A year ago, before surgery, when I traveled I took way too many clothes. I never knew what would look right on any given day so I took too many things and consequently, my luggage (and my body!) were way too heavy. And I never felt like I looked good in anything; plus I had to take shoes that I could walk in, which were always ugly.

Fast forward a year...I had the surgery, lost 85 lbs, am at at goal...and just spent 10 days with carry on luggage and a pair of boots! All I took was two pair of pants, a few basic tops, 4 scarves (to change things around), a light jacket, a heavy jacket, one dress. And I was set for anything! We went from walking around Prague, Berlin and Frankfurt all day, to getting dressed up for concerts. I had my one year check up and tried to look as nice as I could for that and it was all very easy. When you are thin, travel just gets easier!

Oh, and the fact that I could walk everywhere, all day without my feet, knees, hips hurting was so great. Wish I would have had the opportunity to have this done years ago.

Photo of my and my husband (and one of my scarves!) at the Charles Bridge in Prague and with my doctor in Frankfurt and another all dressed up at a fancy dinner. More on my blog that I just updated today if you're interested.

A year ago' date=' before surgery, when I traveled I took way too many clothes. I never knew what would look right on any given day so I took too many things and consequently, my luggage (and my body!) were way too heavy. And I never felt like I looked good in anything; plus I had to take shoes that I could walk in, which were always ugly.

Fast forward a year...I had the surgery, lost 85 lbs, am at at goal...and just spent 10 days with carry on luggage and a pair of boots! All I took was two pair of pants, a few basic tops, 4 scarves (to change things around), a light jacket, a heavy jacket, one dress. And I was set for anything! We went from walking around Prague, Berlin and Frankfurt all day, to getting dressed up for concerts. I had my one year check up and tried to look as nice as I could for that and it was all very easy. When you are thin, travel just gets easier!

Oh, and the fact that I could walk everywhere, all day without my feet, knees, hips hurting was so great. Wish I would have had the opportunity to have this done years ago.

Photo of my and my husband (and one of my scarves!) at the Charles Bridge in Prague and with my doctor in Frankfurt and another all dressed up at a fancy dinner. More on my blog that I just updated today if you're interested.[/quote']

You look beautiful:) looking back over the year, what were they hardest parts for you?

That's a great question! The hardest parts have been so minor compared to the good parts, but if I had to list some they would be:

• the first day getting out of the hospital and being thrown into the world of food after not having eaten for a week (I was taking the train and the station was full of food and ads for food and smells and I had a bit of breakdown)
  
• eating too fast in the beginning and throwing up the slimes
  
• eating OBTM (one bite too many) and feeling sick
  
• not being able to enjoy going out to dinner because I ate so little that the experience was diminished
  
• not being able to drink coffee or wine in the first few months
  
• I still can't eat pasta or rice
  
• feeling a little like I'm lying to people when I don't tell them I had surgery to lose the weight
  
• wishing I could have done this long before my 58th birthday!
  

Again, those things are MINOR compared to what I have received in return. Thanks for asking the question. If you don't mind, I'm going to repost this and ask others the same thing.

I love to travel and my weight is REALLY holding me back. I'm flying for surgery in Mexico and that has me terrified... not of dying in a feiry crash, or of DVT, but of having to ask for a seatbelt extender... or getting "the look" from another passenger when she realizes that her seat is next to mine... or the discomfort of squeezing into a 17 inch seat for 5 hours.... Can't wait to be on the other side of this and not have to worry about any of that.

That is so awesome! Congrats to you. You look great.

Another great thing, traveling is much easier, and I no longer fear walking through turnstyles!

To Serendipityhappens.....just think, this will be the LAST flight where you will have to endure those things....by this time next year you will be a whole different (smaller) person without those worries!

To Serendipityhappens.....just think' date=' this will be the LAST flight where you will have to endure those things....by this time next year you will be a whole different (smaller) person without those worries![/quote']

Thank you for your reply. My date is dec 3 and with all the anxiety that comes with having a surgery it is easy to lose the thoughts of the bigger picture:) it's nice to hear from someone who had had it and been successful, the great and tough moments:)

If you have a chance, take a look at my blog...I think it will turn your anxiety into excitement...I wrote every Sunday for the last year and it's been a fascinating journey. It was someone else's blog that helped me go from being nervous to excited about the possibilities. Start here: www.queenofcrop.com/about And keep us posted. This forum is all about support.

QofC

Thank you for your reply. My date is dec 3 and with all the anxiety that comes with having a surgery it is easy to lose the thoughts of the bigger picture:) it's nice to hear from someone who had had it and been successful, the great and tough moments:)

Great pictures and you look awesome... Boy I can relate to the packing can't wait until I am at goal... Right now I am 10 weeks out but ohhh I am looking forward to the next family road trip...

Great job! You look amazing! Thanks for sharing with us.

You look AMAZING! I really identify with you list of "hardest parts" so thanks for sharing those. I too, experience the guilt of not fessing up to WLS when people compliment me and from time to time I miss a big meal.

Just because you had an extra tool ( WLS) doesn't mean you didn't work your butt off to get to where you are!! You look fabulous and be proud of the fact you were blessed to have the opportunity to have WLS.

You look great! I had WLS in August and will be flying for the first time since surgery in January. I can't wait to see how it feels to sit comfortably in an airplane seat.

I remember once when I was flying and I put my tray down and it touched my body...I looked across at my seatmate and saw how far it was from their body...and I thought..."how strange that they don't make these things all the same size!" This was DENIAL in action!!! Now I sit in my seat, cross my legs, play with the extra amount of seat belt that's hanging out just make me smile, put the tray down and it's a long way away! I don't like flying because it's such a hassle these days, but those little things sure make it much more pleasant! I was lucky I never had to get a seat belt extender, but it was pulled all the way out at times!

I couldn't even put the tray down all the way without hassle..I always held my drinks..and seat belt extenders I had to have..I always asked nicely..but hating asking..always made a joke of it..can't wait to flu..without all these bothers