Yesterday I posted a "brag list" of misc. things about me and clearly I offended a few people so for that, I would like to apologize. If you actually read the list, you will see that there is very little that is spectacular on there and I am certain that everyone on this forum could come up with something similar if not FAR BETTER than I can.

The point of my list was that I want to be known as far more than a WLS patient or former fatty. It was not at all intended to be an entry into a pissing match. I am quite positive that some of my attributes listed like "drives like a do^che bag", "likes reality TV", and "runs screaming from spiders" won't get me far in life.

I was trying to inject a bit of humor, but clearly I missed the mark.

So as not to fan the flames in a thread gone horribly bad, I will post this right here.

My "brag" list. Please keep in mind that I have been blessed to be a work from home mom for 18 years giving me lots of extra time to torture my kids by being HYPER involved in their schools. I am adding notes in red for clarity.



This was a HUGE reason I kept my surgery to myself.

I am a mom to two great teenagers.
I have been happily married for 21 years. He deserves a medal, don't you think?
I have a fabulous goldendoodle. She sheds horribly, don't believe the people who say they don't.
I am a 2nd degree black belt and a certified martial arts instructor.
I volunteer at a womens' shelter. A friend needed their services, this is a little pay back.
I play the guitar. My mom insisted on music lessons and we couldn't afford a piano.
I own a successful business.
I work with autistic children and kids with Down's syndrome. They will let anyone volunteer.
I love Old School Rap and can perform Rapper's Delight in it's entirety. SOBER. Sorority trick. And it annoys my kids.
I love talking to strangers.
I am the VP of my HOA. No one else would do it.
I am PTA president, Choral Booster's VP and head theater mom at my kids' schools. Helicopter mom.
I love dogs, hate cats, save turtles and run screaming from spiders. I won't flush them either. They might come back up.
I was a beach lifeguard, a sorority girl and an only child. (Explains a lot, huh?) Poking fun at myself.
I Zumba, deep Water fin and ski double blacks. Deep water finning is an awesome class. Try it! My aunt lived in Vermont so we all skied free.
I drive like a ****** bag even though my vehicle is a minivan because I am always in a hurry. (At least I own it.) Poking fun at myself. I'm a horrible driver.
I hold the door for people and I can recite pi to the 56th digit. I had an autistic student who recited pi all day every day. Everyone in my class could do it.
I used to teach emotionally disturbed kids until the parents drove me nuts. And IEPs. They were the worst.
I was a theater major before I was a psychology major, before I got my degree in communications/psychology and my master's in education. Read that indecisive college kid who racked up a LOT of college debt. Still paying those bills.
I am a brown Mexican but don't speak Spanish. Poking fun.
I am a great cook but a horrible baker. Poking fun.
I love to read and I love reality TV. It's embarrassing to admit the reality TV thing, but I can poke fun at myself...
I drive with the radio off because I enjoy the silence. I talk too much.
I could go on forever but I am boring myself. POKING FUN at myself.

I have a lot more interesting things to talk about over WLS. Why on earth would I make that the definition of me? People can't help but ask about it, I have no desire to be the inspiration of that discussion. It was bad enough that people had to "confess" every extra calorie or missed workout to me while I was losing out of a bizarre "guilt".

I'd rather be any of the above over the former fatty/WLS lady.

Again, my above post was not intended to offend or fan any flames. All I can do is humbly apologize and of course, ask YOU to post your BRAG list. I'd love to hear about YOU.

Ok, @@LipstickLady I have to ask....I see that you've had your own business for 18 years....are you with Mary Kay??Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Nope.

I love this idea!!! Here's my list...

I love animals, I have 2 dogs.

@@Babbs, our basset hound passed away last year, he was an awesome dog....now we have a 110lb Great Dane puppy knocking over furniture

I am a very hard worker and am good at my job.

I am a nurse who still cares about people.

I am very organized.

I have raised an exceptional 12 year old boy who is going to grow up to be an exceptional man....I hope

I only have 2 really close friends, I don't know what I'd do without them

I am a very well liked person.

And, just to see if you're paying attention....like babbs said....I'm pretty good in bed

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Edited June 9, 201610 yr by rydersmama

@@rydersmama

So good you had multiples ...

Ok it seems all the cool kids are doing it so here ya go....

I was born in NJ and moved to Big Pine Key, Florida when I was 6. I thought my parents were insane to leave malls, McDonalds and AC. I adapted very well.

