Perspective

Sometimes we get caught up with things in our life, that on reflection become bigger and take on a greater importance that perhaps they should do. Here is something that certainly made me think again and put things back into perspective: My sister is a high school teacher. Yesterday she told me of one of her students who is being agressively treated for a brain tumor. Then on top of that, the other day his mother had to come into the school to inform him that his father had just died suddenly and unexpectedly. I cannot begin to imagine what that family is going through right now. But I know that me being worried about not losing fast enough, or having sagging skin, or wrinkles, etc. etc. etc. is nothing compared to what other people are dealing with. I am not trying to belittle anything or any worries that we are going through on our WLS journey. But I do want to remember and remind others that we have made the best choice for our lives. No matter how hard this journey is, no matter what the 'side effects', we are gaining life.

Ruth, Yesterday when I was in the waiting room at my PCP, the TV station we were watching aired several commercials on weightloss surgery, mainly the lap band. The woman next to me started talking to her daughter about how the commercial was misleading and the surgery was very risky, etc. I thought about chiming in and sharing with her that a majority of us weigh the risk of the surgery against the risk we are taking with our lives every day by keeping the weight on. I wanted her to know it was about living, not about having a skinny booty (although this is a great side effect), but it was about being able to do everyday things without being winded and exhausted, and not having to taking a shopping cart full of medications on a daily basis. So I try to remind myself this is why I did this, and I try not to stress over the skin, but it amazes me how quickly one obsession (food) can be transferred to another (loose skin). I guess I should start telling myself every morning that I love myself just the way I am, loose skin and all. Diane

Absolutely. I so easily forget what life used to be like, and so easily get into stressing, (particularly over the numbers on the scale for me) rather than remember that I have reached my goal of being healthy. We should all take your advice and tell ourselves every morning that we love ourselves just as we are. Eventually, even if we don't actually love ourselves yet, this will slowly sink in and become a reality for us.

I got a call tonight about a former father in law that is being treated for parkinsons, and diabetes and whatnot. initially my first response was. take care of you before you can not do it anymore. many issues are self inflicted due to neglect, I am living proof. glad that I am living.

That's so very sad ..... Puts life into perspective.. My mother has Lupus and she gets up every day foes to work smile and keeps very active despite being in debilitating pain some days. She is also the one who told me about the surgery. Its not always easy but try to think of her and others who have it very hard...{especially when I am have a self-pity day} Thanks Ruth