Question:
Has anyone else experienced a change in values re: work?

I'm 8 months postop and have reached my weight loss goals (148 pounds, 5'8" tall). This is a loss of 111 pounds. I have always been a high-powered executive type, even though I have always worked in humanitarian, non profit organizations. Since my surgery I have become increasingly aware that things are changing for me. I am no longer a driven, obsessed workaholic. I am reevaluating everything. I am thinking about leaving it all behind (I've been president of my organization for 11 years) and starting over... or just taking a break. In a way, this scares me. It's like I dropped my ambition along with the pounds I left behind somewhere! Has anyone else experienced such dramatic changes? Are they temporary or long-lasting? What did you do? Thanks for all responses.    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on May 27, 2000)

May 27, 2000
Ann: You seem to be asking for amatuer answers to a professional question but here's my 2 cents worth. You say you were a "driven, obsessed workaholic" and "High powered executive type." I think all this extra weight could cause us, as individuals, to try to somehow "prove" ourselves to others or "make up" for being heavy and perhaps (I am saying perhaps!) you were doing that and now you feel more confident and assured of yourself on levels that were unknown to you before. Now, perhaps those things aren't so important to you and you may find happiness and fulfillment in other ways. I know that leading life as a "driven, obsessed workaholic" isn't good for your body, mind, or spirit and you know that now. I think you've done wonderfully well and I believe that moving in a different direction professionally is a good move. With all your executive experience, you'll be able to be successful in whatever area you choose. I plan on making changes myself - I think I'll get out of real estate (I'm a broker) and maybe go back to school for a meteorology degree. Isn't that a hoot! (and quite a change also). Best wishes Ann and congratulations on reaching your goal - I'm sure you look and feel just great!!!!! I hope to be there soon.
   — Cindy H.

May 27, 2000
I'd also add that you may have felt the need to prove yourself a lot more by overcompensation pre-op. I have.. That's why I have a stellar carrer and a kick-ass personality. I had to be better to the extreme if I wanted to be noticed. Now... I'm (positively) noticed anyhow.. the rest is icing.
   — lisadiehl

May 27, 2000
Congrats on your weight loss! You have come to a place where you can actually think of other things to do in a positive light. In the past you may have shied away conciously or unconciously from things that made you vulnerable. Work was an outlet for you and your obesity didn't matter because you worked so hard. Congratulations on being able to now stop and smell the roses!
   — Paula G.

May 28, 2000
Ann, I bet your reevaluations are just a natural progression and doesn't really have as much to do with your weight loss as you think. Ambition is one thing, but change is something we all need from time to time. You're not taking a step backward, you're simply moving on to better things. That's something we all try to do...skinny or fat. Sometimes we just get "burned out" and we might not even realize it. Your weight loss has only helped you to realize that there are more things in life than "work"...and you want to be able to enjoy your life to it's fullest...and that's a good thing. Eleven years doing one thing is a long time and as a president of any organization it's got to have been pretty stressful at times. Take your "break" and then reevaluate your goals again. You're probably just craving a change for change's sake. You haven't lost your ambition, you're simply taking some time to "redirect" it. Good luck and God bless, and congratulations on reaching your goal weight. Life is only going to get better and better from here.
   — cj T.

September 18, 2001
I too have made a BIG career change. I am moving my business home ( I am a graphic designer) and I have gone back to college to finish my Associates Degree. I already had a Medical secretary background but am now adding Social Work Assistant and R.N.to my education. I feel that I have more power over my life now and I want to do all that I can or "be all that I can be". I congratulate you on your weight loss. I had my surgery on 4/5/2001 and have lost 102 pounds but still have about 100 more to go. I think that once we go through this surgery we really learn what we are made of and what is important to us. Enjoy your sucess and relax you have earned it.
   — Angela B.