Question:
Can you tell me some of your milestones?
Hello again friends! Last week I asked you guys to share experiences where the public had been insensitive to you regarding your weight. For anyone who didn't see that post - I am working on a lecture/article to lobby the insurance commissions, ADA and anyone else who will stand still long enough to listen on behalf of the obese. I genuinely feel like it's my mission in life to do everything I can to see that future WLS patients and obese people in general don't have to endure the discrimination and misery I experienced in the past simply because I was bigger than most people. You gave me enough posts and replies to fill a 37 page WORD document! I am STILL looking for stories on how the public mistreated you or was insensitive to you because of your weight but now I would like to follow the bad with the good and hear your milestones. I DO want to hear how many meds you were on and how many you've gotten off of but I also want to hear how you've begun to be more participatory in your life - I want to hear the wonderful, heartwarming stories. For anyone who might be concerned - I'm not using this info to write a book or make money or anything else! This information is strictly going to be used to help US - the ones who seem to be the last on earth who are still considered social outcasts. I'll share my milestone first. Here goes...........Before WLS I had Adult Onset Type II diabetes, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and was spiraling down fast! I'd begun to suggest that my husband and kids have a "boys day out" when they wanted to go to the park or Six Flags and such because I just couldn't do it. I'd become an observer in my life instead of a participator. When I had WLS I asked my husband what my prize would be if I lost 100 pounds. His answer was "Anything you want." So, being the romantic that I am, I told him I wanted him to take me to this scenic overlook and play "Could Not Ask For More" by Edwin McCain and dance with me. He agreed. (Can you believe it???) So I lost the 100 pounds and waited and waited to dance at the scenic overlook. One weekend Edwin McCain came in concert and Wade got tickets for us to go. When "Could Not Ask For More" came on Wade got up out of his seat and pulled me into the aisle and we danced while the song was performed live. Before WLS I NEVER, EVER would have considered standing up and dancing in front of all those strangers. I felt like 40 years of pain and misery from being obese just fell away and I was a normal person. It was joyous! A few days later I got a letter from Edwin McCain and an autographed photo telling me how proud he was of me. WOW! Since then we danced at the scenic overlook too. It was one of the high points of my life following WLS. In addition to the fun things - I no longer take any medication at all and can walk until my hubby begs for mercy! Happiness and good health is so awesome!! Can I ask you post ops to share with me again? Can you tell me about the joys and health benefits you've experienced since WLS? I'm also happy to have more stories regarding public insensitivity toward the obese. You guys are the best and please know that I'm working hard to make the world a better place for all of us! — ronascott (posted on June 28, 2004)
June 28, 2004
I jumped on a trampoline with my daughters this weekend, and also took a
turn on the Slip N Slide (and that was quite a site)! These are two of many
things that would have never happened a year ago! It only reinforces my
decision to have this done so I can relive my youth with my children
instead of watching them from the sidelines!
— ScottieB86
June 28, 2004
Ok, my story is going to be a little personal and mature, I hope I don't
offend everyone, I just feel so wonderful. Since WLS, I have lost 97
pounds. I still wear a lot of my pre-op clothing because I still have HUGE
issues with my body and still living by that "hide it in shame
mentality." My pre-op clothing is extremely baggy (5X and I actually
wear a 20 and 1X). Well, lets get to the good part.
I was at a very dear friend's house this weekend. I came straight from a
"casual Friday" workday and was sporting my frumpy pre-op
clothing. Sometime during the night of talking, laughing and everything, my
friend mentioned her husband gives KILLER back massages and since she knew
I have back problems, she wanted him to give me a massage. I trust my
friend and her husband COMPLETELY, so I agreed. I refused to take my shirt
off though. When they asked why (I was lying on my tummy, so they only
would have seen my back anyways), I told them I was too ashamed and just
the fact that I was letting them touch my flabby, ugly back anyways was a
huge show of trust for me. They respected it. The back massage felt really
good, and it was taking my pain away. After a while, I started to finally
feel really safe and I just pulled the shirt up to my neck. My friend and
her husband sweetly acknowledged this big step for me (actually said they
were proud I felt comfortable enough with them). When they saw my back,
they both gasped. I immediately tensed up and in unision they both told me
not to. I asked why they gasped and my friend's husband said:
"Erinn! You are so much skinnier than I ever would have thought! You
are SO beautiful!!" I rolled my eyes and told him to shut up with a
laugh until my friend (bless her heart) said:
"NO! You're back is SO sexy! You're skin is flawless! Oh my god, you
are a STUD!!"
