Acceptance... just my thoughts on the subject (LONG)

I know you have been subject to the negativity like the rest of us.... It hurts, but at least we have each other to come to on here to work it thru.

AMEN Sis'tah! What you said here is SO true. I have friends that have always been in the skinny women's club and they have made comments about how women talk about other women.  Fortunately, so far, they haven't turned on me (at least not right to me), and I am greatful for that! Oh, and by the way - you are BEAUTIFUL...in addition to healthy and happy!

I am grateful you have not experienced this.... but if you ever do... realize it is normal...

Thanks for sharing that Diane, I agree!  I am so grateful to have come across this message board and have been able to have the support of those who have had some of the same experience. I agree with the competition thing - and my counselor even said this in my session yesterday.  She compared it to two friends she knew that were social workers.  Well the one social worker decided to go back to college and further her degree and the one who didn't go on to college and continued to be a social worker started treating her differenty - being rude to her.  It's because of that competetiveness.  Same thing with the main girl in my office who gives me a hard time.  She's even said herself 'Now I'M the fat one in the office."  Apparently she was able to feel better about herself when I was the heavy one and she feels threatened.  It's too bad, because we have been friends the 3 years I've worked in this office.  We go on camping trips together every August (going again next month with another gal and her family in the office) and now she's being hurtful towards me.  They accuse us of changing, but sometimes I think THEY are the ones really changing.  I am still the same happy gal who comes in the office singing and clunking my heels and acting goofy.  I guess when I weighed 240, that was okay because that is what fat jolly people do.  But now that I'm "thin", that's just called "prancing".  (the word that was used to describe me).  It's just interesting to see how people react towards me now.  I am the same, but I guess its a head game with them as well just as much as it is with us.   ((((Hugs)))) Michelle

Wow...my words rank up there with a councilor... I am impressed!!!!

Human natures has always fascinated me... now that I have been on both sides, it fascinates me even more...

Good Morning,  I've mostly been a "lurker"...but felt that I wanted to comment... I am very excited to meet all of you, hopefully soon.  What a wonderful group that I have found in the MN OH'ers... successful, beautiful, and healthy women!!  I can't wait to be on the losers bench with each of you.   I know exactly what Diane is talking about, I do not know what it is like to be thin, I have been heavy my entire life...and as each of us know, it's not about "being thin" it's about being healthier, so we can enjoy every day of our lives with our families and friends, but those on the outside of WLS, cannot ever fully understand that. Some think "it's the easy way out"... how wrong they are.  I can already identify those in my life that will have issues with my decision once the changes are visible.  But at least I have some time to figure out how I will deal with them between now and surgery.  It's not about "being thin", it's about being healthy enough to see my niece grow up, be able to have my own children without risks, and being able to keep up with my cousin's kids... Thank you for reminding me to let hurtful and unnecessary comments slide off my back!!  I just wanted to also tell you about an awesome experience that I had recently... Linda and I met for coffee a couple weeks ago and just adore her after one meeting.  I know that she only wants to comment when asked, but I hope those that don't care for her, for whatever reason, would see the kindness, compassion, and passion behind her suggestions and comments.  She is a shining example of what this tool can do for you... I am so glad to have her as a mentor as I work my way to a surgery date!  

I understand the being over weight all your life... I have been also... My joke is I wasn't a size 10 when I was ten... but Now that I am fitting into some 10's.... it's amazing... it is also amazing how others look at us, and feel about us... the good and the bad....

Diane....what a wonderful post. You are right on with this one!! Hugs, connie d

Holy crap hot stuff!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you Linda Anne....I loves you!!!! Hugs, connie d