Love Your relatives!!!!!!

Dineen, That would be like me talking about you last winter when I was wearing your old clothes. I am happy to say I may look old but I have passed them on too. Thanks!!! I found a new love for sweaters thanks to you and was dressed very well and warm. See you lighter. Joanne

Remember we all will get old and wrinkled...Their day will come soon enough! Smile and don't let them know it bothered you! Pooh to nonsupportive people! Debbie

Debbie, My feelings are the same !!!! How is Grammy doing? Debbie is well adjusted down here and doing good. Tell Tim Hi from us both !!!See you lighter. Joanne

Aunt Jo, Mom told me who you were referring too... and for 1) you dont look old for your age--you look GREAT [and that is said with all sincerity] and 2) this person looks incredibly old for HER age, still has a weight problem, as well as ..we'll say sexual issues. I know a lot of things that go on [now that I'm getting older, I can actually listen in on some things!]. And I'm not too fond of that person..especially after what happened a few years back with Alexus. I've lost all respect. And I know no matter what is said about you, to you, or even behind your back, you'll keep right on going with your head held high. I look up to you a lot, and I hope you realize how great you look! On top of how great you look, how great you FEEL..and how much farther you will make it in life.. and how much easier you can sleep at night, as opposed to your other siblings. I'm proud of you! I love you lots and lots! Vanessa

Vanessa, Thanks for all your kind words. I know how you feel is sincere. I hope all goes good for you with your visit with your mom at the Drs. I know it will work out in my heart for you are a good person with a kind heart. I think you know how I feel about you having surgery after all the comments and talks I have had. I just don't want you to waste all the years I did hiding in my prison of fat. As I told you with family history what is your chances to suceed at losing weight. Most importantly I want you to love yourself and keep your head up high and be proud of who you are. I feel now I am on probation in my new body. It is up to me now for I can eat anything and struggle everyday. My stomach may be fixed but I still have the same head. This is no easy way out !!!! This is a life long change. I have to say it really helps with others in the family following. Beleive me I will keep my head up high and be proud. This is one of the first things I have actually done for myself and I don't care who likes it or not. I finally can say I like myself and that is what is important to me. Love Ya always !!! See you lighter. Aunt Jo

Joanne, you look fabulous... My dad, who is about 400 lbs right now, said to me that it's good I'm loosing weight but too bad it's still in my rear... ya know what? I'm 200 lbs lighter than him... BITE ME! I'm the smallest person in my family now and have been asked by many (including my mom who wants my dad to have this done) about recovery and diet changes and if I thought they could do it, etc... It's sad to have to avoid family who is supposed to support you, but if you need to do it for your well being, do it. We'll all be here to support and love you! Hugs Rachel

Rachel , I know what you mean and beleive me I know I have to many supporters to worry about one relative. At least your Dad says it to your face. I give him credit there unlike my relative. Alot of people say stuff in a loving way. I'm sure this is what your Dad does. My body is far from perfect . After all I abused it since my teen years with fat. I don't exspect the body of a teen now but I do feel I can walk down the street and come out of my house without people talking. I like me and that's what counts to me. I feel the same : My cousin can bite me too !!!!!! See you lighter. Joanne

Hey Joanne, You know sometimes people can't be happy for us so they have to say ugly things behind our backs! I've been through the same thing with my mom because she said my face looks too skinny and I need to stop losing weight because she is worried about me. I told her that when I have reached my goal then I will stop losing and that as long as I feel healthy then I am okay with losing. I also told her she is used to seeing my fat round face and body but she needs to get used to the new slimmer me. I am still the same person inside but I have changed outside for the better. My mom has diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, renal failure (is going on dialysis anyday now), glaucoma and has lost two toes and all of these things are attributed to her obesity in past years. I saw myself headed in that direction and I am so glad that I had WLS because it has saved my life. So let those haters hate because you have a family of friends who have been where you are and understand that the shrinking face and sagging skin are all part of winning the battle of the bulge! We are definitely the victors in this battle so let them talk. I have never met you but I am sure that you look and feel so much better now. Take care and hope to meet you one day. Prycey Lady RNY 2/2/05 373/190????

Prycey, I really hope to meet you someday too. I read your profile and we have some of the same issues. Want to here something funny. My anniversary is June 17th. I have been married for 34 years. I love your look on life. Email me anytime. We will have to get together and meet. See you lighter. Joanne