out to bars and having guys pay attention to you. — Paula V. (Mentor, OH) |
| Just being active again. Playing with my kids instead of looking for an excuse to remain seated. Trying on old clothes that I haven't worn in two years; suits, shirts, shoes. Buying clothes. Not sweating like a pig after short excursions. — Robert W. (Fresno, CA) |
| I can actually walk through a store without being in pain. I don't break out in a sweat from just sitting and I get cold alot. I lost my insulation. — Denise W. (Girard, PA) |
| Walking is the biggest one!!! I walk everyday with my siberian husky, Asia!! When my husband and I go out, I can sit in a booth!!! We go to the malls and walk around the whole mall, and now I don't have to sit down every 5 minutes!!! The clothes sizes are getting smaller, so now when I go clothes shopping, I don't have to grab the biggest size and hope that it fits!!! I feel like a got my freedom to live back!!! I don't regret having this surgery at all, and would do it again in a heartbeat!!! — Dawne H. (Rochester Hills, MI) |
| I not hungry at all. — Perry K. (DePere, WI) |
| Riding my bike, rollerskating, hanging out with my 11 yr. old daughter in a more productive and energetic manner. — Jackie B. (Erie, PA) |
| The most thing I enjoy now is being myself. I wear shorts, bathing suits, I love to swim and go to the lake or pool. I love having the energy to do these things now, not being so tired all the time. — Robin D. (New Springfield, OH) |
| sit and cross my legs and dance and play with my neices. — Cheryl R. (LA) |
| walking, running, playing with my 3 year old son (and 33 year old husband) sporting events, you name it, I enjoy it!! — Jackie B. (Dayton, OH) |
| Walking and light hiking. — Ms Douglas W. (Richmond, VA) |
| I am walking alot better and sleeping so much better.My breathing has greatly improved and I am no longer out of breath just talking to people. — Deactivated Member |
| cross my legs — Marilyn P. (Alexander, AR) |
| Sleep on my left side. Get up from a chair without thinking about it. Sit at my computer desk in comfort. Read in bed — Poddy F. (Ashland, KY) |
| I can walk, shop, go to ballgames, swim, fit in chairs, get thru turnstiles, wear nice clothing, go up and down stairs, the list is endless. — Elizabeth H. (Xenia, OH) |
| Going to the mall. Before my surgery I got tired so fast it wasn't even worth it to go to the mall. If I went it would be to go directly to one store for one thing and now I love to walk around and look at different stores. It has made a huge difference. — Terri R. (LaVista, NE) |
| Going to the gym...I don't feel self-conscious anymore. — Arika G. (Boston, MA) |
| I can walk now -- I couldn't walk before without being out of breath in a minute or two. I can't wait until I can play tennis again. Now THAT will be SOMETHING!! — Roberta W. (Sterling, VA) |
| Getting on the floor and giving horsey rides to my three year -old. I have also started training Karate 2 days a-week. I would have broken my ankles, if I had trid to do this 8 months ago. I also am not embarrassed to have sex with my husband now. We are closer than we were before the surgery in many ways. — Diane S. (Longview, TX) |
| Everything. Walking, Breathing, Shopping, even doing the dishes. — Bobbie F. (Ashland, KY) |
| Still too early to do anything different right now. But, I'm looking forward to riding a bike. — Doris P. (Woonsocket, RI) |
| WALKING WITHOUT GETTING TIRED — Andrea E. (Garden Homes, IL) |
| Stepping on the scale... — Betty M. (Erie, PA) |
| Feeling my body differently in space.....wearing nicer clothes....sex....taking care of my personal needs....I was able to do these things vefore but am now better able to do them — Vicky S. (Anaheim, CA) |
| hundreds of things! but most of all...living and having a life again. — Sue B. (Las Vegas, NV) |
| Sit in booths at restaurants, wear clothes I haven't worn for years, throw out my “fat” clothes, run, and I mean run up stairs with out panting like a dog, ski, dance. — Frank Q. (Concord, CA) |
| I love that my clothes are hanging off me. I haven't been shopping yet, because i'm just going to have to go again. I hate to waste money. I can tie my shoes without falling over. I feel lighter. That may be hard to believe, but i do feel it. I can buckle my seatbelt while wearing my heavy winter coat. I don't feel like a prisoner anymore. — Penny F. (Auburn, ME) |
