Question:
I'd like to hear post-op most touching experience since surgery.
Ok guys.. this is the most wonderful thing for me to hear from post ops... At what point in time after surgery did you have your happiest, most touching, emotional moments. I want to hear you all share with us please.... Motivate us = ) — elifritz (posted on October 23, 2001)
October 23, 2001
I'd say my happiest moment came when I was in the hospital and I had people
from my dr's support group call me, bring me flowers, come and visit. It
just proved to me that we all had a special bond and that looks or size
didn't stand in the way. Knowing that I wasn't alone. To this day I still
know that.
— [Anonymous]
October 23, 2001
I was walking up my dad's drive about 1.5 months post op and he yelled out
to me, "where's the rest of my kimmy?"....a strange compliment,
but very much appreciated...lol -Kim
— KimBo36
October 23, 2001
Even though I am only 3 months pot-op I would have to say that it was my
Dad too that made me feel good. He saw me last weekend, hugged me and said
"Hey, I can put my arms around you now."
— Angela S.
October 23, 2001
Buying regular sized clothes from K Mart, after first asking where the mens
department is, I only knew where big mans was. Having a old girlfriend not
recognize me when I came across her by accident. Being able to do so much
more physical stuff. Helping pre ops with questions, this one feels so
great for me. Having my shirt stay tucked in. 80+ pounds makes all the
difference.....
— bob-haller
October 23, 2001
It was wonderful when my son came home from college for Christmas last
year. He had left the week before my surgery on August 31st. When he got
off the plane he ran up to me, picked me up (something he had NEVER been
able to do) and swung me around. Everyone at the airport thought we were
crazy! Another touching moment was also at the airport. My husband and I
had returned from a trip over Easter. I had been bugging him to point out
someone who had a body that looked like mine. He pointed to a woman and
said that's what I looked like. I was absolutely shocked because she looked
normal!
— georgiacarol
October 23, 2001
I have so many touching moments since April 23, 2001. When my husband said
how nice it was to be able to reach around me. Being able to keep up with
my sons, 3 & 5. The wonderful support from my in-laws. In general,
the most wonderful moment is measuring and weighing and seeing the
difference. Also, when you go to buy clothes and you can go to the misses
section and not the plus size. Habit is so funny. Hope this helps.
— Tere F.
October 23, 2001
I felt really great when my 3 year old daughter looked at me and out of the
blue said, "My mommy's beautiful." :) That wasn't the FIRST
touching moment I've had since surgery (I'm 1.5 years postop), but it was
definitely the best.
— Beth B.
October 23, 2001
Before this surgery, at 494 pounds, I could barely walk. Just getting to
the end of my 25 foot driveway required two rest stops to get my breath. I
have since lost 185 pounds. During this past summer, since May actually,
my elderly parents went from being fairly independent to both of them
having strokes, my father losing both of his legs, my mother breaking her
good, non-stroke affected leg and both of them dying within one week of
each other in early September. During that time, I was able to walk
vigorously through the long halls of the various hospitals and nursing
homes, care for them at home for 8 weeks and had the physical stamina to do
all that and work my job too. For the comfort and care I was able to bring
to them as they went through their dying time, I am very grateful for this
surgery.
— merri B.
October 23, 2001
It's only been six months since my surgery and I have a long way to go.
It's been quite an adventure so far, and I hear new things every day. I
would have to say aside from the day to day compliments about the weight
loss, the one day that sticks out in my mind is when I was actually able to
wear my seatbelt. There are so many other things too, but that was very
important to me. I remember shopping for a car that I could 'fit' in.
That's a worry that I will no longer have!
— Kim B.
October 23, 2001
I am now 6 months post-op and something that just happened recently.
Normally whenever I see a mirror I completely avoid looking in it. Well I
was in a dept store on line at the checkout and turned my head and was
looking in a mirror. I had to do a complete double-take!! I didn't even
recognize myself! My double chin and huge puffy face have gone down sooo
much! I was totally impressed. Now I dont mind seeing myself in a mirror.
