gowalking

It's an odd feeling...no longer 'belonging' to a plus sized store or department. I was just in Avenue with my sister a couple of weeks ago and looking around as she was. I've been out of plus sizes for about three years now so the knee jerk reaction to shop there has gone. But I still looked anyway...and absolutely felt out of place while there. Sorta like feeling out of place in a regular store for all those years I couldn't shop there.
Luckily, this feeling was met with relief rather than dread.

@@gowalking
I think that is the key. I am willing to do things that I might not have considered before because now I have more energy and confidence. In my case, I also had some healing emotionally to do, especially in the area of teaching. I think I had some degree of PTSD from my last teaching job and it took 9 years for me to get past that enough to realize that I can teach without being a classroom/high school teacher. I don't know that I will ever go back there, but college academic success uses my gifts without the other craziness that drove me from teaching in the first place. Was I able to heal the PTSD wounds because I had gotten past my other issues due to WLS, very possibly. I don't care why at the moment, but I am super excited about where I seem to be headed now.
pam

When I graduated from high school I was a size 13 and thought I was fat. Now 26 years later, I am in a size 14 pants and I couldn't be more thrilled. 99 pounds gone and healthier than I was in high school. just over 2 weeks until I run a 10 mile race! (my first - although last weekend I ran more than 11 miles) Happier and more self confident than ever.
I even started teaching again this week. (I left teaching 9 years ago, not related to my weight, but...the time was right and I am now teaching ESL once a week. Can't believe how much I missed it.) I'm not sure I would have had the confidence or energy to try teaching after working a full day if I had even thought about it a year ago. I even interviewed last week on the phone for a more teaching focused position. I am just waiting to hear if I am being asked back for a second interview. Getting the job would mean moving 150+ miles to a small town, albeit near where I graduated from high school, and essentially starting over. The thought thrills me! I've stayed in the job I have now for 4 years, about 2 longer than I should have, because it was safe, but now...
Is this all related to my WLS? No, but do I have the confidence and energy to even pursue these big dreams because of the surgery? Yes, most definitely.
pam
Actually Pam...I'd say that all of this is related to your WLS. It's the source of your newfound confidence and energy and I think all this good stuff can be traced back to the weight loss.
I still find it so amazing when I read stories about how people have literally claimed their lives back. And I'm not talking about just the obvious physical aspects. We all know that carrying less weight opens up a whole new world of pushing ourselves physically. It can mean anything from getting out of a wheelchair or off a cane, to running a marathon.
But...the stories about reclaiming our lives...that's what is so exciting. Sometimes it's hard. I've seen lots of posts about leaving bad relationships but it takes a strong person to do what is necessary. Losing the weight helps to make us strong. Or like yourself....going for a new position/leaving a position we stayed in because it was safe... Hell...there are dozens and dozens of stories like this and it makes me so proud of the people I've met here. THIS is the goal of WLS. Not what we weigh but what we do to embrace our lives with the extra weight gone.
Great story Pam...so inspiring!

