I was waffling a couple of months ago about whether I was making the right choice to pursue VSG. I decided to get honest with myself about the things I had been putting off/avoiding because of my weight (and therefore things I might do after VSG).

I started the list and it went on and on and on....
- fit into a wet suit and go scuba diving
- be in the picture with my kids
- promote my business
- flirt
Etc. Etc. Etc. Etc. for pages... :(

I still cry every time I think of another thing to add to the list. But, I do get excited by the thought that someday, hopefully soon, that list will shrink!

What have you been putting off and what will you be excited to do either again or for the first time after WLS?!

Ps VSG scheduled for October 18, 2018.

Sky dive for the first time!

I want to be able to wear a dress without my thighs chafing

A lot of the things I've put off are more because of pain from arthritis/plantar fasciitis than because of my looks or anything: going to the zoo and some local museums, trying stand-up paddle boarding, getting back on the elliptical and catching up with the story in Zombies, Run!, hitting up the Renaissance Fair, taking some classes on wild foraging herbs and edible plants, going on some bird walks... I've got a lot I'm looking forward to.

I'm looking forward to getting into kayaking, which I have held off on because I'm worried I'll get to the kayak rental place and my butt will be too big for the boat. I'd also love to learn to SCUBA dive! And swim with dolphins!

On the looks front, yeah, I'm looking forward to being willing to swim with groups of people I know. I may have enough saggy skin that I'll still need to wear a suit with shorts, but that's fine. (My current suit has shorts, and it is pretty cute. I'll miss that, a little, when I size down out of it. But I bet there are better options in smaller sizes, anyway!)

This isn't something I'm deliberately putting off (besides not applying for anything right this second, given the big medical procedure I have coming up), but ... I have kind of a crappy job, right now, and getting into a job that better suits my skills and experience has been a real challenge. Part of it is the field I'm in, no doubt. But part of it is my size: people look at a fat woman (I'm not out as non-binary to potential employers) and assume they're stupid, no matter how good their resume might be. And, yeah, my confidence is probably not where it should be, because I know that. So I'm looking forward to getting out there, in my smaller interview clothes, and getting a job that's right for me. (I'm also taking classes, to help bridge the gap between my under-employment and where I want to be.)

I would like to wear jeans that don't wear out on my,inner thighs from the friction.

I would love to scuba again. It's been at least 10-11 years since I last went. Another thing that is really general is just going places with the family. I have avoided every family event, party, family trip etc for years now because I don't feel comfortable with the way I look and feel. So many more things...

I understand completely. The last trip my husband and I went on was to Vegas. I really had no desire to go because I it was two weeks before my total hip replacement so I couldn't take my beloved Aleeve. I was achy all the time, no matter what position - standing, sitting on chairs, sitting on stools, walking, even lying down. When I got on the plane to come home, I thought to myself, "This is the last time I will have to stress out about where I sit and who I am next to." I never want to feel this bad ever again. Now that I have recovered from that surgery, the rest of my body is letting me know that I am not out of the woods yet.

I am counting on WLS to help with my osteoarthritis in my left hip, knees and ankles, along with the plantar faciitis in my right heel. I am looking forward to having more energy to daily chores like cleaning my house, and gardening again.

I am also looking forward to enjoying my life again with my husband. We both want to travel. I have been putting off a trip to Asia because I dread how small the seats will be. After I lose the excess weight, look out world! The possibilities are endless - like white water rafting in Scotland, and Zip lining in Costa Rica....

Some things I'd love to do now, not in any order:

1. Renew my vows. My husband and I didn't do it the traditional way, partly because I was embarrassed to have a formal wedding at my former size.

2. Go on a vacation with LOTS of outdoor activities. I'd love to go paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, horseback riding, zip-lining... you name it... I want to try it. (With the exception of skydiving).

3. Start a family. This is something very motivating for me. We were unsuccessful trying for the past 5 years of marriage. I'm really hoping that we will get pregnant fairly quickly after my 12 month waiting period.

4. Get professional family photos done.

5. Go ride rides at an amusement park.

9 minutes ago, AshAsh1 said:

Some things I'd love to do now, not in any order:

1. Renew my vows. My husband and I didn't do it the traditional way, partly because I was embarrassed to have a formal wedding at my former size.

2. Go on a vacation with LOTS of outdoor activities. I'd love to go paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, horseback riding, zip-lining... you name it... I want to try it. (With the exception of skydiving).

3. Start a family. This is something very motivating for me. We were unsuccessful trying for the past 5 years of marriage. I'm really hoping that we will get pregnant fairly quickly after my 12 month waiting period.

4. Get professional family photos done.

5. Go ride rides at an amusement park.

So we won't be going skydiving together?

5 minutes ago, Orchids&Dragons said:

So we won't be going skydiving together?

I don't mind heights, hence the zip-lining and the roller coasters... but something about free falling out of a plane... YIKES. I wouldn't even mind parasailing, but probably to do with the fact that there is water below.

19 minutes ago, AshAsh1 said:

I'm really hoping that we will get pregnant fairly quickly after my 12 month waiting period.

*looks at your surgery date* That's not so far off! Good luck!

2 minutes ago, CrankyMagpie said:

*looks at your surgery date* That's not so far off! Good luck!

Thank you!

There are several overseas places I would like to go
United Kingdom
Ireland
Finland
New Zealand
Australia
Netherlands
closer :Toronto Ontario, Vancouver B..C. Montreal P.Q.
But most of All :Ohio Statehouse and the other 49 States in USA
And last of all I would herd Ellie123(Dallas) Orchids and Dragons(Forth Worth) and Fluffy Chix (Houston) into a neutral area. in Texas-- Does Love Field still exist?--'Where I can talk to them all face-to-face

5 minutes ago, Frustr8 said:

There are several overseas places I would like to go
United Kingdom
Ireland
Finland
New Zealand
Australia
Netherlands
closer :Toronto Ontario, Vancouver B..C. Montreal P.Q.
But most of All :Ohio Statehouse and the other 49 States in USA
And last of all I would herd Ellie123(Dallas) Orchids and Dragons(Forth Worth) and Fluffy Chix (Houston) into a neutral area. in Texas-- Does Love Field still exist?--'Where I can talk to them all face-to-face

Love Field is the home airport for Southwest Airlines.

23 hours ago, Orchids&Dragons said:

Sky dive for the first time!

So much YES! Can't wait for this!

I can't wait to get back on roller coasters, to be able to travel without being super uncomfortable, zip-lining and other canopy based fun.

Certainly going to enjoy my 40th Birthday and 20th Wedding Anniversary this Nov, working hard to get back to the weight I was when I was 20 for this. 30 lbs to go... sure do hope I make it!

My "Big one" is to climb a mountain, Looking at Katahdin maybe next year, Hitting the summit of Baxter Peak at 5,267 feet. Just need to get past the 6 month post-op mark so I can start doing some proper training.

Edited August 30, 20188 yr by Matt Z

But would you come if I could lasso the other 2? Besides Love Field has such a romantic sound like I am going to HappyTown or Pleasantville.