I am sure this topic has been hashed out over and over and over again but this board is HUGE and I get overwhelmed going from subtopic to subtopic. lol

After the surgery and losing weight...are you happier and do you have more energy?

I am much happier when I am thinner. I am miserable and I make excuse after excuse as to why I can't go places with friends. I don't take pictures with my family, etc. I love to exercise and I don't even do that anymore because I am embarrassed to be seen in workout clothes.

Hi ~

As far as happiness goes, I've always been a pretty upbeat, positive person so I wouldn't necessarily say I'm happier overall. I am very happy with my progress and the fact that my body feels so much better since the surgery. I do know people who have had WLS surgery whose overall happiness increased dramatically, though.

Regarding energy, yes, my energy levels have improved. I find it easier to do certain things now and can do the things I enjoy for longer periods of time. I find now that I don't mind being in pictures like I used to.

After a knee injury and botched knee surgery sidelined me for almost two years, I gained a significant amount of weight. After a while, though, I decided to heck with it; I don't care who sees me in exercise clothes or at the gym. I needed to do whatever exercise I could. I soon realized that, really, no one else paid one iota of attention to me because they were focused on their own workouts. Don't be afraid to go to the gym; I can guarantee you won't be the only plus-sized person there.

Don't give up living and enjoying your life because of a little embarrassment. Be proud of who you are!

You can better believe I'm happier because I can do things again. I used to swim because I was afraid of the gym and the "looks". However three years ago I joined planet fitness and never looked back. I run into people there that have tracked my progress and my success. I now am on first name basis with all that work at my time slot. Energy level is over the top. I'm 60 years young and pushing my bride to do things together. My life is exceeding my expectations. Hang in there sister, you will see, life will open up.

Thanks. I am, actually, a happy person overall but I am much, much happier and more satisfied with life as a thinner person. I am just tired of the up and down and up and down. I can honestly say I was the happiest I have ever been in my life in specific years and it had everything to do with my weight. Crazy? Maybe but it's true. I cannot wait to being this journey. Less than a month until my sleeve...