When I graduated from high school I was a size 13 and thought I was fat. Now 26 years later, I am in a size 14 pants and I couldn't be more thrilled. 99 pounds gone and healthier than I was in high school. just over 2 weeks until I run a 10 mile race! (my first - although last weekend I ran more than 11 miles) Happier and more self confident than ever.
I even started teaching again this week. (I left teaching 9 years ago, not related to my weight, but...the time was right and I am now teaching ESL once a week. Can't believe how much I missed it.) I'm not sure I would have had the confidence or energy to try teaching after working a full day if I had even thought about it a year ago. I even interviewed last week on the phone for a more teaching focused position. I am just waiting to hear if I am being asked back for a second interview. Getting the job would mean moving 150+ miles to a small town, albeit near where I graduated from high school, and essentially starting over. The thought thrills me! I've stayed in the job I have now for 4 years, about 2 longer than I should have, because it was safe, but now...
Is this all related to my WLS? No, but do I have the confidence and energy to even pursue these big dreams because of the surgery? Yes, most definitely.
pam
Actually Pam...I'd say that all of this is related to your WLS. It's the source of your newfound confidence and energy and I think all this good stuff can be traced back to the weight loss.
I still find it so amazing when I read stories about how people have literally claimed their lives back. And I'm not talking about just the obvious physical aspects. We all know that carrying less weight opens up a whole new world of pushing ourselves physically. It can mean anything from getting out of a wheelchair or off a cane, to running a marathon.
But...the stories about reclaiming our lives...that's what is so exciting. Sometimes it's hard. I've seen lots of posts about leaving bad relationships but it takes a strong person to do what is necessary. Losing the weight helps to make us strong. Or like yourself....going for a new position/leaving a position we stayed in because it was safe... Hell...there are dozens and dozens of stories like this and it makes me so proud of the people I've met here. THIS is the goal of WLS. Not what we weigh but what we do to embrace our lives with the extra weight gone.
Great story Pam...so inspiring!

When I graduated from high school I was a size 13 and thought I was fat. Now 26 years later, I am in a size 14 pants and I couldn't be more thrilled. 99 pounds gone and healthier than I was in high school. just over 2 weeks until I run a 10 mile race! (my first - although last weekend I ran more than 11 miles) Happier and more self confident than ever.
I even started teaching again this week. (I left teaching 9 years ago, not related to my weight, but...the time was right and I am now teaching ESL once a week. Can't believe how much I missed it.) I'm not sure I would have had the confidence or energy to try teaching after working a full day if I had even thought about it a year ago. I even interviewed last week on the phone for a more teaching focused position. I am just waiting to hear if I am being asked back for a second interview. Getting the job would mean moving 150+ miles to a small town, albeit near where I graduated from high school, and essentially starting over. The thought thrills me! I've stayed in the job I have now for 4 years, about 2 longer than I should have, because it was safe, but now...
Is this all related to my WLS? No, but do I have the confidence and energy to even pursue these big dreams because of the surgery? Yes, most definitely.
pam
Actually Pam...I'd say that all of this is related to your WLS. It's the source of your newfound confidence and energy and I think all this good stuff can be traced back to the weight loss.
I still find it so amazing when I read stories about how people have literally claimed their lives back. And I'm not talking about just the obvious physical aspects. We all know that carrying less weight opens up a whole new world of pushing ourselves physically. It can mean anything from getting out of a wheelchair or off a cane, to running a marathon.
But...the stories about reclaiming our lives...that's what is so exciting. Sometimes it's hard. I've seen lots of posts about leaving bad relationships but it takes a strong person to do what is necessary. Losing the weight helps to make us strong. Or like yourself....going for a new position/leaving a position we stayed in because it was safe... Hell...there are dozens and dozens of stories like this and it makes me so proud of the people I've met here. THIS is the goal of WLS. Not what we weigh but what we do to embrace our lives with the extra weight gone.
Great story Pam...so inspiring!

Bwaaahahahahahaaaa
Best laugh ive had in weeks!!
Sent from my SM-N920T using the BariatricPal App

Great idea...to have a regain forum. At my lowest, I was 113 lbs. I'm now at 133. I didn't ever expect to stay at 113 but I do want to be between 120-125. So I'm approximately 10 lbs. more than I'd like. My clothes still fit but some are tight. I don't want to wear tight clothes unless they are tight in the right areas. I REFUSE to buy larger sizes. I just won't go there again and have my closet look like a clothing store...with items in every size.
So, each and every day, I vow to eat clean. Some days I do...and some I don't. I don't consider myself a bad person if I gained...but I adjust if I have seen the scale go in the wrong direction.
Most important, is I remember that I'm mobile and normal sized and can do pretty much anything I want. That was not always the case. I remember that I can catch up to my toddler grandson as he runs around, and can also hang with my teenaged granddaughter while she plays softball and volleyball. Was a time I was unable to fly to see her because of the weight.
Point is...I live my life and it's not based on the number on the scale. If I can't get it to go down..I head back to the doctor for an additional fill. I also reign in what I know are bad choices and start anew.
Sorry for not focusing more on the specifics of weight gain....but I also wanted to note where the focus should be..or at least where I think the focus should be.

