It's amazing how much changes after WLS!

Hi, I was just looking over some of the before and after photos--I do that almost every time I log on to this site--and I am always amazed at the changes I see in the photos. I see the weight loss --that's a given. But I also see a change in the personalities of the people in the photos. The way they seem to stand straighter! They have genuine smiles on their faces! They pose like models! They have new updated hairdoos! Newer --more updated clothing Styles! They just seem sooooo brand new! I feel so good when I see how much people have improved--Perhaps it is because they have gotten so much healthier--They have stopped having to take medications for so many co-morbitities.They don't have to feel different! When they get noticed, it is because they look so great! Because they radiate happiness! and confidence! I am going to be sixty -one in a few days and I feel pretty darn good about myself--don't get me wrong --I still have days when I think that I will never get to where I want to be --I still have a way to go--I am a perfectionist--so I tend to feel that we are all works in progress--we are all trying to be the very best that we can be -- in mind, and body, and spirit!!--and I guess we all KNOW that we won't be at our very best until we go before the Lord, and He gives us our glorified body and our glorified mind! BUT we can try to be as good as we can here on Earth! So I just want to say to everyone who is trying to be their very best--Be Blessed! Be Happy and Be proud of your new and wonderful self--body, mind and spirit! Marian S.C. 242.4/157.8/goal 125-130??

Hi Marion I want to thank you for your wonderful post. You expressed everything that I have been thinking and you did it very beautifully! WLS has given us back our lives, and a real future. I was too sick before surgery and before my over 50 pound weightloss to enjoy what I called my life. I still have so far to go on my weightloss journey. But now I can see light at the end of the tunnel. I am almost 58 and I thought I had no life left. Now my DH and myself, he had surgery too, can have a long and happy retirement together. Once again, I want to thank you and also applaud your success! Love and kisses Marcia 296/246 SO FAR/125 GOAL

Ditto! I totally agree - I have noticed those BIG SMLES and the *** NEW*** self -confidence that is "beaming": through their "after picture" ... simply amazing

Hi Marian, I do the same thing as you. I look at before and afters all the time. Looking at everyone (even you self proclaimed slow losers) gives me the hope that I lost a long time ago. Rachelle

Marian - first - you look MARVELOUS! Second - yes, I think we go through a lot of changes in our spirits as well as our bodies. I feel like I have been given a secod chance at life, a second chance to experience all of the things I passed on because of my weight. I am happier because I am healthier. That I LOOK better is an added bonus. So many things have changed in my life, but one of the things is how I think about food and socializing. My life no longer revolves around food and what to eat, cook, etc. Now I think about things to do, not what to eat. I walk, I exercise, things I never did before and I am more introspective than I was before. I have always been a spiritual person, and I find myself even more so now. Really appreciating what's around me and what life has to offer. I am more confident and therefore more outgoing and more willing to meet people and do more than sit back and watch the world go by - I want to be part of things now. I too still have a long way to go, but I have come so far and if I never get any further in this journey I will still be happy. I am so blessed to have been able to go through this process and get my life back. I love your posts. I love your spirit and your sweetness. Keep well and keep up the good work, girl and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!! Hugs - Robin

Hi Marian, I too, love to see the before and after pictures. I've been dreaming of the possibility of one day adding mine. WLS is scheduled for 7/31. (15 more days!) Maryellen

Marian - I know this was previously mentioned - but I feel one cannot say this enough: You look SOOOOO AMAZINGLY GORGEOUS ! I hope when I am 60 I can look half as good as you. I must admit the "Before and After" photos are soooooo motivating, and I find myself browsing them each time I visit this site. Just to resonate on what you said - I also notice a change in posture, a brighter smile, more vivacious garments, and bigger confidence in general. If a picture can depict this much - imagine we got to speak to them! Well, Marian, you are an inspiration to most us on the boards. I hope I can be a loser soon, and dream with posting awesome "after" pics too! Ciao \(^_^)/ susie