For a change of pace from the threads about annoyances, irks, disappointments, fears, etc as a result our WLS, how about we keep a line open to remind ourselves all the AWESOME things that we have experienced, discovered and learned because of our WLS and the aftermath of it??

I have found that a lot of posts are skewed towards the negative 'round these parts, as generally those who are having problems or issues take the time to post, while those who are having a grand ole time don't because they don't seem to need the support and generally just drop off the boards.

So maybe lets have a space here to remind those new to the process or in the throes of it that things CAN actually be really great. That yeah, it can be difficult at times, but it can also be really, really, AWESOME.

No humble bragging, nor saying something is a "good" bad thing to have, just FULL ON, UNAPOLOGETIC BRAGGING and TOTAL CELEBRATION of all things that have enriched your life because of what WLS put into motion.

Tag. You're it.

Love this idea! I am one of the people who have dropped off a bit as I have been having a grand ole time.

WLS is a big big rollercoaster and not everyone has the same experience.

BUT:

I am loving how this board educated me and helped me make the most of it. Cannot thank you guys enough.

I smashed my expected loss after gastric sleeve and have managed to keep most of that weight off.

I still cannot believe that I am this much lighter and smaller than I was 5 years ago. I love love love everything about it. It has been really hard. It's hard every day now but I still LOVE it enough to work at it.

Best of luck to everyone starting their journey. There are lots of bumps in the road xxx

Great post @ms.sss. Yes, there are ups & downs but the ups are so much greater & better than any downs. Last night I caught a glimpse of my reflection in my kitchen French doors. Look at those skinny legs I thought and smiled to myself. I love that I was exuberantly dancing at my niece’s wedding without a care and not concerned that people might be thinking look at the far girl trying to dance. I love putting on clothes and having them fit. Prior to my surgery I never knew what would fit me that day, or whether something I’d worn last week, month or year would still fit. It was a fear I had to confront every day. Now, what ever I grab, the zips whoosh up, buttons don’t pull or gape, & nothing is tight around my waist. I even find joy in slipping through narrow spaces - yelping can do that now. These might be little and unimportant things to some but to me they’re huge achievements.

And I agree @Spinoza I love the ups enough to keep myself motivated. And even when things get me down, I don’t just give up. I pick myself up again - sometimes it may take a couple of weeks but up I get.

What a great idea!

I'm nearing my 2nd WLS anniversary, and my journey has been a 10/10.

Things have been GREAT. Not good, not okay, GREAT! in all in the glory.

I can't believe I look the way I do, feel the way I do and get to live life like this again. I'm so so grateful, happy, confident, loving life....etc.

Happy to participate!!! In a few days I will hit my 8yr anniversary of my original WLS (VSG). My journey had been excellent in my opinion even with minor inconveniences.

I realized today that I don’t really think about my weight anymore. It’s on the periphery of thoughts but it is not a focal point. That feels pretty awesome

Also I’m a new gardener and a long time plant parent so here’s one of my babies 🤣

gonna contribute to my own thread, lol.

I feel like the list is long for all the awesome things that WLS has set into motion, but if i had to choose the one single thing that epitomizes all that WLS has led me to achieve, it would be: unadulterated confidence.

shedding the weight with the help of WLS allowed me to let go of my insecurities regarding my appearance so that could be all that i could be.

i am no longer afraid nor shy nor wary nor hesitant to do anything and everything. i am basically how i was before i became obese times 100.

this confidence in myself inadvertently improved my relationships with others. i am more patient, forgiving and fun. because i've let go of expectations from those around me as i honestly believe i can handle anything that comes my way.

i am willing to try anything and everything and am having the time of my life exploring and discovering new things, places, people.

and of course, im effing HAWT. It's weird because i was pretty HAWT back in the day before obesity, but for some reason i still remember feeling insecure and wanting back then. but not now. i'm HAWT and i know it, and i love it.

I'm in my fifties and i am in the best shape of my life. I actually enjoy exercise and activity and seek it out. my weight loss allowed me to do a 180 away from diabetes and heart disease (i was per-diabetic and on medication for high cholesterol and high blood pressure 7 years ago but not anymore). my skin is fabulous (haven't had a pimple in 7 years!); my hair is thick and curly; i look amazing in anything, even a paper bag; mr. is more than satisfied with sexy times. i have energy for days. my stress levels are the lowest in recent memory if not ever in my adult life. live is good. scratch that, life is GREAT.

how's that for bragging.

**mic drop/**

Ummmmm yea all I can say on this thread is that I'm fine as hell. That's it that's all. I was always beautiful, but the obesity held me back from being my complete true authentic naked stripper self.

