Veterans! Lets Paint a Picture for our Newbies!

pre op
At my low... 4 years out...
5 years out...

Loving this thread! So I'll add mine too. I'm a during but very close to goal now at 18 months out, down 150 lbs.

My list:

1. No more migraines, sleep apnea or insomnia!
2. Ziplined over the Rain Forest in Costa Rica!
3. I am a runner now as well. I'm all signed up for the Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon in November.
4. My husband can pick me up and carry me around now!
5. Glad to be healthy and able to be here to see my 3 children fly the nest, finish college and hopefully one day have families of their own.

Five things that have been the most meaningful on this journey:

1) I feel more alive, vibrant and happy
2) I can move, run, play, dance and climb mountains
3) I rock my husband's world
4) I walk taller and breath deeper
5) I shop anywhere I want and I wear what looks great on me not just what fits.

1. I have a smile - and I know how to use it!  Feeling happy is no longer an abstract concept!

2. I'm FREE - to do whatever I want - I dont have to think about where I'm going to fit, if I can make it across a parking lot, if I'll have the stamina, if I'll look too out of place.

3. I can run, jump, skip and hop - and do any other physical activities  and actually enjoy it. Running and cycling are actually hobbies now.

4. SHOPPING - I couldnt shop in the stores at my biggest. Now, I can pretty much shop anywhere. I have choices?  WOW.

5. I have hope - for a better life, a better future, and I don't feel destined to be miserable for the rest of my life.

You all look amazing...what an inspiring post. Thanks everyone for your stories, can't wait till I can post here as well!

 i cant figure out how to put pics up.  ugh.

Thank you all for your postings. I had my surgery on May 15, they were complications. Problem with spleen caused large blood loss. Had to get 2 units of blood for 3 days, IV for 4 days, BUT, I know I made the right decision.  Still working thru the kinks with acid reflux, weird dreams- may because of all the meds they had me on and low energy, BUT, these light afflicitions are only temporary,      You all have encouraged me soooooo much......