ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE OTHER SIDE

Reenie, I'm trying to take the express train to the suburbs of the other side. Seems like I'm on a commuter though because I keep going back and forth with the same three pounds. That's OK, I'll get there. OK Reenie, stop beating yourself up. You can't move forward if you're busy kicking yourself. You may not be in a size 8 in the next 6 weeks, you may not be there in the next 6 months, but you will get there if you keep working at it. My surgeon told me not to expect to get to goal before I was 16 months out. I poo pooed her, after all, what does she know? She's only performed this surgery a couple of thousand times. I was sure I'd get there by the end of the year 2004 and if not, certainly by my anniversary. Well, it looks like she was right. I won't be at goal by my anniversary, but I will be there by my 16th month. This weekend I was thinking about you when I was working around the house. I was going up and down a ladder over and over as I took down the Christmas lights and painted the trim on my house. I could feel my thigh muscles moving and was able to go up and down with no strain. My legs felt powerful as I scurried up and down effortlessly. I looked down at my legs and could see the muscles moving under my pants. I thought about a post you wrote about feeling your body move and enjoying it. Remember that, enjoy the way you feel now. It's so much better than the way you felt a year ago. I came across a post from Caroline Martin on the main board. I don't know if you've come across her, but I was really inspired by her this weekend. http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/profile.phtml?N=M1101007562 She's lost way over 200 pounds and just had plastic surgery. She was brave enough to post her before pics on her ps profile. It was an eye opener for me and inspired me to get moving so I could get to where she is. I keep meaning to write to her and thank her for being brave enough to post her pics and story. OK, I'm done rambling. You're going to get there, Reenie. Be patient and be proud of how far you've come. Love ya, Connie

Dear Reenie: Have faith, follow the rules and you'll get there. I know that I would have been somewhat satisfied at a size 14 and 170 pounds and now I can hardly believe that I am a size 4/6 and weigh 131. I never thought that I could lose 100 pounds. Not only that but I recently had PS - eyes, face, brow and neck. So I not only feel 20 years younger, but look it too. I can tell you that at my current weight and size that my thighs look terrible - like the saggy baggy elephant. So for a bathing suit cover up I bought a couple of pair of gauzy type pants and look fine. My arms are not much better but I just wear 3/4 sleeves. I look great in clothes - not so great naked - but I am happy! Louise

i know exactly what you mean! i've lost 155 pounds and i still feel like i have soooo far to go. sometimes i think, "my god, how could i let myself get this way - to lose 155 pounds and still be THIS big???". i don't know that i'm ever going to have one of those beautiful, astounding "after" pics. i swear 140 of the pounds i've lost are in my butt and my boobs - can't for the life of me lose those chubby cheeks and tummy. i don't know - it's going to take a LOT of plastic surgery to get my poor flabby self back up to par. kym

Hey I know exactly what you are saying!!!!!! I want to shock the socks of all the people that thought of me as just the pretty but fat girl. Today I went with my husband to the doctor for him not me and she is the one who helped me file my paperwork to have the surgery. She did not even know who I was, she is just my family doctor so I havent seen here in a year, but I had to tell her who I was. That was great!!!!! I know it seems like we will never make our goal, but we can do it. I cant wait to learn how to post my pictures so if anyone can tell me how let me know. You look great Reenie!!! Rhen

i'm with ya on this one--- somehow i GAINED back the 5 pounds that i had been struggling with for about 3 months--and i have to tell you that it's a scary feeling.... i have about 45 to go and i feel like i am NEVER gonna get there-i mean, yes i feel healthier and i am so pleased and if i never lost another pound and all of that...but i want it NOW!!!!!!!! i watch all of these folks losing 100 pounds and wonder why it's taking me so long??????? my wedding ring is being held on by another ring of mine and they are both getting loose- the clothes are smaller but i just feel like i am still that "whale" that connie's date talked about....no i am not having image problems- i can see the differences--i just am so darned impatient wanting the goal now- i went yesterday to renew my driver's license- had gotten a fresh new haircut and thought i looked great- the picture that came outta their camera is about the worst--do i look like that???OMG..... and tomorrow is my birthday--so maybe i'll go wallow somewhere...... reenie-you are not alone is my point......

Hi to all of you "Marchers" and Happy Birthday Elizabeth! I too am frequently frustrated by a seeming lack of progress. What I try to do at those times is remember where I came from. I keep a pair of my largest jeans (56" waist) in a prominent place in my closet as a reminder. I don't ever plan to get rid of those jeans. They serve both as a reminder of how far I've progressed and a warning not to return to those dark days!! I'm trying very hard to be a "Glass is half- full" guy when my natural inclination is to be a "Glass is half- empty" guy. It's not easy, but I'm trying, and with the help of all of you good folks, I'll get "THERE" eventually! Mike