I will have to say that the beauty is breathtaking

Edited November 9, 2025Nov 9 by Mspretty86

I contributed in the more "negative" thread, so I will comment in the positive one too!

I personally love how much my body is capable of now - I can exercise and enjoy it and really push myself to do things I never believed I'd be able to do.

I can run and play with my nephew and not second guess if I am going to look out of place.

I can wear most things that I want - I feel good in them and I have found that I am more confident day-to-day.

I feel less seen - in some ways. If that makes sense. I don't feel that people are staring at me anymore for looking bigger. I feel like I can just fade into the background, and that makes me feel calmer.

I love how I have what it seems like unlimited energy. I can play with my kids, work out, clean house, work full time, make dinner and still have enough energy for my hubby when all the kids to go sleep.

Both men and women are much nicer to me, I am not self conscious, I feel more confident in my own weird self and not feel like people are judging me.

I love going out with my hubby now, even though he never says it he seems to stand a little taller with me on his arm.

Finding clothes is simpler, I have so many options

What a great thread. I noted in my diary that it is approaching the 8th anniversary of my gastric bypass - and my only gripe is I wish I’d done it 30 years earlier!! I did have a gastric band first, lost about 30 pounds, but it malfunctioned, needed removing, so I opted for the bypass - and it has been an utterly enormous success for me.

I have just been out cycling along the waterfront this morning - I would not have done that at 120kg (265lbs) because in my head I described that as looking like a toffee apple, in shape. I never think that now - in fact apart from liking exercise, the biggest change for me has been the HUGE freeing up of headspace from not saying the constant nasty messages to myself about what I looked like, what other people would be thinking about me, saying about me.

I have had to change what I eat, but I am pretty happy with my eating. I have treats when I want, but I am a bit careful. I weigh every morning and write it down (although there are gaps here and there!) and if I am over my set maximum, I an very careful and focus on veggies and protein only until I am under again - so I only ever ‘diet’ for a day or two, which is liberating!!

One thing - I am cold. A lot. I really feel the cold, we have single duvets on our king bed (European style!) so I can keep the winter-one all year round. But hell, a TINY price to pay!!!

Edited November 24, 2025Nov 24 by Biddy zz ?️?

Awesome things are that I've realised that being active can be fun now that my lungs don't have to work so hard and my feet don't hurt so much.

Another thing I realised is, like others have said, clothes are cheaper when you don't need to visit specialised clothing stores. I feel more confident with my clothes. I now own and wear a size S jumper (ok, so it's supposed to be oversized and I wanted it be more form fitting otherwise the S wouldn't fit, but I'm counting it)

I feel more confident now. I think this confidence has come too late in life for me to be successful in dating, but it's helped me make better career choices.

Lastly, I knit and crochet. It used be that knitting or crocheting a jumper for myself would take a lot more yarn and a lot more time. I started a "Knit for November" (they allow crocheting as well) charity fundraiser for Dementia UK and I'm almost finished with it! The goal was to just crochet everyday for the fundraiser, but I will actually be able to finish a whole jumper in a month! It used to be something like this would take at least 2 months (if only i didn't have to work to feed my yarn habit)

I'm 13 months post op and still have weight to lose, but even if the weightloss stopped right now, I've still done so much!

1 hour ago, NeonRaven8919 said:

Awesome things are that I've realised that being active can be fun now that my lungs don't have to work so hard and my feet don't hurt so much.

Another thing I realised is, like others have said, clothes are cheaper when you don't need to visit specialised clothing stores. I feel more confident with my clothes. I now own and wear a size S jumper (ok, so it's supposed to be oversized and I wanted it be more form fitting otherwise the S wouldn't fit, but I'm counting it)

I feel more confident now. I think this confidence has come too late in life for me to be successful in dating, but it's helped me make better career choices.

Lastly, I knit and crochet. It used be that knitting or crocheting a jumper for myself would take a lot more yarn and a lot more time. I started a "Knit for November" (they allow crocheting as well) charity fundraiser for Dementia UK and I'm almost finished with it! The goal was to just crochet everyday for the fundraiser, but I will actually be able to finish a whole jumper in a month! It used to be something like this would take at least 2 months (if only i didn't have to work to feed my yarn habit)

I'm 13 months post op and still have weight to lose, but even if the weightloss stopped right now, I've still done so much!

I remember your journey from the early start! Very proud of you.

2 hours ago, Mspretty86 said:

I remember your journey from the early start! Very proud of you.

Thank you!