My trip to Stockholm, Sweden.

I am back. I really had a great time in so many ways. I had a lot of problems on my trip over there, ended up taking 36 hours and they lost my luggage so I didn't get my suitcase for 2 additional days. I had no problems with the trip home, thank goodness. But, I was so struck by how different this trip to Europe was for me then the one I took 4 years ago when I weighed about 360 lbs. Everything in Europe is small. The cars, the chairs, the clothes. I actually fit this time. At 237 lbs I'm still quite a bit bigger than the average Swedish woman, but, not so big that I couldn't shop for clothes (but, had I been bigger I certainly could not have!) There were 2 parties I was to go to and I had nothing but my jeans and a flannel shirt. So, I had to buy some things. I was scared! I walked over the cobblestone with no pain. Last time my knees were killing me! And I couldn't keep up with everyone. This time I was the one in the lead and had to remind myself to slow down...what a tremendous difference! An interesting thing though is that my Swedish relatives didn't react much to my weight loss. No one mentioned it. If I mentioned it they would say, you look "perfect" but that was it. When I was 120 lbs more when I was there last no one mentioned my size then either, maybe they are not as size conscious? I just kept thinking on my long trip across the ocean home (in one seat without a seat belt extender) that this trip was just so much easier and better without the weight in the way!!!! Thanks! Thanks! Thanks! Lori

Welcome back Lori!! It sounds like a great trip, I'm so glad you had a great time! I was interested in your comment about your relatives not saying anything about your weight loss - I guess I always think that everyone has the same size issues as in the USA, but I've never been to another country. You've got to wonder if we are the lucky ones here where a size 4 is considered fat! I also wonder how many outside the US get the surgery? You have peaked my curiousity! It's great to have you back - we missed you! Pam

Lori, Welcome back! It is amazing how much easier travel is now that we're smaller. I'm actually comfortable in an airplane seat now - that's never happened to me before. Makes me giddy like a schoolgirl; the folks around me must wonder what I'm chuckling about when I fasten my seatbelt. It sounds like you had a fantastic trip - I'm really happy for you Kellie

hi lori: glad to see you back safe and sound. and i, too, am interested in the lack of commentary on your change in size. are we, as a nation, of the opinion that it's ok to remark on any and all personal issues. i know i love my family dearly, but the first thing out of my parent's mouth has always been "you've lost/gained weight!" isn't it lovely to be able to move around along with everyone else and even shop where they can shop? have a great christmas, hun. dorthe

Welcome back, I am glad you enjoyed your trip. Isnt it amazing what we can do. lov marie

greetings lori glad you made it back safely, and that you had a good time. and how wonderful that you were able to shop! i travel frequently for work, and always used to worry about lost luggage...and how i wouldn't be able to go to just any store and find something i could wear. it's a wonderful feeling to know i could go almost anywhere and buy something that would fit now! that is quite interesting that no one commented on your weightloss! i wonder if they aren't concerned with size, or are they just too polite to mention it either way? it's curious. i'm headed to florida in a couple days to spend xmas with my parents. hope you have an enjoyable holiday! deb

Welcome back, Lori! Glad to hear you had a good time. My experience with Scandinavian culture is that they aren't going to be rude enough to mention one's body size. I just don't think it's an issue. How exciting to travel in one seat without a seat belt extender! Kix

Welcome back Lori! Loved reading about your trip! We visit family in Holland every other year or so, my Husband was born there, and he has tons of family. Our last trip was at Christmas time, and the 26th is hubbies birthday. so his cousins had a huge party for him, and only one rude husband of a cousin said anything mean to me ... he patted my stomach and said "Well, don't you look healthy?" I was so shocked, I've known him for 15 years now, and I looked at him and said "My, don't you look balder than last time I saw you!" That shut him up! We haven't told anyone about my WLS and are going to Ireland in April for 9 days and then on to Holland for 5 more days. Hubby is very excited to see how everyone reacts to me. I'm just looking forward to a much more comfortable flight! Glad your back safely, and sorry to hear about your problems with lost luggage, that's never nice! Jan

Welcome Home Lori, I missed your posts. Sounds like you had a good time, despite your luggage problems. I hope you have a lovely holiday.. and a fantastic New Year. Lynn

Hey Lori, We missed ya!! And I know you had a ball. I would love to see some pics if you happen to have some. Feel sorry for a heffer that aint never been past Mississippi lol... Hugs Marge