...and this is how grownups resolve misunderstandings. Thank you.

Well, I managed to finish the marathon on Sunday and I am still alive, so I achieved both of my primary goals. I ended up having to walk way more of it than I had planned. I probably did more walking than running for the last 8 miles or so. But I finished it before the course closed so that's what matters!
I am stiff and sore, but no acute pain or injuries anywhere. My main source of pain is my incredibly horrible sunburn. By far the worse sun burn I've ever had. The forecast had called for "mostly cloudy" skies and rain all morning. Well, there wasn't a cloud in the sky and the sun beat down on me mercilessly for 6 hours. I wasn't prepared for that at all.
Happy to have lived and happy that it's over. I really want to do better next year!

...and this is how grownups resolve misunderstandings. Thank you.

Great idea...to have a regain forum. At my lowest, I was 113 lbs. I'm now at 133. I didn't ever expect to stay at 113 but I do want to be between 120-125. So I'm approximately 10 lbs. more than I'd like. My clothes still fit but some are tight. I don't want to wear tight clothes unless they are tight in the right areas. I REFUSE to buy larger sizes. I just won't go there again and have my closet look like a clothing store...with items in every size.
So, each and every day, I vow to eat clean. Some days I do...and some I don't. I don't consider myself a bad person if I gained...but I adjust if I have seen the scale go in the wrong direction.
Most important, is I remember that I'm mobile and normal sized and can do pretty much anything I want. That was not always the case. I remember that I can catch up to my toddler grandson as he runs around, and can also hang with my teenaged granddaughter while she plays softball and volleyball. Was a time I was unable to fly to see her because of the weight.
Point is...I live my life and it's not based on the number on the scale. If I can't get it to go down..I head back to the doctor for an additional fill. I also reign in what I know are bad choices and start anew.
Sorry for not focusing more on the specifics of weight gain....but I also wanted to note where the focus should be..or at least where I think the focus should be.

...and this is how grownups resolve misunderstandings. Thank you.

Great idea...to have a regain forum. At my lowest, I was 113 lbs. I'm now at 133. I didn't ever expect to stay at 113 but I do want to be between 120-125. So I'm approximately 10 lbs. more than I'd like. My clothes still fit but some are tight. I don't want to wear tight clothes unless they are tight in the right areas. I REFUSE to buy larger sizes. I just won't go there again and have my closet look like a clothing store...with items in every size.
So, each and every day, I vow to eat clean. Some days I do...and some I don't. I don't consider myself a bad person if I gained...but I adjust if I have seen the scale go in the wrong direction.
Most important, is I remember that I'm mobile and normal sized and can do pretty much anything I want. That was not always the case. I remember that I can catch up to my toddler grandson as he runs around, and can also hang with my teenaged granddaughter while she plays softball and volleyball. Was a time I was unable to fly to see her because of the weight.
Point is...I live my life and it's not based on the number on the scale. If I can't get it to go down..I head back to the doctor for an additional fill. I also reign in what I know are bad choices and start anew.
Sorry for not focusing more on the specifics of weight gain....but I also wanted to note where the focus should be..or at least where I think the focus should be.

It's an odd feeling...no longer 'belonging' to a plus sized store or department. I was just in Avenue with my sister a couple of weeks ago and looking around as she was. I've been out of plus sizes for about three years now so the knee jerk reaction to shop there has gone. But I still looked anyway...and absolutely felt out of place while there. Sorta like feeling out of place in a regular store for all those years I couldn't shop there.
Luckily, this feeling was met with relief rather than dread.

Keep dancing Debbie!

