ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE OTHER SIDE

Good morning, friends. I've been giving this a lot of thought lately, remembering in the beginning how we all grabbed onto that slogan, "see you on the other side" like it was some sort of life line. At least I did. I was desparate to come out of surgery, live through it, and begin the journey from the other side. Here we are, not just on the other side but LIVING our lives fully, passionately, new jobs, new loves, new clothes, dealing with old pains, old problems, some of us having to live through loss and death and dealing with it all differently -- because we can. I AM SO PROUD OF THIS GROUP AND SO THANKFUL FOR THE ROLE YOU EACH HAVE PLAYED IN MY NEW LIFE, ON THE OTHER SIDE. Here's the thing, though. I want to be on the OTHER side of the other side...I want to be one of those Before/After photos that cause people to gasp in utter disbelief because they can't believe it's the same person. I want to wear size 8s; I want my belly GONE, I want to run as fast as I can for as long as I can because I CAN...I've been at 175 for what seems to be eons now and this weight feels devestating to me...the belly flab and skin is just plain disgusting and keeps me from getting into smaller clothes. Anyway, do you know what I mean??? I WANT TO LIVE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE OTHER SIDE. I WANT TO GET TO A NORMAL WEIGHT AND STAY THERE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE. And I'm terrified it won't happen. Just wanted to share my musings. Thanks, as always, for being there. Love, Reenie

Me too Maureen. I feel the same way. ive been stuck in the 220s for like 3 months now!!! eegads! This CANT be it. 'sigh' I know it isnt but man its going to be really really hard for me now. Just a bit dissapointed I guess. I drank all my water yesterday and got in my exercise and ate right...but I know I wont loose. BUT I can always hope...so have to stop thinking negatively. Its hard not to. You are doing awesome Maureen! You are still loosing and under 200! wow! thats just so awesome! I am still considered severely obese 'sigh' which sucks because my height is 5'4. I started out at 334 so I am very thankful of what I have lost so far but I am with you in regards to getting the skin off and taking that sexy completely finished after picture. It will be really nice! We will get there eventually! Hang in there. Today is my birthday and I didn't meet my birthday goal but I will try harder to loose before this month is over. Hang in there we will get there!!! Elizabeth M

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELIZABETH!!!! I hope you drop 10 lbs today - what a wonderful birthday gift that would be huh? At least we are hanging out together there darlin' - I'm finally below the 220's but not by much and not without a lot of *****in' and moanin' being done in the process! Dina

Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!! I hope your day is sooo wonderful. Big hugs and lots of love, Connie

happy birthday to you happy birthday dear elizabeth happy birthday to you and keep up the good work you look great and thank god for wls

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY 'LIZBET!! I love your posts, you are always so interesting and kind and funny and just downright genuine in the way you express yourself and your feelings. Spend 5 minutes today just comparing this birthday to last year's. And then quietly congratulate yourself on a job well done. I am very proud of you! Love to you on your special day! Maureen

Yes! I'm tired of being "in the process" and just want to get on with it. I stalled for a couple months (well, not really stalled but only lost 4 lbs a month), so I've really been trying to step up the actual dieting and exercise so I can TRY to get below 200 by my anniversary date coming up all too soon! The scale did move again for me yesterday and I'm 215 right now, but I have to say that I would just be in 7th heaven if I could be 175. I know it's all relative, but I'm just weary. Most people my size are near or at goal by now, but I'm just eeking along. Sorry to make this a pity party.... Dina

Dina!!!!!!! I didn't recognize you! I was just thinking that I hadn't seen a post from you in a long time as I was looking at your picture and not recognizing you. You look WONDERFUL! Connie

Well thank you deary! I am going to keep the photo team really mad at me because I intend up updating it every time I think I look thinner in a photo! Can you imagine how many photos they have to process all the time? All the newbies and then all the oldbies who are constantly changing!!! I was thinking of volunteering to help them out but I am afraid I would get overwhelmed and want to run screaming the other way! Oh well, maybe I should offer anyway and see what goes. I don't have ENOUGH irons in the fire! Dina

Hi, Reenie and gang....I can relate to what you are saying, in a sense. I started at 247, now I'm 143, looking to be about 135, and I'm 5'6", so I'm almost at the end....and I'm terrified. What happens when I get to 135? I've been trying to lose weight all my life....it's a part of me. What happens when I don't need to lose weight anymore? What will be going on in my head? What will my body do? I believe that once I reach my goal weight, I'm going to schedule an appointment with a therapist. You...all of you...WILL GET THERE. You are all motivated, you have the proper tools and you know what to do. I realize some of you have more weight to lose, and I know you'll all do it. I think, sometimes, what I call "tweaking" is called for. Change your eating patterns. Eat more one day, less the next. If you have a 'staple' that's in your diet, switch it around. Do liquids for a day or 2. Try water loading 1/2 hour before eating, see if that makes a difference. Any time I felt like that, I talked to my surgeon, who always assured me it will come off. He was right. If you follow the rules, it will come off, guaranteed. Maybe I haven't said this yet, but I think you are a wonderful group of people. I look forward to getting on the message board every day and I've learned so much from all of you, and I continue to learn. We are all here for each other, and there is no down side to that! Ok, getting off my soap box and hopping in the shower now....have a great day, everyone!----Joan