Long, story short, the rest of the night they gushed over how thin and
beautiful I was. Nothing sexual ever happened, but it was the first time in
my life that I got a compliment, it was genuine and I believed it. Since
then, my head is a little higher, my walk more confident and my clothes a
little more form fitting. Without WLS, I never would have been able to
experience anything like this because I WOULDN'T HAVE LET MYSELF. WLS has
given me the freedom to LOVE MYSELF, and for the first time in my life,
truly feel like a woman.
This is just one in a hundred stories I have in just the four months since
surgery. I can now play with my daughter whenever, shop in a regular store,
not be embarrassed at a restaurant or grocer, I had to pull the seat in my
car WAY UP and I can use ANY SEAT BELT ANYWHERE. All this wonder and I
still have a ways to go! For once, I truly believe that life is amazing.
— Erinn D.
June 28, 2004
Ok, 150+ lbs lost with more to go, but still have hit MANY milestones. The
most recent one - this weekend I met with a bunch of people I have been
messaging on a recipe site. I would NEVER have felt comfortable meeting
strangers before. One of the gals took pictures and posted them and I'm
just one of the gang -
not the biggest one in the group. Woo-hoo!
— JoSyrNY
June 28, 2004
Okay, since I gave you a negative that stirred up some bad memories, I'd be
more than happy to share a positive. I am almost 7 months post op. I've
lost 129 lbs and life couldn't be better. I still have a ways to go, but
I'm okay with that. I can sit at a booth at a resturant, I had to move my
seat up in my car, the seatbelt doesn't choke me anymore, I can shop at
almost any department store and get my clothes, I don't feel as if anyone
looks at me with pity anymore, my husband thinks I'm sexy- always did, but
since I feel better about myself, makes it even better. I laugh more than
ever and always cry tears of joy when I really sit and think about my life
and how much it has changed. When my older brother tells me how proud he
is of me makes me smile all over. When men hold the door for me at the
store and my husbands friends compliment me. That I can now ride on the
motorcycle with my husband. That I can wear jeans that zipper and my
shirts don't have to hang to my knees to cover everything. That I'm
wearing sandles and painting my toe nails and wearing toe rings this
summer. That I fit in every chair I sit in. As for my medications-
pre-op, I took medication for high blood pressure and high cholestral,
borderline diabetic, sleep apnea, and Celebrex for my knees. ALL GONE!!!
No medication at all and sleep apnea is gone. But, what I'm most proud of
is that I exercise- water aerobics and walking and I just started some
toning exercises. And, on July 25th I am going to walk in a 5K. A year
ago, I could barely walk 5 steps let alone 5K. Best of Luck to all!
— Kathy *.
June 28, 2004
I'm 2 years 5 mo post-op and have hit several milestones. So as not to make
this too long,my fav three are: # 1-being able to comfortably cross my
legs. I still take great pleasure when all dressed up, nylons and heels
and cross those legs. #2-trying to decide what to wear to work every day
as I want to wear everything in my closet! It all looks good.(Pre-op, it
was "what will make me look the least fat..) and # 3-I'm quite the ham
if a camera comes out-take my picture, pleez! (Pre-op, I would hide or
threaten the camera holder not to be in the pic and if I HAD to, they were
under strict orders to get from the shoulders up...) What a difference...
— Cindy R.
