#36 Checking in

[@TLCTrendaLea]

Love that "life is good"...what a joyous simple beautiful statement. A renewed vigor is exactly right;) so eloquent! It's like being reborn:) getting a second chance. So happy for you.

[@tnwanda1963]

This is a great video Grim! You have vocalized much of what I've been feeling. So much of what you said is straight from my heart, too. So happy for all of your accomplishments and phenomenal success! You are amongst the really special people--hold a very dear and precious place in my heart. Maybe I'll make another video, soon, too. God Bless and keep you, Grim, you are truly a precious asset to this community! Big hugs and much love to you!

[@banded2succeed]

Enjoy all that shopping and the more you lose the more you get to buy! Thanks for keeping us up to date.

[@NNENE]

Yay! Grim! So nice to see you. It's so much nicer shopping now that weights coming off. Fantastic NSVs!

[@cabernetqueen]

buying clothes during the losing phase is the most fun ever! don't restrict yourself form this joyous pleasure!!!! you are reinventing yourself -- and the clothes and styling yourself is the best best best way! such fun! and YOU DESERVE IT! you have so much to offer the world outside!!!!! the universe is waiting for you to emerge more and more!!! I so get the cancer survivor example--I Love you Graham!

[@PunkieLynn]

You make me smile. Your clothes buying experience reminds me of a children's book called "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie". You deserve the new clothes. Congrats!

[@TheBIGLife20]

Hiya Jody, Happy New Year to you and yours too. Hugs right back at you. Thanks Jody

[@MsDanaGerous]

Graham! So good to see you! I was just thinking about you yesterday and wondering how you were doing. Great to hear your NSVs and savoring the small things in life. So many people blow through life missing those things. When you've not had them, you learn not to do that (at least I hope)! Hugs from across the pond...

[@kaseyborn2shine]

Graham, you are looking SO good! I am so happy to see your video! You inspire me so much :) I think it's so cool that you are addicted to buying clothes now! Isn't the changes so great?! For me too :) God bless ya! Thanks for sharing a great video!

[@kaseyborn2shine]

This IS our year!!!! I can't wait to see your next videos! Hope you have a Happy New Year as well! *hugs*

[@jodioldes7070]

I've missed seeing you. Congrats on wanting to buy those smaller sizes. You deserve it! Glad you are happy. :-) Enjoy those NSV's, so proud of you!

[@shezug]

I think there should be a separate support group for clothes shopping after surgery. I had to cut myself off of buying new clothes right before Christmas. This was a nice catch-up. I do hope you are able to make it to my little hometown for the M&G in May.

[@TheBIGLife20]

I love your way of thinking Diane hehe Thanks :)

[@TheBIGLife20]

This year sometime I'm hoping Belinda, then when I'm down where I should be they are planning plastics. I totally agree hun, support is key and there's always the x button your right. Thanks Belinda love you too

[@MissJanieHere]

buying new clothes is part of the fun! lol! Life is grand, G...i hope today rocked for you!

[@TheBIGLife20]

Hiya Dana and Happy new year to you, I couldn't agree more and its a shame for those who miss out, there's a lot to enjoy, hugs right back at you :)

[@shaay28]

hey glad to see you in this new year... i just had to buy new clothes as well... hope to see you more :)

[@TheBIGLife20]

The changes are brilliant fun Kasey, glad to see you hun hope you had a good holiday, Happy New Year to you, this is our year :D

[@cabernetqueen]

oh my brother-- we are so in tune-- on everything-- we definitely need to talk-- I knew the first time I heard you speak-- we are of like mind and kindred spirit--you are going through all the same things I did -- watching the community behave- and misbehave-- and seeing that there are just some unbalance, unhappy, people in the world -- in WLS community and out--people are not as gracious and kind as you are-- sad but true. YOU are ALWAYS My Cuppa Tea!

[@ChangingB4YourEyes]

LoL......you have me laughing talking about your new wardrobe...... I'm happy for you!!!! Yeah right about the leaving day to day and week to week. I have to start looking at my journey that way also...I have been so hard on myself lately and with that being said I'm not enjoying myself at the moment. The thing is, I have some awesome NSV's going on and I'm not embracing them. It's great to see you! The duodenal switch is actual the Original other half of the VSG,It use to be done together.

[@TheBIGLife20]

LOL I think its a new addiction, i cant fit all my new stuff in my room, thanks for posting Tom :)

[@TheBIGLife20]

I have to agree, it is fun...I love you too Sally :)

[@TheBIGLife20]

Thanks Brigitte, i agree nothing like a bit of clothes shopping for a bit of therapy, great to see you too :)

[@Belindaswlsjourney]

that all sounds great ...good luck freind...much love

[@cookielu46]

Thank you Graham, I took the size of the print into consideration when I published it. A book report from you on KZbin will be great to let others now how much you enjoyed my story. : ) I'd like to suggest you ask your wife to join you on one of your videos so we can get to see and know her as well. I'd like her views on your surgery and how she feels about the changes you are making in your life and body. I'd love to meet her on KZbin. My Hugs to the both of you. ~ Lucille

[@TheBIGLife20]

Aww bless you Wanda, I've really missed seeing you, wish you would make a video, hope you have a fantastic year {{{hugs}}}

[@TheBIGLife20]

Haha very true i usually buy stuff thats a wee bit tight for me so it lasts longer, great to see you :)

[@sbb40]

I'm glad you did an update, it's good to see ya! It's good to vent and get it out! It's not to bad to buy clothes, but take it easy, you won't wear them long. lol happy New Year again! Take care.