| Doing Stained Glass it is hard and your on your feet for hours at a time. — Gail S. (Crystal Lake, IL) |
| It is the little things that most people take for granted. The first one that I can remember is standing in the kitchen washing dishes and having my legs together so that my ankles, knees and the rest were touching. I stopped, noticed the sensation, and realized that if I had tried to do this before, it would have taken considerable effort and mental concentration to force my legs into this position. I gave a shout and startled Andy who was visiting at the time. We both laughed about it. Other things like this - to be able to feel bones through my skin - shoulders, elbows, knees, ankles, abdomen. The ability to cross my legs at the knees and have the top leg dangle down, rather than crossing the legs at the ankle. I guess that these are things that most people do without even thinking about, but to me they are great! — Jerry K. (Denver, CO) |
| At this stage I am too newly postop to answer this. However, I do like that my blood sugars are going down and I do not have to take as many insulin shots to control it. — Debbie T. (Tacoma, WA) |
| I have always loved to dance and now I can. Just being able to reach all areas of my body when I shower make me feel like I am blessed. — Juiwanna P. (Rockwood, MI) |
| Walking without hurting !! — Vince M. (Owensboro, KY) |
| Walking, bathing, driving. — Sarah V. (Woodford, VA) |
| Climbing stairs, riding my grandson's bike, buying clothes from a regular store and being upset that they don't have the size I need and not being embarassed to ask if they will call a sister store for my necessary size. — Judy P. (Temple City, CA) |
| i can breathe!!!!!!!! — Angie C. (Norfolk, VA) |
| I enjoy going shopping with my family and going into a regular store and buying clothes that are of a normal size. — Tina A. (Indianapolis, IN) |
| Going to lunch with family and friends and feeling full when I leave! — Steve H. (Lisbon, IA) |
| walk up my stairs without horrible pain — Ann A. (Louisville, KY) |
| Wear regular sized clothes. go out in public and no be ashamed. Just be happy with me. — Dawn D. (Belleview, FL) |
| I just enjoy everything so much more; because I am so much happier. — Edith (Monroe, MI) |
| I paint my toenails! I cross my legs. I have a “bounce” in my step I no longer waddle. I park far away from the store because walking no longer hurts! I RUN up the stairs at home. — Theres S. (Puyallup, WA) |
| Eating fruit, walking, breathing easier, buy clothes, and know that by having this surgery I've probably added 30 years to my life!!!!!! — Sandy (Fairview, OR) |
| I live without being self-conscious of how I move and take up space in the world. I like not feeling like a freak. I travel and live without thinking about my size and worrying about my health. What freedom! — Sharon S. (San Francisco, CA) |
| Cleaning myself after using the bathroom! Other than that and taking more extensive showers, I haven't really noticed anything yet. It will take a few more pounds before I become daring though. — Deactivated Member |
| feeling able to move around freely. Get up and down off of the floor. — Nicole D. (Gainesville, FL) |
| Buying clothes in a regular store and more stylish. — Paula V. (Mentor, OH) |
| Some things I enjoy doing now that I wasn't able to do before would be: Breathe easier, hold my head high, show off my legs, wear size 8, cross my legs with ease, walk faster, get on with my life!!! — Leslie H. (Montgomery, AL) |
| I feel better already. As of this time, I have shedded 40 pounds and I feel the difference. — Carrol M. (Brooklyn, NY) |
| Ive noticed I can walk and shop now without getting all sweaty like before it just feels good not to be so tired — Sandy W. (Sussex, WI) |
| I love exercising. I love it! I love Tae-Bo and weight lifting and actually seeing results. I know my pain isn't in vain. :) I enjoy going to ANY store knowing I can fit something in there. Going in and not asking, “Where is the PLUS section?” Or going into a lingerie store and not have the employees look at me like, “Is she serious?” — L S. (Chicago, IL) |
