how has WLS changed you? - Page 2 - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

AThinnerSandyFor2006 · 02-23-2006, 06:31 PM

That was a good question and I can't wait to read all the responses.

LisaM · 02-23-2006, 10:40 PM

OK, that subject line sounds a little weird... but every pound lost feels like I'm excavating the person that I was at that weight ten years ago. I feel as if I am getting younger every day, with the energy that I've recovered, as well.

I deal with stress better at work and at home--without food to turn to, I'm not burying my feelings, I'm voicing them. I've found the humor that never really left, just got weighed down under the years (I STILL believe that chickens are Episcopalians at heart) and the fat.

I live every day in wonder at the changes in my body and how my heart and soul seem to open wider every day to my lovely new world. The bad moments pass quickly, especially when I can voice my fears, as I've done here, and put them behind me.

WLS, for me, was part of an overall, conscious, change in the direction of my life. I got out of the consulting biz, into a service-oriented organization, where it feels like my work means something and changes lives for the better instead of just earning a buck. Making my body healthier would not have been successful had I stayed in the world where the dollar means more than humanity. I'm much happier in my work overall now, as well as my personal life.

I don't think WLS has changed me--I think it's given me back who I was underneath. Thanks for asking.

Dcycle · 02-24-2006, 12:05 AM

Baron,

You ask alot of good questions and I always enjoy reading your post.I am also so sorry you are having so much trouble in getting your own surgery date I wish you luck.

As far as how the surgery has changed me: I am 5 years out next month and am still maintaining my 175 lb loss.It has opened so many opportunities for me that I never dreamed of.I am now into distance/endurance and competitive road cycling.I spend most of the year either training for or participating in cycling events and this is in addition to my full time job as an automotive mechanic.I know this is what has kept my weight off but I do struggle with nutrition issues as it pertains to my cycling.

Yes unfortunately people do treat me differently since I've lost weight even though all that really changed was my weight.Someday people might learn to look inside for the beauty of a person.I am more at peace with myself than ever before and am trying to make up for all those lost years of obeisity.It has at times put a strain on my relationship with my wife and we strugle with food issues as she is overweight and is always trying the latest low carb diet out there(she is also diabetic) and theese diets dont work with endurance athletics

I have all new friends and this came about mostly because of cycling and the club I ride with.I beleive I am a stronger person and have a better attitude and outlook,I only wish I had never gotten to the point of needing the surgery.

Suzanne2 · 02-24-2006, 06:45 AM

On Monday it will be one month since my surgery, so I don't know if I would be feeling as dramatically different as many of the other posters.

Finally the scale needle is going down instead of up, so I look forward to getting on every day. I've lost 32 pounds so far.

I wore an outfit yesterday that I have never been able to wear. Still had the tags on it from last August and I was using it as a motivator to lose weight. It was actually loose on me, and I got a lot of compliments at work.

I wonder if the change in a WLS patient has more to do with other people's reactions than it does internal feelings. Kind of like the theory that when you hear someone likes you - you automatically like them.

So I wonder if the compliments, attention, and acceptance WLS patients receive after losing weight is the most significant catalyst for the feelings of strength and worthiness....

Thoughts?

Peckkale · 02-24-2006, 10:39 AM

My life and outlook has changed in so many ways but I guess the only real way of sharing it is to tell you a little story.

It was a day much like today and thoughts were turning to a quickly approaching summer.

Shorts, tank tops and swim suits were appearing in very store on every rack and in all sorts of color and sizes.

I had vowed to myself that I would no longer allow my weight to ruin my life and control everything. I was going to partake in life at whatever size I was. I was going to share in the outtings NO MATTER WHAT..... I needed a swimsuit for that to happen.

I headed down to my local Kmart and sorted through the size18's & 20's and gathered two very nice dark suits and headed off for the fitting room.

Little did I suspect that Kmart housed a small corner of the store that was bewitched.

I checked in, got my little number and found a nice cozy cubical. I stripped down to just my underwear and reached for the smaller of the two swimsuits.

In my mind there was no way I would need anything larger than a size 18 and I figured even that would be too large in spots.

I put first one foot into the leg opening then the other and gave a small tug and the suit rose up to my calfs. It was then that the evil spirits zeroed in on me and began to play their evil little game.

I tugged again and the suit rose to just above my knees but something didn't seem right. Another tug and at thight height the swimsuit began to shrink! 16....14....12....10.

I was now having to do the twirling, hip-hop, wiggle-jiggle dance to pull it up to my backside. I turned and looked in the mirrow. I'll be damned if that swimsuit hadn't shrunk down to a size 3!

