QOD 5/18

Hi there guys, My question is....... How do you guys feel compared to this time last year? How is your self image of yourself changed? How do you friends and family feel about your changes? How do you personally feel about yourself now? How do I feel this year compared to last year. Well my feet are new. No more diabetic nueropathy. No more orthopedic shoes. Do I need to say more. My self image of myself is getting better. I went to Wallmart yesterday and headed right to regular sizes instead of going straight to Plus Sizes. My friends are supportive and family is also. I do get some negative vibes from my daughter but I dont focus on her. This is her personality. I am now beginning to feel great of myself. I was seeing the BIG GIRL in the mirror but....................she is getting smaller now when I look, Isn't that funny. But this is the way it was for a while. Everybody have a good day. Happy Tuesday to all LORRAINE

Hello At this time last year I had JUST scheduled my appt with the surgeon for a consult that was 6 mos out. I was about to go to my first support group and not quite sure if I really wanted this or not. I definitely have more motivation. On the inside I know my self esteem is changing for the better, because I am making better life choices. Now physically and sexually is a whole 'nother story. I knew how to feel sexy as a fat girl. Now I feel akward and out of touch with my body. My image in the mirror is not a reflection of the girl on the inside yet and I don't know if it's physically, mentally, or a combination of both. My friends and grandma are overly supportive... Sometimes they make a bigger fuss over me than I'd like. I appreciate that they notice and like to brag about my accomplishments, but sometimes it makes me feel like.... gee what was I BEFORE? I am thankful that they are not unsupportive though. I still do not regret it. I am not through and I am sure there are more good changes as well as hardships to come, but I think I am thankful for it all. I am growing as a person... and think I may have a chance to get to the real me yet.

G' Afternoon Decemberites.. I feel like I havent been on line in ages.. .... How do you guys feel compared to this time last year? much better in all areas of life, - moblilty, tolerating the heat and humidity better, tons more energy and I'm not dreading summer clothes shopping- the only thing I dont like about clothes shopping now is I feel like it's a waste of $$ cuz I know I'll need a smaller size so soon... How is your self image of yourself changed? self image I am struggling with... It's hard to let go of the me I used to be... How do your friends and family feel about your changes? very supportive, happy for me... How do you personally feel about yourself now? honestly- confused would be a good description.. it's like living with a new roommate, getting to know the new me... Elaine

Wow, this time last year? Who was that? My question is....... How do you guys feel compared to this time last year? This time last year, I had just broken my left humerus for the 2nd of 3 times last summer. All involved falls from my new horse that wouldn't have happened at my current weight. I was so upset with myself then, because I had this wonderful animal, and had put myself out of riding condition for another 8 weeks, just as the best part of summer was starting. This year, I am active, healthy, and spending most of my non-work, non-working out time in the saddle. Same horse, but when she pulls her antics, I just ride it out and giggle. I haven't felt this good in so many years - I really can't remember feeling this good. How is your self image of yourself changed? I don't think that my self-image has changed all that much. I was one of those big girls that refused to act my size. I kept trying to do the things I loved, riding, hiking, etc., just failing miserably at them. I guess I see myself as more competent now, as these things that could defeat me last year don't have a chance now! How do you friends and family feel about your changes? My friends all think it is great. My neighbor, a wonderful lady in her mid-seventies, was giving my husband a real hard time last night because she hasn't seen me around for a long time, just our 20 year old border. You should have seen her face when I came out and told her that our border had moved out in January and that "skinny girl" she kept seeing around the house was me! What can I say about family? My nephew thinks it's great. Wonderful kid. His mother, my sister, is opposed to WLS and battling her own weight. She's one of those people who don't see the "virtue" in losing weight with surgery. The heck with virtue - I just want to be healthy! On the other hand, the in-laws are great! Always supportive and complimentary. How odd is that, the in-laws being more supportive that the blood family? How do you personally feel about yourself now? I feel great about myself, and know that it's only going to get better. I'm off of all medications (although the ortho wanted me to be taking anti-imflamatory medication for my knee. Not with this tummy I'm not!), exercising and having the time of my life! Thanks for the great question,Deb

This time last year all a wanted to do was sit around the house and feel sorry for myself. Now I have planted a garden, on crutches no less!! The first time in my life that I am not depressed and I have a cast on my foot and have to sit back and take it easy. It is drving me crazy. I like working now and can't wait to get back to that either. There was so much in life that passed me by that I can't wait to catch up to. I just want to grab life with both hands and hold on for the ride of my life.

this time last year I was dreading having to come up out of those big clothes that hid me for summer things. Last yead I sufferred terribly frrom lupus induced arthrits. This year I am 83-lbs lighter and love showing off my new curves. My arthritis pain is under control now with just meds and aquatic aerobics. My self image has improved greatly. I buy clothes that I never would have bought when I was heavy. I am getting those smiles and looks from men and getting hit on again by them. All in all I feel very ladylike not the big blob of a woman that depressed me. My friends and family are very supportive they help keep me motivated to exercise and eat right. I run into some haters from co-workers at my job, but they dont count anyway they are just mad cause now they are the big girls at the offfice. Now with every pound I drop I feel better and better, a little more spring in my step I am only 17lbs from making the century club. I am 32lbs from my personal goal. starting weight 240lbs starting clothing size 22s current weight 157 current clothing size 10s surgens weight goal 130 personal weight goal 125 height 5ft 4

How do you guys feel compared to this time last year? Last year I was depressed. Surgery was made for Dec 9, 2002 however I was fired and the approval was retracted. Long story see my site for the input. So I was sleeping upset. How is your self image of yourself changed? I feel great I find myself wanting and doing more things. How do you friends and family feel about your changes? Everyone is shocked happy and couroise. My nieces cousin saw me the other day she is 6 and did a double take and said Maricha I did not recognize you!! It was so sweet toped off w/ a hug. How do you personally feel about yourself now I feel great Today I wore my boyrfiends t shirt xl it fit w/ room OMG this is really happening!!!

My question is....... How do you guys feel compared to this time last year? Last year I weighed 135 pounds more than I do today. I was just getting serious about having WLS surgery and was embarking on my "last attempt at dieting". How is your self image of yourself changed? Well, it varies. Sometimes, I feel much better and sometimes I still see a fat girl in the mirror and now I see skin issues looking back at me. How do you friends and family feel about your changes? Well, I went from being the biggest in my family to being close to the smallest already...even though I am at 201 right now. Obviously, my whole family is pretty much overweight/obese. Mot of my family and friends don't even ask me about the surgery. So, for the most part I don't harp on it. I know it just rubs salt in their wounds...but occasionally I have to be happy about my milestones and share with them. How do you personally feel about yourself now? I'm not sure yet. A lot of things are still changing and I'm in that in between stage of plus sizes vs. misses sizes. I'm pretty much a size 16 now, which can go either way, plus or misses. I'm never sure which clothes to look at. For now I am trying all the cheap things like ebay, clearance racks, sales and goodwill for clothing options. I look forward to being a steady size, but I am glad to still be losing and have a good chance of getting to my goal weight by my 1 yr anniversary or at least the year end.

~~I certainly was sensitive about my weight this time last year and really scared because the ankles were swelling and the BP was high. I knew I was eating too much, drinking too much coffee and losing control of my self -- that was depressing. I took control again last September when I decided that I wanted the surgery and then in December when I had the surgery. What a difference it has made in my life. ~~Occasionally, I still feel BIG although I know I'm not. It's weird! ~~ My family is still very supportive although I think my 17 year old is sensitive that "mom" can now wear her clothes.