— [Anonymous]
October 24, 2001
I hope to have many more touching experiences as my time goes on (I'm at 4
mos. out), but today something touched me greatly. A couple weeks ago I
was online here complaining about losing 100 pounds but not really going
down in clothing size. Well...I had a 26/28 3 piece suit. I could wear
the pants and jacket (open only) but the dress was too tight on my tummy.
Today I was able to wear the dress. I went into the bathroom at work and
looked at myself and realized I could also button up the jacket now! Gosh
it felt so good. This may not be other peoples' idea of something
touching...but for me it is very important, as I'm a lawyer that has always
had a hard time finding business suits that fit. Thanks god that's over!
— Tracy L.
October 24, 2001
My best moment since my surgery 3 months ago was at my nieces birthday
party two weeks ago. She asked if she could sit on my lap. She climbed
up, turned around and looked kinda funny at me. She said "Auntie
Debbie, your legs are growing, you must be getting bigger". The little
angel recognized that my stomach was no longer on top of my legs, and she
had room to sit comfortable on my lap. MY LEGS WERE LEGS AGAIN!! That was
a very touching moment for me. I went out and bought some new clothes for
myself the very next day, SIZE 16(down from size 24/26)!!
— deb_wls2001
October 24, 2001
Touching? I have had many, many exciting changes like riding
roller coasters, fitting into port a potties, roller blading,
playing soccer and refereeing soccer, but, touching? Hmmm-
I love these thoughtful questions:) I have a few- 1. When
my husband could pick me up and carry me over the threshold
of our bedroom door- just to see if he could- he could! 2.
When I scored a goal in a soccer game and my 13 year old
daughter (who is VERY slow to compliment me) said, "I must
get my athletic ability from you, Mom." By the way- she is an
AWESOME soccer player- I am NOT:) 3. When my daughte and I go
to soccer games to referee and the referee assignor says,"Here
come the Kling sisters". I LOVE that guy:) Thanks for the great
question and the great answers!
— M B.
October 24, 2001
I'm down 167 lbs and post-op abdominoplasty July 31, 2001. I've had many
touching moments in the last few months, but the one I will never forget
was the morning I had on a new outfit (size 14 that fit!) and my daughters,
ages 5 and 6, said, "Mommy! Look at you! You are beautiful, and you
are skinny!" As many compliments as I have received, many from men, I
knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that my daughters meant what they said and
loved me unconditionally.
— [Deactivated Member]
October 24, 2001
My 7-year-old daughter had to write sentences containing that week's
spelling words. One of those words was "thin," and her sentence
was, "My mom is thin." :)
— Suzanne B.
October 26, 2001
I first have to tell you that my brother is the most honest person I know.
He doesn't love me enough to lie to me. I had Sunday breakfast with him
about 3 weeks after surgery, and hadn't seen him for about a week. He
said, "Hello, Slim!" Boy, did that ever make me feel good!
— Marjorie B.
October 26, 2001
I had one today! I had bought a long leather skirt last fall
in anticipation of future and I struggled all these months trying
it on to the point that I had to replace the zipper from all
the tugging and pulling- I had put it away and when I was digging
for something warm to wear today I thought "I should try this on
again". Low and behold IT FIT!!!! No stuggling at all! I have went
from a VERY tight
26/28 to a comfrtable 14! I have other wonderful times through
this jorney also but that was a real mile stone for me! Thanks
for the question and YAY for all of us....
— [Anonymous]
November 1, 2001
My moment was when I went to my husbands Aunts house and some people there
(whom I have known for 14 years) didnt recognize me. They kept staring.
It was weird, but it felt good.
— lynbaby B.