My parents were afraid I was going to become a lush if I stayed in the Keys so they sent me to college at Florida State. I found this awesome/ironic.

I played rugby in college. I was the hooker. Heh.

I went to law school and hated it from day 1. Stuck with it, passed bar exam and taught school. Left because of parents and admin.

Stay at home mom now, kids are 10 and 12. I have a beehive and a boxer named Molly who never leaves my side.

My husband is a big deal executive for a cookie and cracker company- my garage is full of sweet, salty, unhealthy Snacks. My kids love to tell him he's killing America. It pays the bills.

I do not have a Facebook account, Instagram or Twitter. Never will.

I drive a big truck and I love to spy on people. Everywhere i go in talk to people. You can learn something from everyone.

I love to read, play tennis, golf, do yoga (I teach) bike, can mangos, fish, kayak and am obsessed with finding an Indian arrowhead. I've been all over Florida trying to do so.

They only thing I like on tv is the history channel. My kids are obsessed with history and we have been to all the civil war sites along the eastern seaboard. They all look exactly the same.

I love learning. This site has been amazing. Thank you for sharing. It's so fun now to see your screen names and feel I know you all a bit better. I wish you all could come to my house for smoothies. You guys rock.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Edited June 9, 201610 yr by jaxmom

These lists make me so happy!

I'm going to add to mine.

I used to own a hedgehog.

Now that I'm not fat, I do mud runs with my kids ... but I hate getting dirty.

My oldest is headed to a top ranked University to major in Evironmental Science and Statistics with her eye on a masters in Public Policy. She also grows her armpit hair out and dyes it various colors.

My youngest wants to be a juvenile detention center counselor. She just hit 5 feet tall.

Both of my kids are also 2nd degree black belts and certified instructors. Either could kick my azz.

Since WLS my boobs have become 36 extra longs.

I'm very good at making copy-cat recipes from restaurants. Unfortunately I'm too impatient to measure so I taste. After tasting, I rarely eat. No room. This probably explains my horrible baking skills.

People either love me or hate me. Surprise!

I do not see anything wrong with that list. It is ashame that we can't post anything positive about us or our lives , be it regarding wls or non wls .. and not be told we are wrong for doing so.. that it is bragging and unfair to everyone else... Please do not let the negative nancy's who get offended by every little thing stop you from sharing with us about who you are. Cyber bullies and i am tired of them.. the IG community just lost a great source of motivation for both wls and non wls due to them and it is sad. #istandwithjoey

So please do not ever apologize for letting us know who Lipstick lady truly is other then a wls patient. Keep the lists coming

#istandforlipsticklady !!!

@@KristenLe

Oh I love them! Do you have a Basset Hound??

I grew up with Bassets and my sister continued the tradition until her last one passed away last year. They're definitely one of my favorite breeds. I have 2 dogs - and Old English Sheepdog and a Bearded Collie. They were both born deaf and I adopted them 10 and 14 years ago. They're both old ladies now.

I do not see anything wrong with that list. It is ashame that we can't post anything positive about us or our lives , be it regarding wls or non wls .. and not be told we are wrong for doing so.. that it is bragging and unfair to everyone else... Please do not let the negative nancy's who get offended by every little thing stop you from sharing with us about who you are. Cyber bullies and i am tired of them.. the IG community just lost a great source of motivation for both wls and non wls due to them and it is sad. #istandwithjoey

So please do not ever apologize for letting us know who Lipstick lady truly is other then a wls patient. Keep the lists coming

#istandforlipsticklady !!!

#iheartjennay33

No, seriously. Thank you.

My parents were afraid I was going to become a lush if I stayed in the Keys so they sent me to college at Florida State. I found this awesome/ironic.

HIGHLY ironic! I also went to a major state school in the south, not too far from FSU and I was definitely a lush.

I could totally add lush to my list.

Lipstick lady, I love your posts and find you very amusing.

So a bit about me:

I didn't start college till I was in my early 20s with 3 young kids and was a single mom. I now have a Bachelors and two Masters degrees.

After 9 years apart my marriage reconciled.

I love animals but don't care a lot for having pets of my own (I know I'm weird).

I had my kids very young and so now at 37 I am planning my daughters wedding that's happening in two weeks.

I will be 42 when my youngest is legally an adult.

I am not the greatest driver either, I've had some sort of wreck in every car I've ever owned with the exception of my current one (knock on wood).

I work in higher education.

