Feeling accepted?? OH Events

Most of you know I've been to a couple of the Obesityhelp events and one of the things I've noticed on the message boards is a fear of not being accepted. More so with the pre-ops. I think most of us have this fear and even after losing the weight we still have this fear. I know I do, BUT I will say this. The first time I went to a local support group, I couldn't believe it. I didn't feel like everyone was looking at me in a bad light, the members were so helpful and accepting. I felt like for once in a long time I was among friends. I went to my first support meeting at over 600 pounds and in a wheelchair. This was very hard for me to do, but I needed the support! So my whole point is this, if you don't make that first step how will you know what a support group is like or what an OH event is like? Make that first step. I promised you it will change your life, it will give you a good feeling when you leave and most important you will make memories that will last a lifetime. Each time I go to an Obesityhelp event I learn new things, and most important I meet more people going through or have been where I once was. So I challenge all of you to make that first step. I did at over 600 pounds and I know you can too. If you are thinking about going to Orlando (or any OH events near you) and you fear being alone, you won't be. We are all making this journey together. Amy

Thanks for the motivation Amy!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to go! I need support and I can also give support. I love meeting new people and to see the people we have been talking to is also wonderful. I have a very negative boss at work. She is a size 4 and is always dieting to get to a size 2. She even wears a girdle to get smaller. Needless to say she has issues. Before I had the surgery she was very negative and would only tell me of the death rate of the surgery. (we are the administrative staff for a 40 physician practice company and my surgeon was one of the physicians). When I asked for the Friday before off she asked "What for?". I told her it was for a WLS convention. She said what do you need to go for. You don't need support you are fine now. I told her I will always need support, motivation and friends. So needless to say, I will see you all there in Orlando. Hugs, Christine 307/170/150 p.s. I am currently interveiwing for a new job..........lol. I can't wait to resign.

It will be nice to meet you there. Our surgery dates are really close. I hope you are doing well. How did the new job come along? Amy

Hey Amy, I can't wait to meet you in Orlando. I am still trying for a new job. I went on 3 interveiws with one company and now they want to do a Video conference because the home office is in Salt Lake City. They are planning to do that next week. I will let you know what happens but keep your fingers crossed. See you soon! Christine

Wow, Amy ! How did you know what I was thinking? I have been secretly worrying all week that I will be invisible in Orlando and have no one to talk to. In my heart I know that is really silly since you have all been pre op in the past but my head keeps playing these fat person tricks on me ! I took my paranoia so far that I even told my husband this morning that maybe I should cancel. He encouraged me to go and enjoy meeting all of you that I have been reading about for months. Thanks for the post, Amy. I'll be there. Since none of you know what I look like (alas no photo) I'll be there with bells on ~ Laurie I

Laurie--I'll look forward to meeting you--I'll be listening for the bells. None of us know eachother so we're all in the same boat. Are you going to be in Orlando on Friday night? Would love to have you join us if you can make it. Check out the thread at/near the top of the FL board. Come on up and introduce yourself. I promise I won't ignore you.

Hey Laurie, If you see me give me a shout please... Don't be shy. I know how it is to be shy. I'm very shy in person. Amy

Well Amy thank you for the motivation, and I wish I could go. My grandmother-in-law lives in Orlando but I just can't get the money together to attend. But I will promise that the next time there is a meeting like this I will go. I hope everyone has a great time and makes new friends. This site is just the BEST!!! Love Ya, Jenn

I'm so happy to hear how wonderful everyone seems to be. I was nervous as I am a pre-op person and I must admit I was wondering to myself...."will I be the only one who is still so big?" hahaha....guess I was being silly and now I am feeling so good about the event! I too was afraid of big groups who already knew each other and I would feel left out....now I'm excited and can't wait to meet so many people who understand the struggles of life as an obese person. See you all there!! Diane

Diane--Look forward to meeting you in Orlando. None of us know eachother.