Happy Birthday to Me!!

Today is my 37th birthday....and I feel like I'm in my 20's. I am so incredibly grateful that I made the couragous decision to get this band. I'm down 77 pounds in 5 months and only 7 pounds away from Onederland. Cannot believe it!! I decided for my birthday that I would revisit the pros and cons list I made before surgery.


Cons:

• Going "under" and not knowing what to expect when I wake up was a breeze, I am no longer afraid of surgery, I could actually become one of those surgery junkies...love that mask.... ;-)
• PB'ing and slime'ing still haven't pb'd, but have slimed and while gross it goes away and is nothing to be afraid of
• Pain from surgery yeah, the shoulder pain sucked and to be honest, it's come back a bit lately, but again it was a little pain for a lifetime of happiness
• Loose skin from weight loss I will likely have the sagging stomach thing and my arms are just big ole chicken wings, but again it's fine and all completely worth it to me and see bullet #1, there is always a tummy tuck!
• Cost of shopping for new clothes (which I totally would've done anyway) - I discovered Filene's basement!!
• Explaining to guys on a date why I eat so little Haven't had a date yet, but I've had to come up with an excuse for waiters lately...
• Giving up Diet Dr. Pepper (he's the only doctor I have a real relationship with today) - I definitely miss diet soda, but again 77 pounds is worth the sacrifice
• Giving up jennitini's (otherwise known as stoli orange and tonic) - yeah, definitely miss my jennitinis, but I've discovered prickly pair margaritas and pinot grigio ;-)

Pros:

• Not being the invisible fat girl - I am no longer invisible!! Men let me go through the revolving doors first and actually step out of my way at times. Completely different experience.
• Getting a new wardrobe (shopping spree at goal weight is my gift to myself) - Only 45 more pounds!!
• Shopping anywhere I want without worrying if something will fit - not here yet, but I can buy some stuff at Ann Taylor loft which is very exciting.
• Shopping with my girlfriends since I won't have to go to the fat store - I've actually become more open about this and brought my girlfriends to The Avenue a couple of months ago to help me pick out clothes. They were thrilled to help!
• Wearing cute dresses without spanx - I'm there!
• Wearing knee high boots - I'm there!!
• Not worrying whether or not I'll fit into an airplane seat and if the seatbelt will buckle - Well, I've surpassed this. Not only fit but can cross my legs, even on DELTA (the no leg room airline)
• Being "checked out" by men - this is happening again and is awesome!
• DATING again and not hating it - I'm joining eharmony for my bday present to myself
• Being healthy and not worrying about dying too young - I'm feeling so much healthier. Going to get blood tests in the next few weeks to check cholesterol etc.
• Resolving this issue that has been surrounding me since I was a child - Feel like this has been a fantastic solution!
• Posting pictures on facebook that aren't three years old (when I was thinner) - I'm getting there. Maybe I'll post bday pics from tonight!
• Being 160 for the first time since I was in my teens - I'm so much closer to this, it's thrilling!!