5 Questions.....

Technically it's not Sunday here yet but if I don't get them in early I'll never get them in.... 1. How has WLS changed your life positively? 2. Has having surgery changed your life negatively at all? 3. What would you say to a child/teen being picked on because of their weight? 4. Do you collect things? If you do what types of things do you collect? (dishes, antiques, vintage things..) 5. Describe a perfect day for you...

1. How has WLS changed your life positively? I haven't had surgery yet but I'm looking forward to answering this question! 2. Has having surgery changed your life negatively at all? Hoping I don't have to answer this one.... 3. What would you say to a child/teen being picked on because of their weight? I think I would explain how boring this world would be if we were all the same and how cruel some people are and probably tell them about my experiences. I would make sure they knew there was NOTHING wrong with them and they were loved and special just for being them. 4. Do you collect things? If you do what types of things do you collect? (dishes, antiques, vintage things..) I collect pyrex, some antique furniture, have a small collection of old LIFE and LOOK mags, enamelware. 5. Describe a perfect day for you... The perfect day for me (post surgery) would be gathering a few of my friends and going antiquing, have some lunch and just have fun. Another possibility would be a day of gardening and working in the yard. I'm a total outdoors type person...(well I used to be..too heavy to enjoy it now and don't have a yard anymore) I love being with my dogs and just digging in the soil!!

1. How has WLS changed your life positively? I'm a pre-op. 2. Has having surgery changed your life negatively at all? I'm a pre-op. 3. What would you say to a child/teen being picked on because of their weight? They've all heard the pat answers like "It's what's inside that counts," etc. I think that letting them vent, telling them that it's okay to feel hurt from the words, and letting them know that what their peers are saying to them is wrong, is a good way to go. Unfortunately, too many people will tell you that "Sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me." That's a fallacy, words do hurt. It's better to aknowledge that and help them deal with it, then make them feel that they're being weak for letting it get to them. 4. Do you collect things? If you do what types of things do you collect? (dishes, antiques, vintage things..) I collect dolls, porcelain and otherwise. My favorites are redheads. 5. Describe a perfect day for you... I'm not sure actually. I spent a lot of years denying myself so that I've kind of lost what I like in the dust. I'm on a process of rediscovery of who I am. I will say that whatever that perfect day is, it would involve my husband and my children and it would be partially outdoors. I've spent too long hiding from the world. Interesting questions Jamie, you made me think today. Thanks.

Hey Jamie! Pretty good questions today girl! Let me see if can get my brain to working and answer them lol... 1)I am still like you a PRE OPPER! 2)I had gallbladder surgery years ago, does that count? lol 3)I can tell ya from experience that it doesnt matter what you say to them, they will still feel the pain and just have to be the bigger person and live your life and know there are ignorant people out there and ALWAYS will be. 4)I collect cookbooks. 5)After surgery having a perfect day would be to travel somewhere and walk and walk and not be hurting all the time and casp for air like Im passing out or something and my fmily be there with me.

1. pre-op 2. pre-op 3. I would tell them honestly yet as kindly as possible that they will have to deal with rude ignorant stupid insensitive people for as long as they are overweight. For some reason this is the last accepted prejudice and they should lose weight and keep it off and not waste YEARS being heavy and miserable. 4. Angels & Cats 5. Getting out and running around.. yard sales and shopping and flea markets and all the places I can't get too now.

1. How has WLS changed your life positively? I can get around very well now. I did have to use a cane and really limited my walking. Now I go to the gym every day for an hour. What a lifestyle change! 2. Has having surgery changed your life negatively at all? No. I have had a very easy time of it. I think it is because I prepared myself so well. I read several books and got the good and bad stories. It took me 5 years to make the decision to do it, so I think I was really ready mentally. 3. What would you say to a child/teen being picked on because of their weight? I guess I would say that people can think it is easy to be thin when they are young, but, nearly everyone fights obesity by the time they are middle-aged. 4. Do you collect things? If you do what types of things do you collect? (dishes, antiques, vintage things..) CDs. I have about 5,000. I'm a volunteer deejay at a community radio station. 5. Describe a perfect day for you... Having the day off with perfect weather. Taking a nice hike with someone who is special to me. (hiking is only something I've only been able to dream of doing until now!) Lori 384/288.5/170