What do you look forward to once you lose weight?

There are a couple of things on the list that I am looking forward to. The rest, not so much. The airplane seating issue is one. I have never had to use an extender, but it has been close a few times. I am just looking forward to being a little more comfortable in an airplane seat and not feel so self conscience about crowding the person setting next to me.

Getting into and out of the boat easier is another I can identify with. However, with my bad right knee, we will see if this dream comes to fruition.

I loved that I was able to wear a shirt and tie over Christmas, 2 weeks after surgery, without using a neck extender. Plus I could put two fingers between my neck and the top button with room left over. Wearing my sport jackets that I can button up easily was also pretty neat. I will attend a funeral tomorrow and and I am expecting my shirt and jacket be even better as I have lost another 10 to 15 lbs since Christmas.

@alsims463
Great examples. I can so relate to seat belt extender, I use to carry my own so did not have to ask stewardess for one. Sometimes needed one, others I was able to squeeze in. Now I fit nicely into seat with armrest down. Much more comfortable flight. Just which had more leg room, but that is everyone's problem no matter what weight.

Being able to look down and see my (blank) again. 😊

Buy a new wardrobe and go on vacation

@christina85379
Excellent goals! I kept wear loose fitting clothes after loosing weight because that is what I always wore. Then friend said "Go get some clothes that fit". he was so right. I was hiding under my clothes for so long, I forgot what it was like to wear clothes that fit.

One of my goals is to get reconstructive surgery after I hit my goal weight.
Another is to continue to finally exercise without pain and discomfort.
Also to feel better about me.

Its been awhile since I have been on this group chat. Lots of things going on and very busy is the best excuse I can think of. I volunteer with the NW Wisconsin Community doing taxes for the poor and elderly. So, another couple of weeks will be busy.

I also went on a couple of trips, one in late February and another in the middle of March. The February trip was by plane. Though it was an economy airline where seats are packed in like sardines. In the past, I frequently had to extend the belt as far as it would go to get it buckled. I had never needed an extender, but it was close a couple of times. This time it was nice buckling up and pulling the extra belt to tighten the seat belt.

On the second trip, we drove and took bicycles. It was nicer on the bike than it has been the past several years. I am looking forward to more biking this summer.

All in all, I am doing well. I am almost 70 lbs down from my peak and 60 lbs down from when I started this journey almost a year ago. My surgery was December 11th.

I am still learning to eat. However, at this point, I can eat just about anything put in front of me. I just can't eat a lot of it. I do have to be careful about the moisture. On our trip, I eat a small, may 3 oz, piece of chicken breast cooked on the grill. It was too dry. It was the first time I felt like I was going to vomit. But after about 30 minutes I was ok. Lesson learned. If dry meat, add some type of liquid like a sauce or something. My surgeon thought this issue may be more associated with the hiatal hernia she repaired during the Roux N Y surgery than the bariatric surgery itself.

Sometimes when going to a social event one looks forward to the food and drink and fun interactions with people. That has not changed. But once there, I know I have to be careful about the food and drink. I find that by carefully selecting the type of food and the quantities consumed, when I am full I don't miss indulging further. As for drinks, I know I cannot drink alcohol so I simply don't. Rather I might drink cranberry juice and I have discovered there are some non-alcohol and non-carbonated drinks like alcohol-removed wine. The selection in this area is small, but sometimes it's nice to drink something that is not just water and still meet the no alcohol goal.

@alsims463

Thanks for sharing your experience. I think most of relate to the size of airplane seats and needing an seat belt extenders. It felt so good when no longer had to as for one.

It is great you help with taxes, I also am helping with taxes for seniors an lower income through VITA. This is my first year. I am not trained to do the taxes, but I check them in for appointments, review forms, etc... It is a busy time, but a great volunteer opportunity during winter.

Keep up the good work

To fit in a normal (cheaper) prices airplane seats without having to look and pay for the larger seats. Riding a horse on a trail, getting down on the floor or ground to play with my corgi and being able to get back up with ease. More energy to do all the things above and more

Hi, I am looking forward to riding my new E-Bike with my boyfriend. It's been a great experience after not riding for so long and not having the extra weight makes it easier for me to get on and off the bike. Just being able to get out and enjoy the fresh air and taking in the sunshine makes me feel good too.

I have also been able to go walking which I always had a hard time doing because of my hips bothering me, and I have worked my way up to over 2 miles once or twice a week now, and after it starts warming up, I plan on walking longer, but not overdue it. I am less depressed just not sitting around the apartment.

The first photo was taken when I started my weight loss journey the Spring of 2024 and the second photo is after a little over a year. I've lost 93 pounds to date, and had surgery in August 2024.