April 13, 2002
Best moment is when I went to a weight loss support meeting, and a person
came up to me and said, "Excuse me, Maam, this meeting is a private
meeting." I said, "Yes, I know." She said, "I'm afraid
we're going to have to ask you to leave because this meeting is for
morbidly obese individuals who are thinking of having surgery/already had
surgery." When I explained I did have surgery, she apologized all
over herself and said she didn't realize I'd been overweight before. LOL
— Sue B.
June 27, 2002
When my twelve year old daughter gave me a hug and could get her arms all
the way around me and my fifteen year old son keeps telling me how small I
am.
— Sandy I.
June 27, 2002
My youngest just turned three and came up to me the other day and said
"Hi little mamma!" LOL. I LOVED that :)
— mom2jtx3
July 25, 2002
Last year, my grandson wanted me to come to his ball games but I couldn't
because the fields were too far to walk to and I couldn't sit in a lawn
chair (well, I could but it might break or I'd get stuck!). This year,
after losing 130lbs. I can PLAY ball with him!!! He is so happy and so am
I! I am raising him on my own and I really felt like I would die before he
turned 18 (he's 7!). Now I walk anywhere I want to for as long as I want
to and I can take him to the pool, all his games, anywhere!! And I feel
better than I did when I weighed this on the way up!!
— Jamie W.
October 30, 2002
It is very hard to pick one experience. I have so many!
The one thing that touches me the most is when my Kids or my Husband wraps
the arms ALL THE WAY AROUND ME! What a feeling.
Shelia
— Shelia R.
December 19, 2002
I too have had so many, however just recently, while out with some friends.
One said to me "I don't want to weight what 'I' weigh, I want to
weigh what 'YOU' weigh" She didn't even know how she touched me. I
will always remember that moment!
— Dawn M.
January 8, 2003
I would have to say my most touching experience was meeting my soulmate 2
months out surgery. I was still quite heavy at that point, but he never
even seemed to notice!! It's been 8 months now, and I've lost a total of
82 pounds and am wearing a size 12 petite!! Also discovered his sister had
the same surgery 2 years ago and looks wonderful! He is very active
(hockey player) and always notices how I look, what I'm wearing, and never
forgets to compliment me. I wasn't looking or expecting this, but it sure
is great!!!
— S W.
January 10, 2003
I like everyone else,having had this surgery have had so many wonderful
experiences since losing weight. I am only 6 months post-op,and have lost
110#'s so far. From 285 to 175. Not exactly 'Skinny' yet,but getting closer
everyday :o).. I would have to say my fondest memory thus far,is one that
is so small,with such great meaning to me.. My 7 year old daughter always
drew pictures of our family,like all children do. And my husband,son,and
herself were always 'Stick people' in them,and I was always a triangle! I
always looked like I was wearing a triangle shaped dress,with tree trunk
legs, lol ( mind you,I never wore dresses ). About a month ago,after the
children had gone off to bed,I was picking up the playroom,and came across
a picture she had drawn of our family,that night. I stood there for
ages,staring at it,a huge smile draped across my face. Without saying a
word,I walked into the livingroom,and handed the picture to my husband,who
instantly said. " Hey,look'it,you're a stick person,too now!"
And,indeed I was! I was a triangle,no more..lol. I suppose that meant so
much to me,because my kids have never really said anything to me,about my
weightloss,They see me as Mom,and love me for who I am,not how much I
weigh. In my daughters eyes I am just like them all now,what a great
feeling! I was never sure,that my kids had even noticed I have changed,but
that picture spoke a thousand words. This surgery has given me my life
back,and I am thankful everyday for it. :o) Cyndi
— cyndi S.
January 11, 2003
My son has always been the one person who knows how to reach his momma's
heart. On my birthday in November at 4 months post-op, he came from out of
town with a couple of my friends to take me out to dinner. He's a quiet
kid, came over to me when we were alone in the kitchen before leaving for
the restaurant, put his arms around me and hugged me and said "When I
walked in I said to myself, "Wow! Is that my mom?" Who says you
can't love teenagers?! - Anna
— Anna L.
