Starz_in_ze_sky

I think a lot of people assume that any care outside of the USA is going to automatically be subpar. What people don't realize is that in most of the 'developing' world has different levels of health care You can find very poor quality hospitals, but also private hospitals staffed with the best of the best. (Mexico isn't really considered 'developing' but between developing and developed - see note below).
Rather than country the surgery is performed in, I would look at is where the physician was trained. I know many who do medical school in their countries, come to the USA or Europe for residency, fellowship, and experience, then return home to open exclusive private clinics. I would have no problem having a surgery done in Mexico, but I would want to know where the doctor did his residency etc. Even if the doctor didn't train in the US/Europe, a top university in Mexico would be just fine.
*note: Newly industrialized countries or NICs, nations with economies more advanced and developed than those in the developing world, but not yet with the full signs of a developed country.[4][5][6][7] NIC is a category between developed and developing countries, and it includes South Africa, Mexico, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brazil, India, the Philippines, Thailand, and Turkey.

I think a lot of people assume that any care outside of the USA is going to automatically be subpar. What people don't realize is that in most of the 'developing' world has different levels of health care You can find very poor quality hospitals, but also private hospitals staffed with the best of the best. (Mexico isn't really considered 'developing' but between developing and developed - see note below).
Rather than country the surgery is performed in, I would look at is where the physician was trained. I know many who do medical school in their countries, come to the USA or Europe for residency, fellowship, and experience, then return home to open exclusive private clinics. I would have no problem having a surgery done in Mexico, but I would want to know where the doctor did his residency etc. Even if the doctor didn't train in the US/Europe, a top university in Mexico would be just fine.
*note: Newly industrialized countries or NICs, nations with economies more advanced and developed than those in the developing world, but not yet with the full signs of a developed country.[4][5][6][7] NIC is a category between developed and developing countries, and it includes South Africa, Mexico, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brazil, India, the Philippines, Thailand, and Turkey.

When you are no longer afraid (neurotically, painfully afraid) of running into someone from high school or college who knew you BEFORE you got fat.
A couple of weeks ago I was in my hometown having lunch at a restaurant with my brother, and mid-way through I realized I had not scoped out every diner in the place to see if there was someone I needed to hide from, nor had I entered the place with the slightest bit of apprehension. It was a wonderful realization.

I LOVE this thread!!!! I am literally sitting here smiling. Congrats to EVERYONE. We did it!!!
I identified with quite a few, particularly feeling my bones rub and having to put a pillow between my legs in bed.
For me I'd say:
Being complimented a TON.
Showing people a picture of the "old" me and having them say "OMG I cannot believe that is you!".
Trying on a size small and having it fit.
Thinking a size of clothing will never fit me and then finding out it does, or is even too big!
Having someone call me "thin".
You stop worrying about weight restrictions for floating objects (rafts, boats, kayaks... all of which I would have never attempted)
Your stretchy size xxl workout pants literally fall off.
Shoes don't fit anymore
You have plenty of room in an airplane seat

when you go to your sons class for back to school night and you fit in the kids desk that is attached to the chair without pushing yourself in and pulling of fat to fit, and you get out of it without the jaws of life lol

When you HAVE to put your jeans in the dryer because they're too big! I'm with ya on that one!

When you stop being afraid to put your jeans in the dryer.

:PWhen you only have ONE chin!!

When you can comfortably sit in an airplane seat without needing a seat belt extender

1 step further....... When you can fit comfortably in the rides at amusements parks

When you can fit in a swing at the park.

When you donate clothes that are too big instead of too small

When a regular sized bath towel wraps around you WITHOUT any gaps! That has to be the best feeling. I realized this last night when I got out of the shower.
I even wrapped it past the gap about 7 or 8 inches. HOW FREAKING AMAZING!!!
Kelly :) :)

Forgetting something upstairs and running up the stairs to get it with out stopping at the top gasping for air.

When you cross your legs under the table or kick your heels up on the dashboard without thinking...

When you actually start to like who you see in the mirror!

When you can easily give yourself a full pedicure.

When you weigh yourself and you can look straight down without BOB (big ole' belly) getting in your line of sight to see the number!

When your sister in law that hasn't seen you in months (lives out of state) walks past and didn't reognize you.
Also, when you actually default to going into the "normal" stall in the public bathroom instead of the handicap stall.

When the size 8 jeans you took in the dressing room are TOO BIG! (happened yesterday!) OMG....I lived for the day when I could ask the sales woman to bring me a size 6. Which freaking fit and of course I bought!

When your old clothes fit you like MC Hammer's balloon paints.

You can answer, "Either is fine with me.", when asked, "Would you like a table or a booth?"

Fun thread. You know you lost weight when
You have to get new shoes because they are to wide for the feet.

How about not having to lift your leg up onto the bed to put your socks on.

When you buy a dress with horizontal stripes.