This is my first post, but I didn't know who else I could share my experience with who would actually appreciate the fun and joy of going shopping for real clothes in the mall. I've been trying to not buy anything new since my surgery back in November. I didn't want to waste money when I could see that my size was getting smaller each week. Even when the scale only changed a pound, my body changed a lot.

So my daughter and I decided to waste some time in the mall yesterday. Macy's had racks and racks of clearance items and lord knows I need sweaters that fit since I'm always cold since I had surgery (even living in sunny, but chilly, North Florida). So my daughter kept pulling these really pretty sweaters off the rack and begging me to try them on. Size Large when I was 2X 11 weeks ago. Then she kept telling me to look at my profile....."Mom you are so skinny"! I kept looking in the mirror and seeing a "skinny" version on myself. Then my daughter tells my how proud she is of me for changing my life. She's my youngest, only 20 yrs old, and she tells me she wants me to live a very long time so I can enjoy all her first....engagement, marriage, grandchildren etc.

I thought I had this surgery for me. To improve my health for me. Now I understand I did it for my family as much as for myself. My sons and husband weren't real supportive of my decision, but now the three of them are also commenting about how much better I look. That I look younger, have more energy. This morning as I was thinking of which new sweater I'm going to wear today, I was overcome thinking how much my family loves me. Sometimes it's easy to forget you're loved until you open your heart and listen to what they say (even when it's not "I love you"). I feel blessed and hope that many of you feel the same way!

This network of 'friends' is so amazing! I'm scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 3 and as the day approaches, I begin to question my decision. My husband and those of my family whom I've told have been supportive and letting me know that whatever decision I make is fine with them. They don't push me either way and want this to be my decision. They love me unconditionally. This last week leading up to surgery has been emotionally difficult. It's on my mind constantly.
Then I read your blog Mae7365. I realized that at 52 years old, 3 children, and 6 grandchildren just beginning their lives...I want to be there! One of the more difficult things for me to wrap my head around is that even though I'm overweight, other health problems haven't started to plague me yet. That's the denial part coming out! High cholesterol, pre-diabetic, and that nagging bit of arthritis in my knee and shoulder and all the other things that remind me I'm fat get pushed out of my mind when the doubt creeps in. Funny how silent they become the closer I get to getting rid of them. "We're not really here" they seem to say. "You just keep taking medicine and we'll be quiet for a little while longer." I can hear them now.
Yea, I'm still scared of the life change. All change is scary to a point. But I look in the mirror now and look at a picture of me on my husband's motorcycle a couple of years ago. My belly halfway covered the gas tank! And it was a big bike!! There will be no more, "Let's play later" being said to the g-kids. No more, "I'll kill the horse if I get on him." No more "I don't feel like getting in the pool right now." No more getting discouraged when I go shopping cause it either looks like a tent or nursing home clothes. I'm ready for the "LET'S GO!"

Thank you to all those who share these stories of your victories! It's what keeps the rest of motivated!!

This network of 'friends' is so amazing! I'm scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 3 and as the day approaches, I begin to question my decision. My husband and those of my family whom I've told have been supportive and letting me know that whatever decision I make is fine with them. They don't push me either way and want this to be my decision. They love me unconditionally. This last week leading up to surgery has been emotionally difficult. It's on my mind constantly.

Then I read your blog Mae7365. I realized that at 52 years old, 3 children, and 6 grandchildren just beginning their lives...I want to be there! One of the more difficult things for me to wrap my head around is that even though I'm overweight, other health problems haven't started to plague me yet. That's the denial part coming out! High cholesterol, pre-diabetic, and that nagging bit of arthritis in my knee and shoulder and all the other things that remind me I'm fat get pushed out of my mind when the doubt creeps in. Funny how silent they become the closer I get to getting rid of them. "We're not really here" they seem to say. "You just keep taking medicine and we'll be quiet for a little while longer." I can hear them now.

Yea, I'm still scared of the life change. All change is scary to a point. But I look in the mirror now and look at a picture of me on my husband's motorcycle a couple of years ago. My belly halfway covered the gas tank! And it was a big bike!! There will be no more, "Let's play later" being said to the g-kids. No more, "I'll kill the horse if I get on him." No more "I don't feel like getting in the pool right now." No more getting discouraged when I go shopping cause it either looks like a tent or nursing home clothes. I'm ready for the "LET'S GO!"

Thank you to all those who share these stories of your victories! It's what keeps the rest of motivated!!

I'm having surgery today too! Good luck! I'm ready to be a more active mom in my kids life and be more if a wife to my amazing supportive husband! Thinking of you