Members Speak
Coordinated by Kathy S
ObesityHelp.com Support Services Associate
Bariatric University-Bariatric Coach
February is known as the Month of Love. What are some of your Valentine's Day memories & plans? Anything you want to share about getting through the month of February?
The month of February for me is a reminder of how far I have come. Before my surgery, February meant stuffing my face with chocolates and all the candy I could eat. For dinner, anything deep fried or covered with gravy. After my surgery, I get a thrill out of receiving flowers instead of candy and the high I get buying a sexy outfit is better than any high I got from eating chocolate.
Come on in and share with us. Your post may appear in our upcoming Newsletter!
Take care,
Kathy
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Hi Kathy, Like you, my idea of a good Valentine's Day used to be a bottomless box of chocolates. This year, I'm celebrating with lingerie. I work part-time selling lingerie in a department store, where I have been admiring a red push-up bra with black lace trim for several months. I sold one of those bras to a woman about my age (in the prime of middle age) and told her while ringing up the purchase, "This is quite the special occasion bra, isn't it?" She said, "Oh yeah, a special occasion for my husband. "I finally bought that bra for myself. My husband is probably going to have a heart attack when he sees me in it, but at least he will die happy. Jean - Submitted by: Jean M. |
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Until 1998, I hated Valentine's day. It was a reminder of all the Valentine's days as a kid when the other girls had more Valentine's cards than I did, as a teenager and young adult when I never had a date, or as an adult when Valentine's days just never seemed to go as I had expected them. |
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Hi Kathy, I always get a dozen red roses for Valentine’s day. Before my surgery I would have some Hershey kisses or some other candy that was around. Now, I make a healthy dinner. I put it on my wedding china and light candles. My DH and I talk about memories of when we were first dating. It is so fun to go back. Mona - Submitted by monymony |
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Hey Kathy ~~ |
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Hi, I am new to this site and really don't chat too well. I had my Lap Band on Aug 12 09, so far it is going well and I have no regrets. Give me some time to get comfortable with the chat, but I will be here.February is a cool month, It was Valentine's Day of 1973 when I met my love and married him 9 months later. - Submitted by MommaSoop |
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February 14th is a very special day for me because my third daughter Sabrina was born on Valentine’s day she will be 14 this year. I remember telling my husband when she was born... "Don't you ever say I never got you anything for Valentines’ day cause I gave you a daughter." We have a joke in our house. My daughter Sabrina puts a bow on her head and says, " Who's giving me this year... mom or dad?" - Submitted by andrewsm29 |
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I am had my surgery on Feb. 1st. So since I won’t be able to have all the candy that comes along w/ Valentine’s day. Two weeks ago, hubby bought me the peeps that say I love u... As for Valentine’s day he will take me out to a Chinese restaurant for some wonton soup or egg drop soup... Hopefully I will get some roses too... - Submitted by melanie L. |
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To me, I Love the month of February... I Love the idea of Love in general...No matter if it is to show that "Special Honey Bunny" how much you care or showing your children, Mom, Dad, even your boss...It's the time to celebrate with some form of gift...I think, one of my favorite Valentine goodies to get are the cards...and the sweet little Valentines you get from children...Those have got to be the VERY BEST..!!!!! For some odd, silly reason...I have always wanted to receive a huge bouquet of nothing but helium balloons...I have this vision of hearing a knock at my door...and going to open the door and all I see is nothing but balloons...like the ones you see clowns carry around with them at amusement parks, for sale...This has to be a childhood dream that never materialized...Maybe, I need to try it out on my daughter...LOL - Submitted by www.ohmeohmy.com.105 |
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Ahh, February! |
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From this point forward, Valentine’s Day signifies the day I took charge and took my health back. Last year,I bought my girlfriend a heart full of chocolates. "But I don't eat chocolate", she said. "They're not for you", I laughed. I proceeded to make short work of that box of chocolates over the weekend. Sunday, I left for an out of town job assignment. I failed my pre-employment physical because my glucose and ketone levels were sky high. Upon returning home and consulting with my PCP I was diagnosed with type II diabetes. I embarked on a nutrition and exercise program which helped me to an extent. I knew I needed further help so I opted to be sleeved Dec 1, 2009. One year after my wakeup call, I am 60 lbs. lighter and looking forward to each day in my new life. - Submitted by whipline |