I missed the bacon thread. Probably skipped it because I knew what it would be about. I'm not here to help those who don't want it. I am here to help those who are terrified of the new life they are starting because I was in those shoes back in December 2012 as I waited to get my lap band. I expected to fail and eat myself to death. Instead I've gotten my life back and am grateful every day to those vets on these boards who helped me in a way that no one in the surgeon's office possibly could.
I won't let stupid win and I hope you reconsider @Kindle. As you can see by the posts, there are more like us than those who look to fail. Please don't go.
Liz

...and this is how grownups resolve misunderstandings. Thank you.

Because we have to eat to live. We don't have to smoke.
I find it helpful to put time into meal-planning. Not lots and lots of it, but enough to give myself a sense of control and purpose. If you don't already, use a formal food/nutrition tracker (My Fitness Pal is popular and, I understand, easy to use). I use sparkpeople.com's tracker, probably more cumbersome, but I've been using it from the start. I plan my meals a few days ahead and often amend as I go along. The little bit of structure doing so adds to my day often helps me conquer spinning out. When it doesn't, I aim to plan for Snacks to fit into the day's plan; into the tracker they go.

My dear girl...haven't you had enough of her bullsh*t already? The hardest thing to do sometimes is move on. You know that's what you need to do.
Please don't take this the wrong way, but I have several friends who are lesbians and I've seen this type of behavior with many of them in that they seem to not be able to end a relationship when that is the logical step. It's always 'let's stay in touch' and I don't get that. This woman was a huge part of your life...you loved her and likely still do. Doesn't mean you should be involved with her though. Think seriously of cutting all contact. In my opinion, that is the step you need to take before being able to move forward. Wishing you all the best...

There are two types of bariatric patients. Those who are chomping at the bit to get the surgery and get going, and those who have fear, cold feet, buyers remorse... however you want to put it. All I can say being on the other side for coming up to four years banded in January, is.....do it man! All the nonsense with timing, appointments, family stuff, personal stuff, whatever...is just that. Nonsense.
Don't procrastinate my friend. Jump into the deep end. Believe me...you will be in such a better place a year from now. Why delay that? And so you know...I went into this kicking and screaming. I would have done anything to avoid it but my back was against the wall as I was heading towards a wheelchair full time. This is me just over a year ago and the before pic was easily 50 lbs. less than I was day of surgery. So..not only no wheelchair in that picture, but here I was riding a friggin' bike in preparation for a trip to London...which included a ton of walking. So believe me when I say that the grin you see is 'gen-you-wine' happiness. Time for you to have your happiness too.
Good luck!!

The best!!

My brother is a marathon runner and I know the dedication and discipline it takes to do this. I am in awe of you because not only did you lose the weight, but that you went on to take up this challenge of running a marathon...again, amazing.
I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy...

My brother is a marathon runner and I know the dedication and discipline it takes to do this. I am in awe of you because not only did you lose the weight, but that you went on to take up this challenge of running a marathon...again, amazing.
I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy...

My dear girl...haven't you had enough of her bullsh*t already? The hardest thing to do sometimes is move on. You know that's what you need to do.
Please don't take this the wrong way, but I have several friends who are lesbians and I've seen this type of behavior with many of them in that they seem to not be able to end a relationship when that is the logical step. It's always 'let's stay in touch' and I don't get that. This woman was a huge part of your life...you loved her and likely still do. Doesn't mean you should be involved with her though. Think seriously of cutting all contact. In my opinion, that is the step you need to take before being able to move forward. Wishing you all the best...

Well...I don't know that I should be grateful and/or proud, but it's still my best ever someone noticing my weight loss story. Here goes:
I was out of work for about three months due to several health issues surrounding my bi-lateral hip replacement back in October 2013. When I was back in the office, I was taking cabs to and from the train station to work as I was still on a cane and still getting my strength and mobility back. The majority of the cabbies are from India and other Asian countries and as such, English is not their first language and the nuances are often lost on them.
With that in mind, I could only say thank you when a cabbie who knew me well, commented on my weight loss by loudly and happily saying 'You not fat anymore!'