Do others understand what you are feeling?

I wonder if people who are being given a second chance at life with the help of weight loss surgery ever stop being amazed at all the wonderful experiences that come day after day, and sometimes minute after minute?

Today, I did something else that I had not done in more than thirty five years.

I flew a kite.

Unless you ever weighed more than 500 pounds, then perhaps you can' t  appreciate how good it feels to experience even the simple task of walking onto a huge clear field on a sunny, warm and windy day and let the breeze work it's magic.  A couple of years ago  I would have spent the day in a recliner, eating and watching TV on a day like this.

Instead, my wife an I went on a two hour bicycle ride this morning.  The temperatures reached a record high of 82 degrees. When we were on the bike trail, four wild turkeys crossed our path.

As you continue your weight loss journey, do you have difficulty expressing to other people, the joys of doing simple things that you couldn't do before?

 I can't answer that, as I'm only a week out. 

However, I once made a list of what "heaven" would be like for me - and there were so many things on it that I couldn't do because of my weight. 

I think it's kind of like having no arms. Once you DO have arms, you marvel at all the wonderful, new things you can do that everyone else takes for granted. Or, maybe it's like having a near-death experience: you get a second chance at life and you relish every moment.

Thanks for posting this. I have been struggling lately and been depressed about that and a few other things. I need to look at the positive things in my life. Losing over a hundred pounds and being able to do many activities that I couldn't do before. I just need to appreciate that and stop dwelling on the bad stuff. Thanks again Julie

With goosebumps on my arms, I read your post. Wow...talk about inspirational! What a great experience you shared with us. Thank you, thank you.

Then, I saw you mentioned the temps were 82* today and I wondered if you live in Ohio since our temps in Dover were around that today.  Then, I saw your surgeon is Dr. Schauer. I was just approved for RNY on Friday and waiting to hear from his office this week and get my pre-surg and surgery date. 
Keep up the great work. It's nice to have a second chance at enjoying LIFE! Go for it!

I had Dr Schauer also,  You will love him, he is great!  Feel free to friend me or ask any  questions you need to.  So excited for you...you will do great!  I made a great friend on here because she had Dr Schauer too.  And now we talk at least once a week....let me know if you need anything or have any  questions.                  Joan

Although I have not had surgery yet, I am so so truely happy for you! I go through days, like today where I cant even pick up sometingoff the ground because my arms are too short and my stomach has gotten so big...
I wish you continued success and God Bless!

Michaela

It's is so hard for people who have come from where we have come from to understand our "WOW" moments. I remember the first time I went to have a CT done and put on a normal sized gown that actually fit around me. I was giddy. I know the poor  tech probably thought I was psycho. It got worse after I got on the table and all of me fit on it.  I was in my own litle happy world.  Congrats to you on all your achievements (especially the little ones).

Hi Hercules!
I understand. This week-end, I went to my Mom's house to help her with a few things. A tree blew over on her storage shed and she needed help. My Hubby, Mom and I managed to saw the tree and remove it from the storage shed. I was so worried about my husband because his weight is well over 300 pounds and he was gasping with sweat pouring in his eyes. I was afraid he would keel over any minute.

That was Friday evening. Hubby went home to sleep the rest of the week-end and I stayed. Saturday, I moved several tons (seemingly) of cinder blocks that had been left by workers all over Mom's property. The ground was soft so a wheelbarrow didn't always work and I had to hand carry the heavy things and stack them. After that, I dug holes and planted Dogwood trees.

The tree pieces had to be loaded on Mom's truck and moved to the burn pile. Four truckloads later (did I tell you I hate messing in cedar) we were finished. All this work was before noon!! Yes, I am still in awe of the amount of work I can now do! I am no longer a prisoner of my obesity. Except for a little soreness in my forearms, I feel great! I still hate cedar trees! They eat my flesh off! I have a few war wounds but I am so proud of the way I can now work and play!

Thanks for reminding us of all the joy found in simple things. Years ago that much work would have killed me....now, I actually like it! I bet kite flying was a blast!!       Connie

I am constantly amazed, and people still look at me strangely because they really don't know what to say. People would always say to me, "you don't need to lose weight. You're not that big." Silly me,  I had started to believe them. 
Wow moment was when I realized that I had walked all day in heels and could still walk after I took them off!  I can sit on the toilet and not have my legs go numb! I can go outside and work in my garden for hours, bending and pulling and moving things around!  I can walk so much further without feeling like I am about to take my last breath!  The next one,  I can cross my legs! For the first time in my adult life I have so much confidence because I don't think people are looking at me because I am "fat" but that they are looking at me because they are interested in what I have to say.
Wow moment, I look years younger!.
I don't take it for granted that I can now do things that I thought would be impossible for me to do. I have a four year old daughter and I want to be there for her as she grows up.  I want to set a good example for her in all areas of her life.
Yes, it was a beautiful day today! As it is everyday that I can open my eyes to see it.

Thank You HERCULES,for your inspiration and your understanding.
You have spelled out exactly how I feel. I have just started to feel lighter since I just had my surgery but just the small amount makes me want to get out and do things I haven't done in years. I am still dealing with demons but I'm getting there.