So I thought this would be an interesting topic, especially for the pre-ops. What have you learned to love since WLS?

I've learned to love:

- Apple with Peanut Butter (I never understood the pair before, but serves as a decent replacement for PB & J sandwich)

- Spaghetti w/out the noodles (I add a tablespoon of ricotta and mozzarella)

- Burger without the bun, or a sandwich without bread. (Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers etc take their place)

- Running, never thought I'd run voluntarily but I do.

So what have you learned to love?

I have learned to love...

* Crossing my legs - how did I sit before???

* Not wearing cardigans over everything

* Being social again

* Accepting compliments

... and many more. Who would have thought

Wait, whuuuuut?? I am always so dang cold, I keep a cardigan on hand every where I go!!

I used to wear one in the heat of the summer to "cover" my fat. Every. Single. Day.

Now it is a CHOICE to wear it.

Oh, how we fooled ourselves. Black was slimming, if we didn't order appetizers or Desserts in public, no one would know we ate them, the salads we ordered with dressing on the side was all we really ate that day, etc.

:eyeroll:

The first thing that came to my mind after reading the question was Myself. That response makes me both happy and sad. Other things I have learned to love are being able to shop in the regular sizes (even though I still go to the big sizes first. SMH), crossing my legs (a very big deal for me), undressing in front of others (gym) without being completely embarrassed, run, being able to wear a pear of bathing suit and leggings and look decent in them.

Nothing edible, unless I also loved it before. Isopure shakes might be one exception, but that might be the healthy feeling you get from consuming them rather than the actual sensual pleasure derived.

I have learned to love airplane seatbelts, gym scales, measuring tapes, and half portion options (I don't think I had previously ever ordered one). I could go on and on and it would get even funnier. Anybody who wants to co-author a book entitled "1,001 NSV's" or a "365 NSV year-in-a-box" calendar PM me!

Crossing my legs. Kale. Balsamic vinegar. Water. Blouses that button in front and stay closed when I sit down. Walking my dog. Sitting between people in the back seat of a car. Food as fuel (sometimes). Being satisfied with one Hershey's Kiss and having no desire for a second one. Or even the first one, really. Shaving my legs with ease. Reading about NSVs!!!

I love that I rediscovered that I don't live to eat. I eat to live.

Yes!!! This is ABSOLUTELY true!!!

Hummus. I really used to not like Hummus but I love it now.

Almond Butter-Maybe because I hated to stir the darn oil at the top. Now I buy those Justin packages that I just squish and put on my apples. Yum

Protein Bars-I had never found one I liked as they always tasted like saw dust until I came to this board. I LOVE Power Crunch Bars. Even on maintenance I eat these.

Having Normal Size Boobs-34C Ever since 7th grade I was bigger chested. I even had a reduction 10 years ago but still had a tough time buying shirts and sports bra's. I love being able to buy a regular Nike sports bra and be able to run 10 miles no problem. And they are less expensive

I love being Healthy. I have hardly gotten sick over the last year and with two kids I would always catch a few bugs throughout the year. I don't love taking my Vitamins but I do it because I love being healthy.

I love that I had the courage to do this for myself.

Myself.

Sure, I love all the NSVs, having the energy to enjoy things I couldn't as much before, better health, and everything that comes with weighing a lot less.

But very importantly, I am developing more self-confidence, self-esteem and a lot less self-loathing and depression on what I allowed myself to become physically.

Edited November 18, 201510 yr by 4MRB4PHOTO

Myself

New Experiences/Adventures

Social Events

Swimming Suites

High heels

Oh yeah and Broccoli:-)

@4MRB4PHOTO@enjoythetime - MYSELF

Great answer

Walking fast -- used to love it; love it again.

Fashion -- shopping for new clothes and discovering that the sizes that fit me are still getting smaller. It's crazy to me that I now wear size 4s.

Coming up with new outfits -- trying on new combinations of clothes in my closet, eschewing pantsuits and choosing more leather and denim.

Sleeping better -- after decades of insomnia, I now sleep 6-9 hours in bed with my husband and not in my easy chair or on the couch. When I was obese, I could not fall asleep easily because of physical pain and anxiety due to my obesity.

Waking up in the morning and realizing (yet again), "I'm not fat anymore!" -- that never, ever gets old.

Grocery shopping -- when I was fat I hated it, but it's become interesting again.

Touching myself -- my face, arms, neck, shoulders, legs, back, wrists.

Yoga and stretching, -- simply lying flat on the floor and feeling the weight of my body relaxing around my spine and on the floor feels so wonderful. My small body relaxes so much better than my big "blown up" body ever could.

Sitting on my husband's lap, feeling his arms wrap all the way around me, hearing him say (sincerely), "You look great!" and "I love the way you look!" How sweet is that!

dhrguru,

Great topic!

Let’s see…I have learned to love:

Life! So cheesy, but so true. I love life for living’s sake, and not for the sake of the food that comes along with it.

Healthy food. I like Greek yogurt, blueberries, salmon, and so many other healthy foods. I like their taste, and I like the feeling of knowing they’re good for me.

Unhealthy food: I say I have learned to like it because now I can crave it, enjoy a reasonable amount of it, and get over it. Before, I just ate it.

Exercise. Yes, I love running, lifting weights, biking, and being active generally…and not just because it feels good when it’s over (although I like that feeling, too). It lowers stress and makes me feel strong and powerful.

I've come to love being happy about the way I look, and how easy it is to wear styles I love! Also how sociable I am now. No longer embarrassed to be seen!