I have worked really hard to make sure that i would never be in the position to have to rely on anyone else to support myself and my kids.

Ever since I finished my last degree in 2014 and got remarried to my husband in 2013 I have been working to figure out really who I am because my identity was a single mom college student for many years.

I guess that's about all I can think of at the moment.

I remembered something else. I am also a reality TV junkie. I love like Amazing Race, Little People Big World, things like that and the TLC documentaries on various conditions that people live with.

Edited June 9, 201610 yr by reree6898

Hmmmm...perhaps there should be a study to see if there is a link between bad reality tv and obesity. I'm so relieved I'm not the only one!

Alright, you have all twisted my arm...

Here's a little bit about me:

I am currently married to the same hunka-hunka-burning love for the past 26 years, but have been together for 32 years.

We have two beautiful daughters; one is 24 and working on her Master's in Psychology and Applied Behavioral Analysis and works full time at a school for Autistic children. My youngest is 21 and is currently working on her Bachelor's in Fashion Merchandising. I'm very proud of both my daughters, and they are my best friends as well.

I have two black lab girlie-girls who are 12 years old. They are litter mates, and I've had them since they were 8 weeks old. Almost 3 years ago, I got my daughters two lab/collie mix litter mates (male and female). The male grew to be rather large (like a huge wolf size!) and the girl is pretty much normal size. They are a riot, and I love when they come over to visit or stay the weekend.

I think I've come to like animals better than people as I age. The animals are so loyal, friendly, and loving. More than I can say about a lot of people in this day and age.

I have a wonderful extended family including my two sisters (I'm a middle child), one brother-in-law, two nieces, one great niece, two nephews and one great nephew, and a nephew-in-law. My Dad is still around (he's 78) and absolutely love when we all get together for whatever reason. We always have a loud, obnoxious time together.

I became diabetic with my first pregnancy. After the second it didn't go away, so I have been battling with it for over 21 years now. WLS was mentioned to me years ago, but I always felt llike that was the "easy" way out...hahahaha. I will NEVER say that again!

I still wear an insulin pump, but I only use it for my background (basal) insulin now. I've lowered that amount once already. As more weight comes off, I should be able to lower it more until I don't need it. That is my ultimate goal.

When I was younger, I played the clarinet, and then progressed to the bass clarinet. I could also play the flute and the saxophone, oboe and bassoon. Sadly I don't play anymore.

At one time I could type on a typewriter (not a computer keyboard) at 130 wpm with no mistakes. I hated to read slow and made my fingers keep up with my eyes and brain.

I work for a Neuropsychologist as Chief Cook and Bottle Washer...just kidding....I'm the office manager and medical billing specialist. I work with insurance companies all the time. They are horrid. I've been at this job for the past 11-1/2 years, and will probably retire from it. I went back to work after being a stay at home Mom until my youngest was 10.

That is all I can think of right now. I guess I'm rather boring in comparison, but I like the life I have.

Thanks for reading!!!

Oh, p.s., just to make sure you were reading this, I've also been told I'm pretty good in bed as well

@@Renkoss

I challenge you to pick up a clarinet (or instrument of choice) and get to blowin' this month!

And not the sex kind.

This is great! Let's see.....

1. I have been married for 16 years but together 19

2. I have 4 kiddos ages 17, 13, 9, and 18 months

3. I never would have thought it but I REALLY have enjoyed being an older mom. I have so much more patience and really appreciate all the baby steps of growing. (although it will be FOREVER before my husband and I are alone again)

4. I love reality TV but not all reality tv. If it could expand my knowledge, it is not for me. It must kill brain cells! Lol

5. I was a hair stylist and loved if for a few years but moving from city to city killed that career and now I am in the mortgage industry

6. I have 2 cats that are like my husband's children (not when it comes to cleaning the kitty litter)

7. My 17 yr old is a tennis player so we are always out on weekends at tournaments

8. According to my kids, I have become a better cook since starting my liquid diet because I no longer taste as I cook and pray for the best. Apparently my taste buds are off and I over season.

9. I love to binge watch shows on Netflix and Amazon.

10. I love comedies and horrors but I do get scared and sleep with the light on

11. I make better pho than my thai sister-in-laws. I can make a few things but my pho is the best of them all

12. I love to vacation at the beach but do not want to live there. Can you say sticky, muggy, sand everywhere!

Ok, I guess that is enough. I could go on and on.......(middle child syndrome......look at me, look at me!!) :)