January 21, 2003
While I love getting called skinny or told I am melting away, I think my
best moment was the day I was very bad and ate Taco Bell. Not long
afterwords (about 30 mns.), as I lay in bed with miserable cramps, I
realized that my surgery was working. I needed a tool that would help me
at my weakest moments, and that is exactly what I got. Let me tell ya, I
never, never, never want the Bell again! --Jen, RnY 11/12/02
— Mrs. Rich
January 21, 2003
My most emotional moment had to be at christmas time. My mom gave me a gift
that was my great-grandmas broach. The letter that she wrote to go with it
left me in tears. She said how she admired me for my courage to take
control of my life and that she thought I was a great mom for thinking of
my kids and being around for them. I Think she is the best and that was
such a huge compliment. She said she was happy to see "sis"(her
nickname for me) back again. In a seperate story. I went to see my doctor
last week, at 8.5 months post. I didn't know if he would remember me or
recognize me since he sees so many patients a month. The first thing he
said when he walked in was " you changed your haircolor. you darkened
it?" I was completey stunned and impressed. I always knew he was a
caring man but that just proved it. It made me feel good.
— [Deactivated Member]
January 21, 2003
Lisa,
EACH DAY! I am 6 months out and each day I find something new, and great..
I think for me the best thing has been to just be able to sit comfortably,
legs crossed or tucked under me.. But going into Walmart and trying on
clothes from the normal area, and having them fit, my daughters telling me
how good I look, going to the gym and being able to really work out without
feeling like I am going to die, walking up steps, hills, on streets, all of
these things are wonderful, fufilling moments of each day. I feel alive
again!
tami
— Tami D.
January 25, 2003
I think my best moment since my WLS (feb 2002) was around Christmas time. I
was working at the Tupperware stand in a mall in Allentown PA When a little
old man came up to me and told me I had the most beautiful legs like a
professional dancer. I was so blushed with embarrasment but it was the
nicest complemnt I have gotten in years.
— Theresa B.
January 25, 2003
So many...
I have an old"big"picture of myself at my desk.I've gotten
comments such as
"who's that guy?"
"is he related to you?"
and the best--"where'd that guy go?"-when I ralized he was
serious I said"that's me!"-his eyes bugged out and he
said"you know I've been in here several times and looked for you,I
didn't know I was looking right at you!"(I'm on the parts counter at a
car dealer)
Also-my first 5k race 13 months post op,my first triathlon 2 months
later,and most of all my first Marathon(26.2 miles)December 14th.
Not to mention my return to kayaking and backpacking.Being able to camp out
in the woods without electricity for my CPAP machine was fantastic.
— David S.
January 25, 2003
Two weeks ago, I stepped on a scale so that the pilot could tell what seat
position I needed to be in for a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. I
had absolutely no concerns about do so, enjoyed the ride, the view and the
realization that three years ago, I couldn't hardly walk 25 feet or stand
for longer than 3 minutes. In the words of William Wallace:
FREEDOM!!!!!!!!
— merri B.
January 25, 2003
I have lost 100 pounds in 8 months and am 15 away from goal. I guess
sometimes you don't realize that you look better or actually look pretty.
But I just joined a gym and having guys heads turn to look at me was the
most amazing feeling in the world. It may sound superficial, but it feels
great!
— Lezlie Y.
January 29, 2003
I had gotten my hair cut shorter for like the third time. My boss (a guy)
was complimenting me on it. I told him I didn't think it would get any
shorter. He said not unless you get one of those GI Jane 'do's. I laughed
and said well I don't think I could pull that off unless I lost another 10%
body fat. He looked at me quite seriously and said, "You could pull it
off," then turned around and walked off. I was stunned! LOL
— ctyst
March 22, 2003
I am 10mos post-op and love: Being called skinny. Being asked "you're
done loosing weight..right?!". Friends and family looking amazed.
