Just a follow-up, went to see the surgeon today and sure enough I need to have my gall bladder removed and 2 hernias repaired. What scares me most is she said she would have to do open surgery on me. I will keep you posted once I have a surgery date. Also, I have finely put updated pics on my profile. Take Care Everyone, Danielle

MAZEL TOV !!!!!!

Well, it doesn't help that you were in Japan, surrounded by all of those slender, petite people! I lived for several years in Brazil, and was at my current weight and even 20 lbs lighter than this for a while, and was still always the fattest person around. People would constantly comment on how fat I was, even at my thinnest-ugh! I had to get custom-made bathing suits and dresses there, because nothing in the stores fit me. An American friend of mine came to stay with me for a year-she is a size 4-6 here and in Brazil could only squeeze into size XL clothes. Americans are just bigger than much of the world! I totally know how you feel about feeling like the fattest one around, although of course we aren't any more. One thing that helps is that my husband (of 4 days-it feels very weird to write that, LOL) sometimes outlines my hips or waist with his hands, then has me step away and look back, to show me exactly how much space I take up. I'm always surprised by how small I am now. I've tried to get him to show me people who are my size as they walk by, but he's too terrified he'll give the wrong answer, so that hasn't been very successful. Have you seen that show "How to Look Good Naked"? One exercise Carson has the women do is to stand or lie down against a big sheet of paper while a friend traces your outline. Then, you can see what size you really are. I know you're in a new city, so it might be hard to do that, but maybe you could take one of your more fitted outfits and trace it? Other than those ideas, I'm thinking that this is all normal and it takes a very long time to get used to our new selves. Hang in there! Oh, and men ARE attracted to you-you just aren't noticing because you aren't used to it. Men are always looking-it's what they do. And, you are very pretty and you dress in a feminine way, so you can be sure they are noticing. I was thinking the same thing about myself, but Tom told me that guys are always checking me out now! I couldn't believe it and thought he was joking, but he said that everywhere we go now I'm getting looks. Who knew?

Congratulations to the both of you - I am so happy for you. What great pictures of both of you!!! You both look so happy...and you are looking adorable. May you continue to have many years of happiness together! I know what you mean about the high heels. I'm able to wear 'em now myself without killing me or my feet. It took a bit to learn how to walk in them, but I can strut my stuff in them now. (dancing at your virtual reception) Marcia

Heather, u KNOW I was thinking this is a test for the rest of my life, I did not get to be 295 with out a emotional component added to this .. No doubt this will not be my last weight gain but it is how I HANDLE THE WEIGHT GAIN THAT WILL MAKE ME A WINNER. I did not wake up one morning and say u know I want to be morbid obese, was a Reason why I GOT TO BE 295 LBS.. I ate my way to 295 bite after bite. Lisa