Originally Posted by Vim&Vigour

Thank you Deborah!
Yes, what a joy to wake up and see SNOW for the first time in 2 years! What a joy to come home dead beat after work - but to come HOME! I am immensely grateful for what I HAVE rather than complaining about what I am missing out on (and believe you me, I have seen VERY lean days for 20 years!). Yes, I would so dearly love to go on THE Cruise and would be "happy" to do a little spreading then -BUT, alas BUT, I will only know September/October whether or not I can participate...

Jacki,
Your reply gives me another "clarity", another perspective I had not thought about. It also ties in with something that Fisher1000 responded a few weeks back in one of my threads. Basically, (here is my "new" interpretation!) learning to reapply our mental frustration from not "being able" to junk eat is something we all agree on. But wherein the struggle lies, I believe is akin to starting retirement. When you have worked your butt off your whole life and "suddenly" you are retired, with 24/7 time for yourself and are no longer "needed" at work, what on earth do you do? For many individuals who have been "workaholics" or passionate about their career, too much time on their hands comes as a shock to their system, quite literally. Some put on a lot of weight, become depressed, start smoking, become moody, have affairs or age rapidly. They are at a loss at what to do with all their “new” time on their hands! But for those who have had a hobby, other occupations other than “only” their work, other mental stimulus, they embrace retirement with a new zest for life and youthfulness. At long last they are “free” to undertake what they have been longing to do but could not afford, timewise or financially. Be it travelling, renovating old properties, indulging in gardening, collecting stamps, taking up martial arts, you name it, they are a whole lot happier than most and often are the ones who are “slimmer” and more positive, with a “can do” attitude.

So, if we are intelligent enough to find a replacement occupation – that is safe and that we enjoy, I recon we are better equipped to “succeed” with our weight loss journey thanks to our surgery. What do you think?

I have acquired a pug puppy, born 5 days after my surgery. Pugsy is very much a “lapdog” and as a puppy loves being cuddled and picked up as well as being independent and running and loving long walks. In a sense, I have “transferred” my overeating to caring for my new puppy…

I would be interested in your views!

Cheers,
Vim

Originally Posted by shereeks

Wow - congrats Vim. The day I met you I knew that you would not only complete this journey but that you would do it in style!
Thank you Sheree! You have more confidence in me than I have myself! Will try - but "style"?

Your constant positive energy and in-depth posts challenge me on a regular basis which I just love - so thank you for that.
[COLOR="rgb(65, 105, 225)"]I'm glad I can be of help![/color]

Amazing work you have done and such self-discipline will get you to that 100% of excess weight lost I'm sure.
[COLOR="rgb(65, 105, 225)"]As for everyone else, it's not always that clear cut! I never dump and have no side-effects AT ALL, so, I feel as though I have never had surgery at all![/color]
xxx

Originally Posted by Jeanie