Reflections....

Hello to all my fellow Februarian's! I have been thinking about all of us and how far we have come in the last 15 months. Whether you are at goal or not you have to have come a long way from where you started! I started at a high of 305 pounds. I now weigh 155 pounds! Can you belive that!? I have finished all my plastic surgeries. I had Tummy Tuck with inner/outer thigh lift 12 weeks ago. I had my upper arms, breast lift w/gel implants and the wattle under my chin fixed 13 days ago. I can not tell you guys how good I feel. I feel 20 years younger. I have so much energy and all my co-morbidities are gone! Hooray! I will never look like a Victoria Secret model, but I look so much better than I did a year ago! But I wonder.......do ya'll have problems with your feelings about yourself? I have accomplished so much, worked so hard (and am still working to maintain!) and still find myself lacking self confindence at times. I am very self conscious (sp!) about how I look. I also have noticed that some people just can not accept the "new" me. I really think I am the same person in many ways.....I am kind, loving, compassionate, good sense of humor, always willing to help others, etc. But there are people who tell me I've changed. One "friend" says I am now selfish because I focus on myself too much. That really hurt my feelings! My focus has been to get healthy and look better. While I lost 150 pounds she has gained about 30, I think she is resentful. I think the thing is I went from being a couch potatoe who couldn't go out and do anything to being someone who wants to get out and DO things! I had no life for years and years. I was the one that sent cards to everyone, called and checked on people, voluntered to do things that weren't physical, because that was all my body could do, you know? Now I want to go tubing down the river, horseback riding, dancing, hike and camp! Anything that involves MOVEMENT! Well, thanks for listening. I sure hope everyone is well. Hugs, Susan 305/155

First off congratulations Susan on completing your PS, I'm jealous, j/k, but I sure can't wait til it's my turn . I still deal with some self confidence issues, it's a lot better but I still have to work on it. As for friends and/or acquantiences, I've only been in the situation once and I feel it is more jealousy than anything. I've been told I'm different, but I disagree, I still go out of my way to help others but I do allow time for ME also. We have to, our lives are changed and it's very important to take care of ourselves. Try not to let one bad apple spoil your success and happiness, you've been through alot and deserve try happiness....focus on that and enjoy yourself. Hugs, Dana

Susan, Your posting could not be any better timing for me! I agree that it is very difficult to actually realize where I am now and what I really look like these days. I feel wonderful too and have lost all my comorbitities too. I just had a friend tell me today that I have changed over the past six months. I don't see it or feel it. Yes, I am now more energetic and happier to be around. Is that a sin these days? Well, thanks for the posting again. It was exactly what I needed! Diana

How much weight did you lose through plastics? Lynne