Knowing my weight won't come back on with friends this time. Actually
weighing 20lbs less than my drivers license says I am(I was about 240 when
that license was made and I had a BIG lie of 180 lbs. on it)Picking up
cloths off the rack that look sooo small only to find out they ARE my size.
My husband always saying "you look just like her!" when Gwenneth
Paltro or Brittany Spears is on TV...He wishes.....I wish too!
It has all been a wonderful experience. Knowing I have final resolution to
the battle of my lifetime is a joy I never believed was possible!!!!!
— Michelle H.
March 24, 2003
Iwas at abut 2yrs post op whn I was getting ready for a party for a
girlfriend..I still felt I needed to lose about 15lbs, I had bought a new
outfit and was almost done getting ready when my oldest son walked in and
looked at me and said mommy I am so proud of you, you look so good will you
be my date one time so I can show you off...I never looked back after
that..yes i lost those 15lbs but, in my sons eyes it never mattered. It was
worth everything I went thru....Dawn
— Dawn D.
May 25, 2003
My most touching experience is something my son does all the time now. My
younger son is 8 and the first time he wraped his arms all the way around
me I almost cried but now he measures how much further his arms wrap around
each time he hugs me he can now hug me wrist to wrist and it's the greatest
feeling in the world. He lets me know how proud he is everytime he gets
his arms around me further. Now he calls me skinny mom and it's so cool.
— melibop
June 22, 2003
This happened to me this week, I went to my sisters to swim, She has a
above ground pool. I was fixing to get in, the water seemed kind of cool,
so I sat on the step, it does not seem like a big deal but last year my
behind wouldnt fit on it, I had to sit sideways...I was like ,look
everyone, I can sit here now, they were like , yas ok, so....It was my
young nieces so they didnt understand. I smiled and giggled to
myself...YES!!!!!
— cindy C.
August 17, 2003
WHEN MY 3 YEAR OLD TOLD ME....."MOM, YOU ARN'T SO SQUSHY ANYMORE"
— willcra
September 26, 2003
My best moment was on Christmas day when my own Grandfather didn't
recognize me. He stared at me for about 3 minutes like he didn't know who
I was so finally I said, "let me introduce myself, I'm your
Granddaughter, Jennifer". His mouth dropped open. It was the best
feeling I have ever had.
— Jennifer H.
September 26, 2003
When my surgeon walked into my first post-op visit and said, "Your
clothes are falling off!" .. then later, he said to his nurse, in my
hearing, "Doesn't she look great?" I had not lost *that* much,
so I found it especially encouraging and a generally sweet thing to do.
— Jeanie
September 26, 2003
The day my underwear fell down while teaching a class. Thank GOd I had
pants on they were tight enough to hold them up. I then realized that I
must really be losing!
— Mary E.
September 26, 2003
When I go sit on my husband of 25 years lap and he wraps his arms around me
and pulls me closer. At 260 I was afraid to sit on his lap afaid that I'd
hurt him. also when my 4 year old grandson looked at a pic of me from
preop and said "oh gramma, that is a very old picture."
— **willow**
December 24, 2003
5 Months after my surgery I had lost about 70lbs, My 5 year old son walked
up and hugged me then he looked up at my face with a stunned expression and
said, Oh mommy, my hands reach all the way around you and look they touch,
I can hold my own hands. That was my moment. The second was about a month
ago, I have lost 97lbs, my husband has always been awesome, we have just
celebrated our 9 anniversary he has told me before I was looking good or
nice, or that outfit looks good, but the other day he told me I was
beautiful
— Rebekah P.
