Lifechanging Already....

[Jersey John]

I'm almost 6 weeks out and I can't believe the difference in my physical and mental health.

Yesterday was Columbus day, my girls were home from school with me (I work as a self employed consultant but things have been way too slow so thats ending soon). We slept in until 9:30, woke up and after checking the weather and seeing 82 degrees and sunny, I decided to take them to the beach.

Now I haven't set foot on a beach in years (people were always trying to push me back in the water - just kidding!), so this was HUGE. I grew to hate the heat, the difficulty in walking in sand with all that weight, and the lack of any comfortable chairs. I should say that in high school I was actually a lifeguard and LOVED the water. I had my 350 lb. capacity chair, an umbrella and I decided to go for it.

We had the BEST time. I even went in up to my knees and would have tried body surfing if I didn't have a smart phone and a wallet to watch (poor planning). The girls were amazed, as was my family when I posted pics in real time on facebook. They actually called to see if I was playing a joke (hmmm I see a pattern here). We spent 6 hours on our 2 hour quick visit to the beach, and we may go back this coming weekend with 73 degrees forecasted....

Life is truly beginning again.

[michelleb]

That's so awesome JJ. Oh how I wish I lived near the beach *sigh*
Even with my small weight loss, I can see and feel such differences.

Way to go on your loss, you're doing so well!

[brendadenton64]

that is so awesome, how i long to be in a swimsuit without my legs rubbing together,

[Carlee18]

That sounds like so much fun! i always worry about the exact same thing.. having a chair, walking in the sand eek. it reminds me of something im studying in school ...about being a participant in life not just a spectator. Im so happy for you.

[buddyd11]

John that is awesome man, Just imagine dude this Journey just started. I will have to steal the whole ("they were trying to push me back in the water") thing that had me in tears dude. lmaorotf This whole losing weight thing sure makes it alot easier to make fun of the old larger me.

[mysleeve2011]

That's awesome! I haven't been to the beach in 20 years. I hope having WLS will help me get there again, even if it means in a pair of shorts! Just think how you'll feel this time next year!

[connie]

OH JOHN, thank you for sharing that with me. I too joke some, but I also know that person who was overjoyed that they got to go to the beach and have fun, be relaxed and enjoy their children---I thank God for all the examples of wonderful people in my life today, what a blessing to me to have all of you share your lives both the joys and defeats. This is just the start of a life that most of us just dreamed about--embrace it and enjoy---Blessings- Connie

[celticmom218]

That's fantastic! It's a great feeling, isn't it?

[VSGOct2011]

Glad you got yourself on that beach & enjoyed the day with your girls - hopefully you didn't blind anyone from the glow of all that 'virgin' skin! ;P ahh, who cares, by next summer you'll be the hot tanned muscle dude walking down the beach kicking sand in all the other guys faces...while you steal their girlfriends!

Telling you bud, nothing as awesome as a powdery white Carribean sand (Cuban) - now that you've gotten a taste of the Jersey Shore, hopefully you'll be motivated to find an all inclusive to show off at next year!

[inbliss]

So happy for you! Welcome to your new life!

[sleeve-me]

What i loved best about your story John was that you got to be free to live the life you wanted to be living. Not just watching these moments pass us by. How wonderful to spend time activly together with your girls playing and moving and getting fresh air. Sounds to me like a beautiful day that you will all remember. Big hug to you !!!!

[themouse1960]

I have been to Maui, HI 5 times with girlfriends. We started in 2003 and go every other year. In 2013 I WILL NOT BE THE FAT ONE IN OUR GROUP!!! Every pic we take I just cringe-"Do I really look that fat?" Congrats John. I can't wait to be there!

[Rescued-one]

Yay John! It's awesome to hear about you living life! Thanks!

[JeanAng]

Wtg john! Your story inspired me...i let my fiance read your story and he told me "see,he's an inspiration...you can now go swmming with me in the beach with your bikinis baby!" lol! All my life ive dream of wraring 2 pc bikini at the beach...john,you're such an inspiration and so as the other sleevers here..i have my down moments most of the times but ill soon get trough this...ill booty shake most of the time now! Lol!

[Jersey John]

Will we get pictures? Just kidding...Thanks for your kind words, but I truly believe we are inspiring each other...all of us.

Keep up the good work!!