June 28, 2004
Before surgery I couldn't walk 100 feet without severe pain. I couldn't
shop at the mall's with my daughters because I could not walk. After losing
112 pounds I can walk at least three miles because I have done it. I used
to take 9 pills in the morning and seven at night for high blood pressure,
arthritis,reflux desease,blood clots, pain, depression, etc. I now take one
vioxx for arthritis, Coumadin for my blood clots, a vitamin tablet and
calcium citrate. I love to shop for new clothes and get a big kick out of
it when people ask me if I've been sick, am I melting, or what. I love the
compliments I get and my self esteem is way up. I can look in a mirror at
myself now and like what I see but the greatest thing is I can walk and am
fairly free of pain. I love my new life and feel wonderful.
— Carol H.
June 28, 2004
Before WLS, I had type II diabetes and severe depression, I took 17 pills a
day. I did good to have the energy or the will to want ot get out of bed
and face the day. Now I am down 139 in 9 months, I take 1 pill twice a day
plus my vitamins. I ride a bike with my 9 yr old son, I haven't rode a bike
in 25 years. I want to walk my son to school and to the park, play ball in
the yard. It's the small things that really add up, shaving my legs, taking
a real bath, tieing my shoes, hell just seeing my feet sometimes makes me
cry. Climbing the stairs without knee pain and out of breath. Driving a
compact car with room to spare. Sitting in a booth at any restaurant.
Wearing clothes that arent made of stretch and elastic any more. Best of
all, getting to know the true me inside. And finding my husband standing
beside me through it all. Patricia
— pateblkbrn
June 28, 2004
I sure can related to what everyone has said so far. I am 20 months post
op, and less then 1/2 the person I used to be. I went from 5'8" 327lbs
size 30/32 4X to 150lbs size 12. I grew up a fat baby, fat kid,fat teen,
fat adult. Growing up a FAT teenager really did something to the little
self esteem I had- but the time I hit about 16/17 I had NO self esteem
whatsoever. I was TORMENTED/TORTURED in highschool. I got to where I simply
didn't look people in the eye when I talked to them, I was shy, I would
always try to avoid crowds, I could not even stand to see myself in a
mirror/photos...This past year has been like a catipillar to a butterfly to
me, I walk with a little strut in my step now (giggle)....As a young woman,
I always wanted to look nice, and took good care of my hygene, but buying
clothing was a NIGHTMARE, being so heavy I didn't feel an ounce of
femininity- I would buy "big and tall" mens T-shirts (always
black)...once I hear black was slimming, so I ALWAYS wore black. NOW buying
clothing is a WHOLE NEW WORLD for me, I am actually able to wear things I
LIKE,(I can be choosey) when before I would grab the first largest thing
off the rack and run- I own name brand things for the first time in my life
(Ralph Lauren,Gap,Armani Etc) When before EVERYTHING I had either said
"big and tall mens" or Fashion bug- The reason I had this surgery
was for health reasons...but BOY OH BOY, just a simple thing like clothing,
has made my life so much happier
— WABBIT F.
June 29, 2004
Of course, the first milestone was getting off my diabetes and high blood
pressure medication within a few months of surgery, followed by the day my
wonderful PCP looked at me with sad eyes and said "you don't need me
anymore". Then, there was the magic day I crossed my legs. Not long
after, a plane ride on which the seatbelt fit, with a little extra slack.
Then the plane ride where I sat in the middle seat, extra slack in the
seatbelt, AND I crossed my legs. There was also the day that I fit into my
sister's hand-me-downs (she has always been much smaller than me--now we
wear the same size), followed by the day a man in a store was obviously
flirting with me, and the recent day that my sister-in-law didn't recognize
me in a crowd. There was also an interaction with a coworker that tickled
me pink. One of my coworkers is a very nice, but kind of shy, married man.
We seemed to be running into each other quite frequently in the same
hallway at the same time of day. I said, "we have to stop meeting
like this. People will start talking." He turned three shades of
red, and replied something like "there are worse things that could
happen to my reputation". The compliment was so genuine (partly
because it was so out of character for this man) that it still makes me
smile. Then, there's always the feeling of freedom I get when I go out
anywhere, knowing that I look OK in fashionable clothes, and will have the
energy to do whatever the outing is, not worrying if a restaurant has only
booths, and not being concerned about fitting into a stadium seat. It's a
little vain, but I still enjoy the reaction from people who haven't seen me
since I lost so much weight. I could go on and on because there are so
many wonderful moments.