May 13, 2004
My Husband and I went to a restaurant we hadn't been to for a while. Before
surgery we had frequented this restaurant. We were seated and I told my
Husband to go on to the salad bar and I'd go when he got back. I saw a
waiter that usually took care of us go up to him. My Husband came back
laughing. I asked what was so funny. He said the waiter had come to him and
asked him "Why aren't you with your wife?"My Husband said I am,
and the waiter acted disgusted and told him I know your wife and that's not
her. Finally the waiter came and stood by me and just stared for a few
minutes and then he said you are his wife. You look so different. I knew
I'd come a long way!
— Ella M.
June 16, 2004
Ok now heres the best!!!!!!!!!!! Recently I was in Walmart and ran into my
sister in law and my brother. Neither of them recognized me for a moment.
I had not seen them since about 3 months after my surgery even though we
live in same area. When I ran into them, I was 9 months after my surgery.
Wow what a difference 6 months makes!!!!!!!!!!!! I have gone from 280 now
down to 182ish. MY OWN BROTHER!!!!!!!!!
— Amy T.
June 17, 2004
I'm down 53 lbs and my dh can't keep his hands off me. Last night he told
me it's like falling in love all over again. (We've been togeter 15 yrs).
:)
— janiej
October 25, 2004
I went through the most horrible, painstaking, and long term 3 yr divorce
from my first husband after my RNY surgery. Things finally changed for me
when I met the most wonderful man in my life of January of this year. We
were married on May 24, 2004 and had a formal wedding on September 13,
2004. He asked me to marry him on my birthday and we were formally married
on his birthday. I will never forget as long as I live when I was walking
down the aisle with my stepfather the look on Dana's face when he saw me.
He was just literally in tears. It was a very emotional time for the both
of us. It will be by far the most wonderful memory I will ever have since
my WLS 4 yrs ago today.
— Michelle P.
January 3, 2005
One of the most memorable moments I had was when one of my friend's husband
told me that he always thought I was pretty and now my "outside
finally caught up with my insides". That brought me to tears. RNY
051903 -134lbs!! 40 to goal.
— TarynRa
February 5, 2005
If you're not from the South you may not understand how being told
something like this could be a good thing. However, my father (who is
quite stingy with compliments) told me that my husband will have to start
'shaking the sheets to find me'. This was something he always told my
step-mother because she's so little!!! Made my heart sing when he told me
that...means he's noticing and liking the new me!!!
— Rhonda C.
March 22, 2005
so many now that Im 6 yrs post op. The time I went to buy a pair of scrub
bottoms, and not getting a 4x....fitting into a small...yes, a small. I
cried at that one. Dating as an adult and being told I was a beautiful
"petite" woman..wow. being able to pass a lifeguard test after
years of not being able to climb stairs. discovering what true living is
after being "alseep" like rip van winkle. Playing like a child
and not caring who watched. Knowing men were looking at ME and proud of
it. seeing who I am as a woman, full of potential without any boundaries,
an amazing discovery
— swimmergirrl
July 11, 2005
I was at the platic surgeons office for my BA surgery consult, and he had
to feel around my chest. He looked at me and said I was tiny that he could
feel every rib, I wanted to jump up and down.
— Jadyn
July 12, 2005
Once right around the time I hit goal last year my surgeon told me that I
needed to eat more food, lol. Never thought i'd ever hear a doctor tell me
to eat more food. Another time was a few days ago when my daughter told me
one of our neighbors ( a single guy who used to hang out with my hubby)
stopped her and told her "how hot" her mom was, lmbo. She was
really put out about it and said "mom he would not shut up and went on
and on about you". She also said that my hubby better watch out, he
knew they were friends but if he though he had a shot at me he'd go for it.
I guess we all like to be percieved as attractive and I love my husband
dearly and he loves me but the man is just not wordy. Just for the record
the neighbor guy wouldn't stand a chance. Once last summer I picked my son
up from work (he is 19 now, was 18 then) and one of his co-workers asked if
I was the sister he was always talking about, lol. All kinds of good things
have happened. The best being I can get off the sofa without huffing and
puffing and struggling to get up.
— Carrie D.
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