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Hahah I'm not a huge Valentine’s day lover, however as a kid (until I got together with my husband) on Valentine’s day- when I came home from school, I always had a box of chocolates on my bed pillows. It seems "cupid" ...(My dad) would wait till we were gone in the morning and sneak in and put the chocolates there for me, mom and my sister. When my sister and I moved out on our own ... mysteriously a box of chocolate would still appear on our pillows... Hmmmmm - Submitted by Nadine M. |
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Kathy, I'm celebrating my 35th wedding anniversary the day after Valentines....Patti K. - Submitted by pkemp |
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My Valentine... I will spend time with man I love. My husband has been so great to me. I'm hoping for a new sexy outfit for my new body! I had the surgery Dec. 8, 2009 and have lost around 41lbs and by Valentine's day, I hope to loss more. - Submitted by wendykell |
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Hi Kathy, I will be spending time with, my boyfriend and I will make him a healthy dinner and buy myself a sexy outfit. I use to stuff my face with candy and junk before. I can relate to eating the deep fried food before I had the life saving surgery. All the best to you Kathy. |
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Not too sure what Valentine’s day will be like this year...clear fluids LOL! I am having my RNY on February 9th, 2010, so I’ll just be five days post op! No matter what’s going on with me (or how drugged I am on pain pills) I know he will treat me well :D - Submitted by Liz R. |
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I'm not the biggest fan of Valentine's Day but I do celebrate it. My daughters and I get all dolled up and go out and do something fun together--a movie, a nice restaurant, etc. I always get them red roses for Valentine's Day and a card and they make me a card. It's important to remember that Valentine's Day is a time to celebrate ALL love, not just the romantic kind! - Submitted by Cleopatra_Nik |
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This year hubby and I are waiting until a few weeks later to celebrate Valentine’s Day. We are headed to Las Vegas and I am going to wear a dress (14 sizes smaller than I wore last year) and go out to see a show. - Submitted by Kelly S. |
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Valentine's Day this year is our seven year anniversary. We are going to Michaels on the Thames for a romantic dinner. Then in April we are getting married...My doctor told me I likely wouldn't make it this far if I didn't do something drastic about my weight and the idea of not getting to spend the rest of my life with James was unfathomable. So, in April 2009 I had RNY gastric bypass and have lost 165 lbs so far, and this April I will be in sunny Punta Cana getting married on the beach! Happy Valentines to everybody and may we all have many more to come! - Submitted by Jana S. |
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Quite a few birthdays this month, mine included! I was never a big sweet eater, so I won't miss not getting candy (rarely did). What I am looking forward to is my new gym membership from my son, bless his heart. I am planning a wedding with my daughter and keeping busy with work. My first grandchild is due in May, again, thanks to my son. They picked out the most beautiful name, Elizabeth Rose, so now, instead of just for Valentine's Day, I will have a Rose in my life each day. I feel so blessed! - Submitted by LizzyM |
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Hi Members: Am new at this and so proud to be a part of the OH group. Will spend my Valentine with my wonderful husband, without whom I could not have gone through all of the special diet, weighing, measuring, etc. He has prepared meals for me from the day we learned my surgery was scheduled. Post-op weight was 287.5 lbs. Day of surgery 275 lbs. on March 6, 2009. Today, I am 102 lbs down and still going. Not bad for a 70 year old. Good wishes to all and God Bless. - Submitted by gfcraigo |
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Oh my goodness - how I used to HATE Valentine's day! My terrible self image, stress, reminders of being alone, and the temptation to eat crap all month long... it was not fun at all.This year, I am actually looking forward to Valentine's day! I am going to go out on a date with my hubby and let's just say...my gift to him is calorie and fat-free (and healthy for us both!). Not to mention very nicely wrapped - LOLOL.I wish you all a wonderful, healthy and fun Valentine's day :o) - Submitted by Cathy_C. |
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I will always be able to celebrate Valentine's Day (VD) as a day that I decided to love myself. I scheduled my WLS on VD in 2007. It has been the best decision that I could have ever made. My plans for this year will be to celebrate my three year bandiversary with the new love in my life. He has been so supportive and pushes me to continue this journey we call WLS and to not give up. I must constantly remind myself of what is in my signature line...WLS is a journey and not a destination. Faith Thomas Submitted by: Faith * |