— Vespa R.
June 29, 2004
My first, and to this day, 3 years post-op, most moving thing that
happened, occurred on BART. Living in the SF Bay Area I would have to
travel fairly often on our rapid transit system, BART, lving at one end of
the line I always had a seat and the train would fill as we traveled from
station to station. Pre-op, the seat next to me was always the last one
filled (unless there was someone fatter than me on the train). I was very
aware that no one wanted to have to share a seat with the fat lady, even
though I always took good care of myself, dressed nicely and wore make-up,
and didn't smell. I knew I was different the day someone got on at a stop
and immediately sat down next to me, and actually smiled and said hello.
As it sunk in, what this meant, it brought tears to my eyes and to this day
I still get choked up remembering it. It may seem like a little thing to a
person of "normal" size, but to me it was the most amazing and
wonderful experience.
— ALF
June 29, 2004
I too have soo many milestones. I suffer from polycistic ovarian syndrome.
I NEVER had a normal menstral cycle without birth control pills. My highest
weight was 409 lbs. Last february i got my first cycle without birth
control pills and cried. i have beenhaving them every since. i love the
bloated feeling. I (hate to be graphic) cried when i first saw my private
area and after my tummy tuck honey the feeling of seeing my toes for the
first time is unexplainable. My mom thought somethinghad happened to me the
way i was carrying on. I thank god everyday for this blessing. the first
time I went to express(see my page) to purchase clothing was one of the
best days of my life not to mention getting on the scale and it saying 198.
Now I have never ever been on a scale and seen 1 anything so i was
ecstatic. I also cried when i completed 1 hour on the elliptical machine
the first time. i love being healthy, i feel sooooooooooooooo much better.
— tameaka S.
June 29, 2004
I've had many milestones, but among the more memorable ones were (1)
Getting off my arthritis meds (2) Getting off my blood pressure meds (3)
Regaining feeling in my right leg (4) The first time I walked 2 miles (5)
The first time I ran more than a mile (6) Comfortably taking a sit-down
bath in a regular bathtub. On the funny side, I was extremely impressed
when I could purchase and wear a wonderbra for the first time finally
reaching that 38 which is their highest size level. (It's not all it's
cracked up to be.) I still hate shopping in stores as much if not more
than when I lost all the weight. I buy almost all my clothes via Internet
or catalogs so buying clothes in stores doesn't impress me.
— Cathy S.
June 29, 2004
Like everybody else, there are a million. Was able to get off all my meds
within 2 mos of surgery. Was asked by my therapist last week (after I
mentioned that I'm still self-conscious about tucking in blouses) if I was
aware that I had an hour-glass figure. And of course, one of the biggies
for me was fitting in any OSFA (one size fits all)!!! My son became engaged
last month and I am actually looking forward to buying a dress to wear and
not being ashamed of having my picture taken as the mother of the groom and
having that dance with him. Life is wonderful.
— lharbison
June 29, 2004
Fitting into my bathtub to take a bath, the seat belt actually FITTING,
being able to tie my own shoes, LIKING to have my picture taken, having a
new friend in my life saying,"You are so TINY", Lane Bryant
clothing store NOT having clothes SMALL enough(they used to not have
clothes BIG enough... :) ), the nurse telling me she needs to get a
SMALLER blood pressure cuff, the nurse telling the next shift nurse(I was
eaves-dropping....) that "her heart beat is VERY low, but apparently
the patient is quite athletic so it's normal.....", NEVER running out
of energy, my husband not being able to keep his hands off me, feeling
like a female.................having my son be able to put his arms all the
way around me, thinking of chocolate WITHOUT drooling, CRAVING water
.............should I go on????? xoxoxxoxoxoxxoxo
— Debby M.
Click Here to Return