[@newjourney2011]

Buying new clothes is one of the pleasures of losing weight...congrats on being able to get into smaller sizes! I understand what you mean about the renewed vigor for life. Sometimes I feel like I need to make up for lost time, years that I spent not wanting to do much of anything but what was absolutely necessary because my body weighed me down, both physically and emotionally. Take care! ~Pamela

[@TheBIGLife20]

I couldn't agree more, this buying therapy is doing wonders for me :) Thanks Stacy... right back at you with the Hugs

[@TheBIGLife20]

LOL I agree Donna, i lay in bed at night watching tv on my ipad but i cant sleep until ive had a wee peek at ebay...one day ill be at the meet and greet and get you all into mischief :))

[@TheBIGLife20]

Its always been on the cards that i get a 2nd surgery, because i got so big, they were scared to give me the more intense surgery so the sleeve helps take so much off and then i get either the Duodenal Switch or the RNY, i need the malabsorption aspect of the surgery....NSV means Non Scale Victory, i never heard of this before either, it means something thats happened after the surgery that has nothing to do with the scale, like fitting into a new pair of jeans or being able to run a mile etc

[@TheBIGLife20]

Hiya Shaay Happy New Year, yeah someone has to buy them i guess :)) i suppose we will need to do it to keep the economy going haha

[@TheBIGLife20]

Im running out of room, you may just see me on an episode of hoarders LOL Thanks Tracy

[@TheBIGLife20]

Aww thanks so much Thanks for watching and posting. Hugs right back at you ;)

[@TheBIGLife20]

Diva ahaha yeah that's me Lucille, it is great to be less restricted. We definitely will give you a report when were done with the book, i meant to say its a lot bigger than it looked on the video, i do love that the text isnt tiny too :) x

[@TheBIGLife20]

LOL i think most folk must go through it. Thanks for subbing glad your enjoying ;)

[@GingerVloger]

You know one of the best thing for our self estem is to have clothes that fit. LOL well those running shoes need to have all those new things to go with them. Absoultely I understand that feeling that life is enhanced ten fold since surgery. I agree with you about if you're gonna delete me from fb then just do it. Good to see ya Grim! Big Hugs!

[@DizsJourney]

Hi Grimm! I think we take so many things for granted in life. Youve obviously lost weight, but those nsv's, those realizations of how youre life has improved, are like icing on the cake (sugar free of course, lol!). You are doing amazingly! Keep up the great work! Cant wait for your next video! ***hugs***

[@TheBIGLife20]

Thanks so much i really appreciate you taking the time to say such nice comments

[@TheBIGLife20]

It sure is Janie, Thats another thing i didnt expect id be so into but im loving the shopping :) x

[@BandedK61]

Congrats on the wt loss.. Proud of you!! I know what you mean about facebook, there are a few I've stopped following as well.. No need for anyone to play high and mighty.. Anyway, wishing you well.. Have to take a look for the book, thanks for the recommending

[@TheBIGLife20]

LOL debtors prison hehe, great seeing you too Trenda :)

[@TheBIGLife20]

Yeah i think thats why they were talking about the switch but i will have a choice. You are way too hard on yourself Toni, in such a short time youve achieved so much and look amazing. Oh and look at your profile picture, theres a great reason to be over the moon, your gonna be around longer for your wee sweetheart :)

[@TLCTrendaLea]

Heaven forbid....running shoes, socks, and workout clothes;) heaven forbid;) as long as your not going to be thrown in debtors prison ... You're good;) can't wait to hear your weight and update. Loved seeing your face again and catching up;)

[@TheBIGLife20]

Thats exactly how i feel Pamela, wanting to make up for lost time :)

[@DeedeesJourney]

Hey glad to hear from you! Im happy youre doing well, you look great. I go through clothes like that to lol. Totally agree about the facebook posts to. Hows the forum thing going anyways?

[@cookielu46]

So good to see you, So you are a shopping Diva,are you? When you lose weight & your body changes shopping becomes an exciting experience. I think the DS might be a good choice, check both procedures carefully before you decide. Can't wait to hear how much you have lost totally so far. Thank's for the shout out on my book. Glad you love Italians my friend. You & your wife can do a book report when your done reading it. Cake Boss is Sicilian too, our families have a lot in common with traditions.

[@TheBIGLife20]

Hiya Nexy, Thanks hun :)

[@TheBIGLife20]

Thanks ;)

[@TheBIGLife20]

Aww Thanks J :)

[@TheBIGLife20]

Thanks Trenda x

[@TheBIGLife20]

Thanks Amy i agree "for me" id much rather fit into smaller clothes than lose a few lbs on a scale however both would be good LOL

[@TheBIGLife20]

Hiya Robin ;) hope all is good with you

[@ChangingB4YourEyes]

I meant living.... Have a great day!

[@TheBIGLife20]

You know thats weird, my wife always asks me if im a man or a mouse and i reply squeaaaak hahaha thanks Heather x

[@TheBIGLife20]

Aww your mine too ;)

[@TheBIGLife20]

I don't think she will come on the video Lucille, ill ask her though ;)

[@TheBIGLife20]

Im gonna discontinue the forum Heidi, theres not enough interest...Im gonna need that hoarders show in to clean me out if i get much more clothes :))

[@Thimble996]

why do people choose another surgery after they've already had one? What is DS, and lol what ohh.. there was another abbreviation..NSV?.. eh and..: ps must be plastic surgery.. wow I will need to learn all these. I have recently just qualified for my insurance re upping, graeme, in the us we have to have insurance .. and some don't cover this surgery, like GroupHealth, won't.. in Scotland I believe it is like Norway.. socialized.. so I'm just starting my little journey ;o I'm a bit scared! :o

[@Belindaswlsjourney]

when you gonna have the ds surgery? I agree everyone should be allowed to post what they wish on their personal pages and channels...and if ya dont like it then click the "x" and move on....this and fb community isnt meant for judgement and criticisms!...lol.bed time stories...ur too funny friend...loves ya