How has your life changed?

OK, everyone. I know that there are fewer and fewer of us "old timers" that visit this thing anymore. But for those lurkers still out there, how are you doing? How has this whole experience changed your life? How has it changed it in ways you didn't expect? Did it change things you thought that it would? How has your vision of the world around you changed? Of yourself? What hang-ups, if any, still hold you back? For me I'm amazed at how people treat me differently at times. But that comes with a mixed blessing, because it seems like I get scrutinized a bit closer than I did before (simple things like people taking more notice to my crooked smile or my slight studdering problem that kicks in every once in a while). It's also been amazing what people have to say about what they thought of me at 430 pounds. Things like "I remember seeing you and trying not to stare at you because of how big you had gotten". I have been amazed at how much things have changed as far as health goes. My breathing is so much better. I do not get winded very easily at all. I did not realize just how bad it was before. This has been the biggest "eye-opener" of this whole experience. Some things that haven't changed for me is my self confidence. I am still reserved when talking to people or opening up to someone. I'm also very suspicious at times of people...like I'm waiting or looking for something that clues me to the fact that they are thinking negative things about me. I also am having acceptance issues when it comes to compliments, especially from women. Needless to say the dating scene has not been as productive as maybe it should be. I really am having some problems in this area. I thought it was my weight that made me so awkward...and maybe it has conditioned me to be this way now....but I am disheartened that I haven't been able to make effective changes. I don't want to be fake like a lot of people out there, but I don't want to be disconnected either. Short of a labotomy I'm not sure how to fix this. I'm hoping that I will grow past this sometime soon. Well, like it or not, that's a glimpse into my head. Hope you were ready for it Bobby (432/167/-265)

Healthwise I am a whole new person. My confidance level as soared. I am almost 3 years post op. I work now in a public job that I love. I enjoy life to the fullest. That old Char is gone for good. I love to shop for clothes. I love getting dressed up and strutting my stuff...lol. I can approach and talk to anybody. I am no longer the shy, depressed, misfit of the past. This was the best thing that ever happened to me. Char 240-116

How has my life changed, let me count the ways. I will be two years out, th ebeginning of april. Physically: I no longer hurt when I walk, even though I still have osteoarthritis, in my knees. I can literally stand for hours without it bothering me, walk for mile, and/or work all day long with out sitting down, and none of it bothers me any more. I no longer get out of breath after exercising or walking short distances. I don't notice my self getting tired unless I have been active all day long, or I have missed al ot of sleep. I can dance all night long, as the Virginia WLS group can atttest to. I can squat, I can kneel and get up with using my hands, I can bend over to pick something up with grabbing for a wall or counter. I can sit in any chair without fear of breaking it, I can fit in places that I never could have before, and I can climb ladders without exceeding the weight limit. Emotionally / psychologivally: I am more confident, some might even say ****y. People treat me better, sales people don't ignore me like they did when I was fat. I get more attention from the ladies. I get more respect professionally. I look better because I feel better because I look better, if that makes sense. I can dress better because there are more clothes in my size. Clothes fit me better, and look better on me. I can look nicer now in a $40.00 pair of slacks and Shirt than I did when i weighed 400 pounds and the same style lshirt and slacks would have cost me $100.00. So I save more money these days also. Eating and drinking habits have changed, some voluntarilly and some due to the surgery, but nothing I can't live without. Changes, yes there are thousands of them. And I'm happy with almost all of them. steve