Happy Monday Sleevers! What are you thankful for?

[juliarh 35]

I am so happy that I got the sleeve -- it wasn't a perfect landing (1st 2 weeks were tough), but now that I'm outside of that and trying to get my emotions in order as well as follow the physical requirements of being sleeved, I can't help but be sooo thankful for so many things. And I'd love to hear what you're thankful for as well as we go along this journey together. My list (surely, not complete, but it's a start):

1) I am soooo thankful for this forum. I'm thankful for the advise, the wisdom, the comfort -- I don't always write back to the person who's given me the advise when I come across it, but you all should know how very thankful I am that I have you in my life

2)I am thankful that I like being active again -- I love my exercise, love my jaunts around the city. At 303 lbs., there wasn't much that I enjoyed doing that was physical. I am so thankful I can move!

3) I am thankful for realizing how dependent I was on food for comfort -- I'm just now starting to read Eat It Up! by Connie Stapleton (post WLS guide) -- it has opened my eyes to why I was fat, what I used my fat for, etc. It's kinda bittersweet -- sad that I was/am using those strategies, happy that I realize what I was/am doing and that I can overcome them.

4) I am thankful that I have a new lease on life -- both health-wise and socially -- I don't know what the future will hold for me in my social life when I get to goal, but I do know it will be different and I'm thankful for it. I am also thankful that I get to spend the next half of my life being more healthy and active than I ever was.

That's it for now -- I know there's more, but it's a beginning! I'd love to hear what you all are thankful for

[M2G 1,836]

I am thankful that I have a chance at a "do-over" (hubby's words). Being larger for most of my life and being obese for most of my adult life hasn't not always been easy.

Even though I am only about 3 weeks out, I am continually thankful that my body has acted wonderfully before, during, and after surgery. In fact, I'm amazed at how 'normal' I feel, almost as if surgery was months ago instead of mere weeks ago.

For the first time in my whole entire dieting history, I finally feel like I'm losing without the fear of regain. (I know ask me again when I'm at goal, I do not think it will be a walk in the park but rather a continuous monitoring of my habits and lifestyle.) As I say goodbye to each pound it is staring to sink in that this could be forever.

Each and every day I'm thankful for this forum and the supportive people who have gone before me, and those who will go after me, that encourage me, lift me up, and understand exactly what I'm going through, even though they are perfect strangers. I've gotten more support here than I have from any real-life friends, or family, simply because you guys get it.

Great post Julie!

[SouthernSleever 228]

Today I'm thankful for serveral things

The health of my family, shelter over our heads, food in our bellies.

That my belly holds less than it used to.

That I've had a very easy recovery.

For the loan that made this possible.

For the support from my family and friends.

For this forum and the support here.

For our Vets!

[LilMissDiva Irene 3,282]

I am ever so thankful for my loved ones who have been such an amazing support system for me over the years. They've watched me struggle with eating disorders my entire life - including anorexia and bulimia as a young teenager. If it weren't for them I don't know where I'd be.

I'm thankful for my internal positivity, for without it I truly don't believe I'd ever make it through. It's so difficult battling demons and keeping a smile on the outside as well as on the inside.

I'm thankful for God above for everything! I will continue to pray to Him for the strength to should I fall, to get back up yet again.

I am thankful for this website, though I do have support at home, there's nothing like having folks around who know exactly what I'm going through. Most everyone here is amazing and are a true inspiration for me. Keep going y'all!!!

I have so many things to be thankful for. I understand it could be a novels worth of "thanks" - but these are the most prolific in my life and what I'm going through right now.