Ok I would like to put a question out there, Are your eating and exercising habits the only changes you made to your life when you had surgery or did you make other changes ie: I redirected my life spiritually, I took a long look at what I was investing into my marriage and spouse, and I have made physical changes to our house. I also stand up for myself more now than ever before.

Just curious to see what changes others have done.

Good topic.

I've made a lot of changes in my life in the past 6-1/2 years. Eating and exercising are the big ones, but there are lots of little ones too. I have more body confidence and am more willing to try doing physical activities that I never would have considered before. Not necessarily related to purposeful exercise. More along the lines of climbing a ladder. I take more fashion risks now that I'm not trying to be invisible. I'm not as painfully shy and I socialize more. I've made a conscious commitment to using my remaining years with as much wisdom, care, purpose, and fun as I can muster. I've attended several WLS conferences and was on an ask-the-experts panel at one of them. I've done some public speaking. I've published 3 books and many magazine articles, helped to start and now am VP of a non-profit organization, changed jobs, and acquired a ridiculous number of stray cats and dogs. Most of the time, I think I'm a better, more attentive, and less defensive wife. I've made a lot of new friends, both inside and outside the WLS community.

Now that I don't have excess weight to blame for every problem or unhappy event, I'm having to face up to some unlovely things about myself, such as my quick temper and sarcastic tongue. That part isn't much fun, but I'd rather learn about that kind of thing and deal with it now rather than weight until I get to the gates of heaven and hear St. Peter say, "Jean McMillan? What are you doing here? Don't even dream of touching that gate. Turn around and get your skinny butt outta here." Or something like that.

Great points you touch on! Jean thanks for the smile I got from reading that post! When I first started this journey, even before being banded I realized that there were lots of things that I would need to change in my life.

The eating, drinking and exercise parts though for me those have been the hardest things to do and remain consistent with. I find that to be the case because I am one of those people who always does first for others before myself. That is a BIG mindset I have had to work on changing.

I am not a door mat by any definition of the word. Those that know me..will attest. I am small in stature but not diminutive in any way My bite can be equally as terrifying as my bark when deserved.

That said I am a mush at heart. I have a very soft spot for those in need and those that can not help themselves to the point of my own detriment sometimes and I have had to learn that lesson the hard way.

I will still go out of my way to help another it is a part of who I am, but I know now that I have to take care of myself too and make that the priority.

I thank goodness for my husband, though we have the same affliction he's a fireman and will literally throw himself into fire to help another and even to teach others how to become fire fighters.

He often reminds me when he see's me getting too tied up in someone else issues to take a step out and to take of myself. Sometimes the shoe is on the other foot and I am the one telling him the very same thing.

I find myself feeling lighter literally in my heart and my mind as well as my body these days and there is a lot to be said for that!

I'm wearing makeup again, and jewelry...nicer clothes, etc. And with the new hips, I too want to try physical activities I wouldn't/couldn't before. But the core of me is the same...and I haven't changed how I deal with stuff except when it comes to comforting myself with food. That I don't do anymore.

Oh yes!! I tried to articulate a topic similar to this before. I took a good hard look at myself during the journey; and continue to do so. I had an abusive father until I was 7 (he died a rather traumatic death), my stepfather was wonderful but emotionally distant, my older sister was border line abusive and her behavior overshadowed most of my childhood, I was molested when I was 13...you get the point. Don't get me wrong, I look back and think I had a pretty decent childhood overall, but some real rough spots. I took on a victim's attitude. I am proud to say that is no more. I am NOT a victim of anything, circumstance or otherwise.

I strive everyday to be a better person, a better mom, wife, daughter, friend. I try to live by the motto 'expect less, give more.' I have re-examined my relationship with my sisters....I see my errors and try to correct them. I don't go to them to 'discuss' our 'problems' anymore (never worked anyway) I just changed MY attitude towards them. I can only control my reactions and actions. They are the same, I am less stressed.

I had the confidence to start working again after being a stay at home mom for 15 years. I love it!

My past no longer defines me, but it has helped make me who I am today; a better me rather than a shattered me. It is a choice to move forward; we only get one chance at life, I am no longer gonna squander it; I choose happiness!

So, yep, lots o changes! Lovin it too!

Great post!

Edited January 14, 201412 yr by Sherlock1969