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I have never had a significant other on Valentine's Day and this year will be no different. Except, I am down 190 pounds and I am feeling wonderful. I am so thankful for the opportunity to be given my tool and have used it to the best of my ability. I plan to spend Valentine's Day with my children and parents and watch them all eat their chocolates. LOL! And I will keep chugging along and utilizing my tool. Someday I will have my special Valentine and even if I don't the best Valentine of all was the gift to myself of my RNY. - Submitted by Leigh Ann G. |
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Not only is February my youngest daughter's birthday (she will be 18), but it will be my re-birth of a new me! - Submitted by goldiekat |
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Well, three years ago on Valentine's day I found out I was pregnant. We picked up a Love plant for my mom & surprised her too. And to think, I took the pregnancy test as a joke! This year, i plan on buying a new sexy # to flaunt in for my hubby...wait, no, no...I am actually going to fit into one of the ones iIactually own. :) Submitted by GIRLIEGODDESS |
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Here is my story. I used to love/hate Valentine's Day. I would buy everyone cards and candy and then also buy myself the extra chocolate and eat some before I got home, then also hide some and sneak it all the time. Not just any chocolate but See's chocolate's. Then we would go out for breakfast and eat a big breakfast. Then have buffet for lunch, and for dinner, steak, lobster with the dripping butter, Caesar salad dripping in dressing, baked potatoes with lots of butter and sour cream, bacon, and cheese, then dessert was always something dripping with a ton of gooy sauce. Then go home and give the cards and chocolate and stuff myself with it and wine, maybe some strawberries and chocolate fondue. No wonder I had diabetes and high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc. That was then and now it is completely different, thank God. This year, we are going out to breakfast with MIL to celebrate my DH"s birthday then he and I will be spending the rest of the day together. I buy him a card and chocolates, which does not bother me at all anymore and he gets me a card, flowers, stuffed animal, balloons and some wonderful body lotion, etc. Nothing to do with food at all. It was hard for him to change, but he did it for me and my health because he loves me. He said he has a surprise for me, he knows how much I love to sing and dance so maybe that is what his surprise is for me! Karaoke and dancing. I would love that. - Submitted by execsue |
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Hi Kathy, Valentine's Day is usually one of the only times that my husband brings me flowers. He use to buy candy for me and has on occasion brought me SF Russell Stover's candy....which is a sweet gesture, but sometimes it makes me dump, which is not so sweet. Hugs and blessings ~~ Vivian - Submitted by Vivian Prouty |
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Never really done much for Valentine's Day and probably won't this year either but I am celebrating my one year Surgiversary today. I can't believe it has been a year. Some days it feels like yesterday and some days it feels like 10 years ago. I do thank God everyday for my RNY and I know that this was a divine appointment. Thanks for letting me share. - Submitted by ksmidnite |
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Valentines Day was once a hard day to watch and see so many men and women enjoying each other's company, out to dinner, dancing, maybe even flowers and yes the heart shaped box of chocolates.That was then...this is now. Red hot dress, red hot shoes, new hot body at 135 pounds soaking wet...a whole new me. I might not get the chocolates and that is OK by me because I got something much better. A new body, a new hair-do, a new attitude thanks to the RNY I am a newer improved and better me! Its gonna be a great Valentine's Day! 2010 watch out. - Submitted by nursldyjen |
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Valentine's is difficult because everywhere you go it's about the chocolate and flowers, and flowers and chocolate. And of course, I LOVE CHOCOLATE!!! LOL and flowers are a bit expensive right now, in this economy. BUT for the last few years my husband and I have made it a point to spend Valentine's at the Japanese Rose Garden and we share (and relish in) a regular-sized bar of dark chocolate. We don't eat the whole thing by ourselves and we make sure it's the 'healthier' type and we walk in a romantic setting so it doesn't just 'sit' there. Afterwards, we go home and enjoy each other's company. This is how I have been getting through this wonderful time of year of love and friendship - dedicating it to my main love and best friend. The best part is, I am still true to myself and my body. - Submitted by misleidy |
