9 Months out and contrast between vacation last year and this year (xpost, long)

 How different can a vacation look year to year?  My pre-op and recent op friends, you have no idea. Last year and this year in July we took my nephews (9 and 10 this year) to Myrtle Beach.  Here are a few differences.
  Last year I was about 400 and this year 245.  
  My swim trunks were 6x last year and 1x this year.
  Last year I went in the ocean with my nephews and was scared to death I wouldn't be able to keep my balance and get out of the water - much less be a good guardian for them.  This year, I was having the best time in the water ever.  I'm planning to resume SCUBA in a few months, so this was confirmation that I'm on track.
  Last year when my nephews wanted to go to the water park, I had to say no and face their dissapointment.  This year *I* got on the slides.  I'd say they were more excited than I was, but that would not be true.  I was grinning ear to ear and behaving 20 years younger than I did last year. I was having food funerals this time last year.  This year I stuck to my guns and did a pretty darn good job staying on track with my diet - and I really didn't feel more than a twinge of desire for anything not on my plan.
  Last year, I had a hard time with any exertion and planned low key activities.  This year I had energy to spare.  One day I was walking to the car in a mall parking lot with the nephews and decided to just take off running to the car.  Behind me I heard "He can run again!" and laughter.  How nice to be able to have fun.  Here's a kick, my wife and I took a helicopter ride.  I went to Hawaii a few years ago and really wanted to but I was too heavy and over the weight limit. 
  Rather than hang out at the hotel during downtime like I did last year, I decided to go for a walk at the Tanger outlet.  Last year I wouldn't have thought about trying to find good deals on clothing in the big and tall range I wore.  4x and 5x aren't compelling buys most of the time...this year, I was buying medium shirts.  I can wear some and will be able to wear the rest within the next few months.  I haven't worn a medium shirt since high school.  This 50 year old was shopping like a kid in a candy shop.  Even took my dear wife back to the mall and let her have fun picking some things out for me too.  No more big and tall shops for me.
  I can barely concieve of what next year holds.  VSG gave me back my hope, health, and fun.  I hope all of you can experience such a dramatic change next year.

Wow Terry, you are doing awesome with NSV's left & right! Congratulations & here's to next year & what you future holds!!!

 Thanks Jenn.  So much fun to be vital again!

Wow! Congrats to you! You are an inspiration and thank you so much for sharing your past year! I am in the process of food funerals and low key activities. I have hope to get my life back and be there for my kids. I can only imagine how great things are for both you and your wife! Enjoy your new life :)

 My wife is so proud of me.  She has always loved and supported me.  I have felt like I was letting her down.  Today we went for a couples massage - that never would have happened before out of my embarassment.  I want to be with her for a long time.  I know your kids will appreciate your effort too.

 
Way to go !!!!

Congrats !

Welcome back to your own story.........

frisco

 That's exactly the way I feel Frisco.  Like the movie of my life just got interesting after a long sad bit.  I feel like I have a second shot at vitality.  Thanks for the kind words.

Great post -- thanks for telling us about it.

Congrads... You have come a long way

You are such an inspiration!! Congrats to you on all the NSV's!! Thnks for sharing!!