As I stood, in horror, gazing at the mirror I began to realize. Something was playing an evil trick on me.. Clothes just don't shrink like that....I stripped it off and checked the tag. With a frown I put it back on it's hanger and reached for the larger size.

Again the game played out. As I tugged the bigger suit upwards it began to shrink. Not nearly as quickly as the other but it was shrinking!

I didn't buy a swimsuit that year. I didn't go swimming or any other summer activity. My weight again dictated where I would go and what I would do. My fat coat seen to it that I was housebound that summer. The heat was too much for me to bear. I spent another summer hidden away wondering if the air conditioner would ever manage to cool the room I was hidden in.

Two days ago, at 82 lbs down, I ventured into the Levi's Outlet and choose several pairs of jeans and headed off to the dressing rooms. I kept a wary eye open for evil spirits that afternoon and I am here to tell you. Levi's is clear. There were no hauntings that day.

This weekend I have decided to brave Kmarts bewitched rooms again but not before stopping by my local church for some holy water. It's time to see if they are selling the shrinking swimsuits again this year.

Wish me luck as I once again take on that "Bewitched Fitting Room."

Zenomia · 02-24-2006, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peckkale

Wish me luck as I once again take on that "Bewitched Fitting Room."

I utterly LOVED that story Peckkale!! That was so touching and hit so many 'de-ja-vu' spots for me!!! WOW!!

Congrats on the lost weight, and thank you so much for presenting your feelings about WLS in that manner!!

All the stories I have read are wonderful...Thanks everyone for sharing!

LisaBoston · 02-24-2006, 06:43 PM

I am so new out...4 weeks on Monday...So far, not much has changed. The hubby says he doesn't see a difference and in some ways that pisses me off, and on other hand, he is accepting of me how I am for my insides, not outsides. Co-workers have seen a difference. I have clothes in my cupboard from a long time ago and tried them on...and they still don't fit...why would they, but it played games with my head. I have alot to be proud of and I am very blessed and have to focus on that. I let you know how it has changes me as the time goes on.

Groovey kinda Love · 02-24-2006, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baron Patrick

Hi Everyone!

I'm curious as to how the surgery has changed you emotionally, spiritually, and even your job (professionally). Have you found new/more opportunities than ever before? Are you more at peace with yourself? Are you angry over things? Have you changed friends? Please don't hold back, but don't say anything your not comfortable with either!

Peace and Blessings

Hi Baron, long time no see..... I know it was me not you life is busy ya know.... anyway, lets see wls surgery has changed me, for the better! I used to be the fat girl who judged those who had the surgery, and if you are out there I am sorry and I ask your forgiveness. Over the past year I have become closer to God and my walk with him. While in the hospital I learned that the only person I could lean on was his as he is the only one who I could hold to in that dark hour. Physically I am a thousand times healthier and my self image is priceless, no one can take from me what I know is God given. I can remember before my surgery I had applied for a job at a insurance company, I shortly received a letter stating that I did not "fit" what they were looking for. I now realize that people never took me seriously then they thought oh look at that lazy fat girl. Well I wasn't lazy and I have grown from the pain others have attempted to inflict on me and my family. I am a better person today and I am thankful to everyone here for their support
I have lost friends over this but I have also gained friends and the true friends were there with me all the way. I take it one day at a time and take lifes lessons with me. Am I angry or mad or upset, no... I am releived, releived that life is good and that I have been given a second chance at life and to make something of myself and self worth.

alikat · 02-25-2006, 12:28 PM

One thing I have noticed from the negative side of the fence is that I find people (professionally) view me as more of a threat as I continue to slim down. I dont know why that it, maybe it is because as a MO person, I was more easily dismissed because I lacked confidence. I dont know.

The other thing I have noticed as I sit here in the Marriot Business Center attending a conference in Kentucky is that I am extremely fortunate for having had this surgery overseas.

I spend a lot of time bitching about how we have no products available to us and we are so limited as to what we can buy, but ultimatly that has made my journey so much easier. I went to superwalmarts yesterday and well, I was nearly in tears in the deodorant eisle. A whole row of deodorants. We have two to choose from. SO imagine how I felt in the food section.

Anyway, that was slightly off topic but, I think the other thing that really changed for me was I no longer fear death as much. I had pretty much resigned myself to the fact that the surgery was going to kill me. Now when I face things that used to make me have anxiety attacks, I am not so scared anymore.

Weird ha?

darthmichelle · 02-25-2006, 12:45 PM

The first thing that comes to my mind (and mind you I'm only 9wks out) is relief. Relief that at this moment food is no longer consuming all of my time and energy. I know what I can tolerate and that's what I eat. I try new things now and then but I'm not on that old merry-go-round with food occupying 90% of my mind. I know it may change but for today I'm grateful!