| Slipping on the ice without seriously injuring my self. I slipped, flat on my back, this winter and my shoulder was a bit stiff where I had caught my self but otherwise I was uninjured. At 280, when every i slipped, tripped or jarred my body wrong I generally sprained or twisted something that took months to heal. So that was actually enjoyable because the only thing injured was my pride. Other wise, I enjoy shopping for clothes in the regular person's section instead of the plus department. I also can outride my husband on the bicycle, I like walking outside in the summer more. — Rebecca G. (Anchorage, AK) |
| I can hike with my husband, play with my kids, and I enjoy shopping for clothes. I hated all these things when I was 250lbs. — Robin W. (White Pine, TN) |
| I have only just begun to increase my activity and get my energy back. But I am looking forward to being able to do things I have never been able to do. — Laura P. (Commerce, TX) |
| Walking the mall around people, I havent tried to much yet. — Chastity S. (Farmersvill, OH) |
| Just enjoying life. Taking part in walks for charity, being with friends and knowing people aren't looking at me because I'm the biggest one in the group. Now people are coming up to me telling my I'm wearing a nice outfit! I even modeled in a fashion show for “The Fashion Bug” in Ft. Lauderdale last month! — Ellen Ann H. (Margate, FL) |
| Buying new clothes is probably the best! I am able to take advantage of the great sales on “normal people” clothes that they just don't have in plus sizes. I am also getting to show my quarter horse again, which was the main reason that I had the surgery! — Lori B. (Alexander, AR) |
| I love to participate in life now rather than sit on the sidelines and looking in. I love doing things with my husband that I could not do before. the children are gone and we are living life to the fullest. i love shopping, going to the movies and going places I would never go to before. I am going back to college and am working towards a degree in psychology. I want to be able to help other overweight people cope with their life decisions. I have been there and feel I can really help. — Avis G. (Waldorf, MD) |
| Walking, shopping, buying clothes in a store and reaching my backside. — Terrie E. (Avondale Estates, GA) |
| HAVE EXTRA ROOM ON AIRPLANE SEAT — Jill S. (Robbinsdale, MN) |
| Just walking was a problem for me, especially when it's hot. I don't get so tired and out of breath. — Dot H. (Jacksonville, NC) |
| Everything. Except things that involve summer clothes and swimming parties. (my inlaws have a lake and sometimes have parties) — Avien L. (Akron, OH) |
| I most enjoyed being able to do normal things like going to amusement parks and buying clothes in stores rather than ordering them. I really likeed more energy and even sugar levels. Fitting into charis and booths was nice! My greatest sense of being was being able to do things with my kids. — Anna H. (Martinsburg, WV) |
| Bike Riding. Walking to the store without the car. — Deactivated Member |
| Life in general. For the first time in my like I feel like I look pretty good, can do anything I want to, go anywhere I want to because I fit in the seat or don't get exhausted and can even wear a bathing suit if I choose. I was able to get a job working maintenance in a chemical plant (couldn't have climbed the towers or the stairs before), I have gotten into surf kayaking and archery. I have flown to various destinations in the states comfortably sitting in the seat. I love to go to Astro World and fit the seat for any ride. I can sit in any cheepo lawn chair and not wory about it collapsing under me. I HAVE A LIFE! — Judith S. (TX) |
| Playing tennis, going shopping in regular department stores, ordering in restaurants, wearing clothes that fit, playing with my children for more than 5 minutes without losing my breath! — Lori M. (Champlin, MN) |
| PLAYING WITH MY CHILDREN! Going for long walks with the hubby, riding rollercoasters because I can fit in them now!(Not this summer though, I don't think the unborn child would like them too well) EVERYTHING I couldn't do for years and years, its like experiencing them for the first time. — Amy M. (Sandusky, OH) |