WHO'S THAT IN THE PICTURE?

My daughter was looking through some photo books at my mother-in-law's house. It was a family member's wedding from 2 years ago. She saw her dad and then saw another woman in a large print dress with swollen feet facing the other way and she asked her dad "is this Mom?" He just nodded his head that it was and she just couldn't believe how large I was then. Now that she's getting used to seeing me thinner she can't see the the other way. My daughter is 20 and had never seen me thin in her life. To tell you the truth I knew she never would before I had my surgery. Even I was shocked by the picture. Anyone else have a story about someone not recognizing you? Alice From Dallas 11/10/04 285/183/175

When I went to visit my brother's home last month, 1st visit since WLS, my nephew (age 6) answered the door asked me "Who are you?" I told him it was me, Aunt Sue, but I don't think he quite believed me. He went and got my sister-in-law to open the door.

That's a great story SuZQ! Isn't it funny? I guess when we don't recognize ourselves we shouldn't be surprised when others don't. But I still get surprised. Thanks for sharing. xoxo Alice From Dallas 11/10/04 285/183/175

Hi Alice, It happened to me a few times so far. Once at my office, the landlord was there and he hasn't seen me in over a year. He walked right passed me twice. I thought, "How rude" until I called him by his name and spoke to him. He did a double take and said "Angel? OMG you lost so much weight" So that would explain why he walked passed me twice. He didn't know it was me. Then the 2nd time it happened was at the race track. Some guy I've know for almost 20 yrs told me that he didn't recognize me the week before. I said I didn't understand because he had waved to me. He said "yeah, to be polite. I didn't know who you were until I saw you walking with Charlie" So that felt good. It's funny how I forget that I look different. I see from the inside out, so I forget until I see the other person's reaction. God bless, ~Angel 255/222/144/118

Isn't it funny Angel when we get reinforcement from others that yes I really did lose weight. It's not my imagination or I'm not asleep. Keep up the good (GREAT) work. You look fabulous. Alice From Dallas 11/10/04 285/183/175

Why thank you very much Alice. It's nice to know that we are all in this together. Keep up the great work also. You are doing wonderful! ~Angel 255/222/144/118

I don't live near my dad and the last time he saw me was a month before surgery. Last month I went down to CA for my brother's wedding and my dad was picking me up at the airport. He was to meet me outside the baggage claim. Well, I had really, really long hair last time we met and I chopped it off above my shoulders and I never told him (he he). (Any time I cut my hair when I lived with him, he'd NEVER notice!). He didn't recognize me and I had to flag him down! With the loss of weight and hair I've been told that I look '10 years younger'. When I asked him if he recognized me he said hesitantly 'of course.. but it took a minute..' Ha ha! Got-him! (We play jokes on each other). Jennifer

Now that is miraculous when your own dad doesn't recognize you. You must be so proud. That's great that your dad got to see you looking your best. I'd give almost anything if my dad had lived to see me. You take care of yourself and remember that while it is great for others to think well of us, it's so much more important for our own self esteem. Take care Jennifer. xoxo Alice From Dallas 11/10/04 285/183/175

When we were in Fl in April for a really good friends wedding, we were meeting at the ESPN club for dinner. Well everyone arrived before me, including my son. They were all waiting outside as I was walking down the Boardwalk. My friends, who I hadn't seen since pre-op in November kept asking my son "Where is your Mom?" He pointed and said here she comes. He told me they just kept asking where? where? When I finally strolled up their faces nearly hit the floor. I was 98lbs down and only 1 person even recognized me from more than 10 feet away. It felt GREAT! I am seeing them in anotther month in Disneyland and am down another 22lbs so far, can't wait to see faces again. It really keeps you from getting discouraged by plateaus and stalls. 347/321/202/?

Isn't it awesome? That has happened to me at work several times. I work where I can go 5 weeks or so without seeing some people. I love it! blessings, patti