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Valentine's Day was usually a day for me to remind everyone how much I love them. My husband, my children, parents, grandparents. This year I have more love to spread...to my very first Grandson, Ford!!! He was born on 11/8/09 and is the light of my life. My friends always told me that being a Grandma would be a different kind of love. I never imagined it would be this sweet!!!...And no calories!!! Happy Valentine's Day to my Grandson Ford !!! Grandma loves you very, very much! - Submitted by Nancy M. |
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Valentine's Day this year will be very different for me compared to years prior and will be very different from any years in the future as well. This year, on Valentine's Day, I will be in the process of recovering from plastic surgery. I will not be at home with my husband this year. This Valentine's Day, I will be celebrating the self-love that I am learning to have for myself, and that is something I never knew I could possess. Throughout my WLS journey, I have been on a quest to improve my health, life and general well-being in so many aspects. Not just weight loss and the recovery from a few co-morbidities, but my frame of mind and sense of worth and esteem and learning to appreciate who and what I have become over the years. What the very hard times have taught me about how strong I really can be and that it is also okay to have moments of weakness and not have to be totally perfect and right in everything I do. Accepting myself for being human. I have to take a moment here too, to say that OH has been a wonderful tool in my journey. It enabled me to start a support group here on the OH site and to truly help others and make a difference for them in their journey, and it provides me with a strong sense of accountability for myself. Here's to everyone who is on a journey of their own, in a quest to improve their health and life! This year, when you celebrate the day of love, be sure to include loving yourself! You deserve this!Hugs to you all! - Submitted by Patrece S. |
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Oh ... sweet ... sweet Valentine's Day... Before I would be waiting with anticipation for my box of Chocolates and the Dinner out to that quiet little romantic restaurant. Each year, I wanted to see just how big the box would be. Would it be Walt Whitman's? Or would it be my favorite German Chocolate? Now , I forgo the candy and the dinner. I get together with my grandchildren and we make cards to take to the Children's Hospital in Richmond, Va. We also get donations from our family members to purchase stuffed animals to hand out to the smaller, sick children. This has taught them unconditional love and an appreciation for their good health. Seeing those sick children really has made a difference. I figured I could use the exercise walking the hallways and so could my boys. We will not be able to do it this year due to the fact I have moved away and with the H1N1 virus, they are not letting them on the wards.So, my boys and I made a pact to send cards to those children in Haiti that are in the orphanages that lost their parents this year in the earthquake. I am fortunate now to have them staying with me. We had a bad snow storm and they are stuck here until their school opens again this week . So tomorrow is our craft day. As for my husband ... He always sends me Lillie's and Roses... these are my two favorite flowers .. and being only married 3 years almost ... he knows not to bring me those most wanted , but not needed chocolates. The two of us will spend it most likely watching our favorite show or movie ...and just snuggling up together. I love Valentine's Day ... my favorite time of the year . As it is all about LOVE !! I hope everyone has a most Loving and memorable Valentine's Day . Do not forget to tell those you love ... just how much you love them ... and what they mean to you . Life is short. - Submitted by ~~Sweet Tink~~ |
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Personally, I think we should treat our significant others like every day is Valentine's Day!! I know I try to show my fiancée in little ways just how much he means to me as often as I can. Perhaps that is why he told me, Hh has never loved anyone as much as he loves me!! That was a very nice gift and it didn't cost a penny! Also cuddling by a blazing fire...PRICELESS! And again it doesn't cost anything...(well except for the wood). And it is so much better than any chocolate you could eat. I hope everyone has someone special in their lives that makes them feel warm on the inside even when it is cold outside. - Submitted by ga_ginger_10 |
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Valentine's Day has never been a very exciting day for me. My first husband and I split up on Valentine's day, and my second husband, I think was afraid to give me anything for Valentine's Day because of my experience with the first husband... This year I am 4 years post op. Married 15 years. So, even though we will go out... I made reservations. He does not know. (At Houston's Steak House for Lunch.) I will share his steak and eat their wonderful salad... Chocolate still makes me shake and makes my heart race, thank goodness. So all I can handle is a Hershey kiss size. I will get him chocolate and try to start a new tradition... 15 years is a long time to hold a Valentine grudge, don't ya think? I have a new life, why not celebrate it. Walk in Peace.. Vickie in Austin. - Submitted by buenano |
