Good Morning. How do you like marching to the beat of a different drummer?

I share the same sentiments only I don't feel superior in any way and I don't feel lucky. It was a choice and everyday I feel grateful that I had the presence of mind to have WLS and the means to do it. This has been a personal gift and a wake up call on many levels. I only wish others suffering with obesity could have the same experience we did.

I think the most important thing I've gleaned is that there is a normal person inside each obese individual and often times that person isn't being seen by others or even by that individual. Finding "me" again and looking "normal" in the mirror reminded me that I haven't changed one bit, just my appearance, yet people DID and DO treat me differently. People are nicer now, more attentive and interested. Gentlemen will hold the door or let me pass whereas before, they'd treat me like I was invisible. Shame on them. It's not okay that society allows self-righteous, judgmental and callous treatment of those suffering with obesity. And suffer they do. It's not like they wished it upon themselves.

Sadly, most medical conditions and diseases are treated with more understanding and respect than those with obesity issues as well as those with mental problems. They are often ignored, ostracized or treated with distaste. It's very sad but having new-found vision, I make it a point to see the person inside and advocate for those treated with less respect. 

I am so thrilled with my experience and yes, I do feel free.

I definitely feel liberated. I didn't think I was inhibited, but looking back, I know I was.

I feel more confident in my future. Bad things can certainly still happen, but my joints don't hurt as much, my blood pressure is lower, and my checkups are good.

I always have a hard time expressing what this surgery means to me; there aren't even words that exist to express it.

I've always marched to my own drummer, but now I can march faster, knees higher and with a lot more pride in myself.  I'm very grateful for this opportunity.  Like others, I now watch what people eat and I am not longer surprised that we belong to a country with epidemic obesity.  We each need to be responsible for ourselves, but things would be much easier if the message wasn't being pounded into us to supersize everything, and that greasy foods are needed as a side dish to everthing! 

This probably surprises no one: I've always been on the road less traveled. LOL

Sometimes I get tired of being a weirdo but I'm pretty happy with my decision to have WLS. I feel the closest to being normal that I have in a long time.