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February holds lots of special things for me: * Pre-February (a.k.a. January) - * My youngest son's birthday * My oldest son's birthday * February - * My birthday * Valentine's Day * My husband's birthday * My middle son's birthday 12 Years ago on Valentine's Day, my husband proposed to me. He hid an instant winner coupon in a 2-pack of Reese Cups. As soon as I started opening the package, he got down on one knee and popped the question. Then, he called my oldest son in and proposed to him as well. I burst into tears, I was so happy. This year, my husband wanted to pull out all the stops since Valentine's Day is on the weekend. Dinner, Movie, ALONE TIME. I laughed and reminded him I would be 2 weeks post-op. We called around and found one of our favorite places that would serve "VSG Compliant" Soup. Movie is still planned minus the Coca-Cola and large Popcorn. Maybe some flowers are in the plan as well? Happy Valentie's Day to all. - Submitted by Mini.me |
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I'm also not into celebrating Valentine's Day that much, to be honest it should be renamed "Hallmark Day"!!! I guess I do remember eating a whole chocolate heart though, feeling sick for a few minutes then would go on to something else. Please let me know when we have a discussion on Halloween candy next October, then I will have some stories for you!!! That was always my hardest time of year. Happy Valentine's Day to all my fellow WLS veterans. - Submitted by shoegirl1023 |
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My Valentine's in the past were pretty boring always dinner out, flowers, candy and such. This year I will be recovering from my Tummy Tuck/lipo w/ a new belly button whoot whoot I had my surgery in 2005 and have lost about 225 pounds to date and can't wait to start another journey. This will be the second of a round of 3 plastic surgery's I have planned and I am thrilled to death with my new life and all my FFP's here in Virginia... - Submitted by prissy25 |
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My Valentine's this year is going to be wonderful. My sweetheart and I are going on a Caribbean cruise and will be in St. Thomas on Valentine's Day. This is the second time we have gone at this time of the year. It is a fantastic place, as well as my birthday also falls when we are on the cruise. When I return I am planning to have my surgery in March. I feel like the trip is a wonderful present from my sweetheart and the surgery will be my present to him, as well as myself. I am hoping if all goes well that the next time we go I will be able to participate in all activities with him instead of sitting on the sidelines. - Submitted by littled |
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This Valentine's Day will be a year that I have been engaged and it will also be my bridal shower! A few weeks after that, I'll be having my Bachelorette party.Big changes for this year is that I will have to celebrate without wine. That's a hard one! But I'm also at my lowest weight in the last 10 years, so I can't complain. - Submitted by austinglobe |
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For an early V-Day outing, my wife will be running her first half marathon beside me, while I run the 31 mile Ultra Marathon at The Cowtown in Fort Worth! - Submitted by DANCBJAMMIN |
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This will be my second V Day since surgery. This Valentine's Day will be a challenge for me because I am seeing someone who doesn't know I had this procedure. I am not sure how I feel about letting him know. It is going to be challenge because I know if he gets me something I cannot eat, he may think I am not happy with it! He already wonders why I eat maybe a third of every meal when we go out! - Submitted by DENISE10356 |
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February is my birth month, as well as Valentine's Day..My husband is so romantic all the times. He constantly is buying me flowers or other little mementos. Because both of us are working this Valentine's Day, we decided to celebrate a few days afterwards. We decided not to be so materialistic about it. I think the gift of love, health and strength is all we need. Just spending time with each other, some deep conversation and soul searching is more than enough. We try to embrace each moment as if it's our last. We both have experienced enough loss in our lives to know to live each moment to its fullest. So on the eves of Valentine Day and my date of birth (27th), I just thank God for the new lease on life he has bestowed upon me and the wonderful gift he has blessed me within my husband. Charlene - Submitted by cge268 |
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This month reminds me of chocolate, chocolate, chocolate treats! I would always get a box of delectable assorted chocolates in which I would bite each one until I found the one of my favorable choice. Now since the WLS, I can only get down just a few grams of sugar which is really to my benefit. Looking forward to more flowers than chocolate this year. All the best...BRE - Submitted by bre67 |
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