Amazed

Hey Gang! I am only 12 pounds away from onderland. Ohhh what a wonderful place I am heading. My top half is about a 18 but I have to buy 22s due to my bottom part (hernia girl, remember]. I sure hope this tool keeps on working for me.  I am one happy camper. My GP is going to help me track breakouts under my tummy flap so Maybe when I have my hernia surgery I can have excess skin removed. I know this is a long time off but I like to plan ahead. I have still got one major problem......when I see people which have weight problems......I have to force myself to not approach them, and tell them, of this life changing operation. I want to help them sooooo bad.  I know "Myrtis, mind your own bussiness!"  Good luck to all just beginning and to all progressing along like me. And Congratulations to all of you who have made it to goal.   Myrtis

Myrtis,

You are doing such a fantastic job! Congratulations on all of the weight you have lost. I know that you will continue to succeed.

I think it's great that your PCP is working with you to document any skin issues that you might have. I'm sure that it will help when it's time to take care of the hernias and panni. With the hot weather coming and you riding shotgun on the tractor I imagine you'll be able to document plenty ... LOL.

One of the things you might do is carry before photos of yourself. I that if people see mine the discussion often naturally moves to WLS because I get asked how I lost all of the weight. I happened to me 3 times just today.

Wishing you continued success,

Barb

Good idea about the photo. I will try that but I want to go up to strangers  and help them. I try to get it out about my wls but can't always get an excuse to talk to people. But my brain is click'en. Myrtis

Myrtis,

I know you're excited about your successes and you should be. You've worked hard to get where you are.

I would ask you not to appproach people (especially strangers) to suggest they have wls. Wls is an extremely personal decision and pointing out the obvious ("Hey, I think you're fat." is what you are essentiallly saying.) is cruel. In the case of strangers, you don't know their medical/personal history. They may not be a candidate for wls.

Recently, there's been a ton of media coverage about wls. It seem like everywhere I turn there's a talk show, news report or TV show (Big Medicine) about wls. So, the info is out there.

Interestingly enough, on Rachel Ray (a cooking show, no less!!) there was a woman who was post-gastric bypass and seeking help because she has pushed all her friends (especially the overweight ones) and mother away!! Apparently, she was so focused on her successes that she forgot to "give a darn" about anyone else in her life. The psychologist helped her realize that her constant weight/size updates, the "Oh, you should do this, too's!!" and other comments were very hurtful.

Sure, I think it's wonderful if you'd like to keep some before pics with you and show them to people who ask you about how you were able to lose the weight. But, I'd caution you against appoaching just anyone with the "You're fat." message. They might just shoot the messenger!!

Kelly

PS: I know you would never go up to anyone and say "You're fat." I just wanted you to see how they will probably take your comments.

(Edited for grammar and spelling errors.)

I saw that show and I vowed not to hurt peple like that lady did unintentionally. You are absolutley correct. I would never approach anyone about weightloss surgery. I hope I was not missunderstood. But if someone will ask me about it I love to tell. I might as well have wls tatoed on my forhead cause I am totally open, that I had this surgery. I would never suggest to anyone to have wls but I am a glowing chunk of pride to have had it. But when I do see people like me.... I feel for them and wish I could help but i only talk to those that ask for info. So I have never appoached anyone only wished I could. Thanks Myrtis

I know what you mean, Myrtis!  It is so hard not to approach folks and "witness" about the surgery.  I still have to bite my tongue and I know that I always will.  Unless they mention it first, of course...then it's fair game! 

Hi Myrtis, CONGRATULATIONS look at you go down down. I totally understand what you mean about seing others who are morbidly obese and wanting to share what we have done. One thing I try to keep in mind is you have got to want wls more than you have ever wanted anything else in your life. You have also got to accept eatting will never be the same again. Like you and I we were willing to take the chance and oh my look at the benefits we are reaping. My desire is to somehow touch SMO people with my own story and let them know there is hope for them and there is a new and better life if they make the choice.                                                 Annie

I wish everyone that needs this could have it. But many don't have insurance or the ability to self-pay. And others have other things that get in the way. I have also found that there are a lot of people out there that have a mindset that this is not the best or right way to get to a healthier weight. So unless someone asks me what I think I feel it best to not pu**** on anyone because it could be hurtful especially if that is what they want to do and are not able too for whatever reason.

I love you HG and I'm soooo proud of you. You just keep on doing what you're doing and they will all be begging to know how you did it. As for the pant size...is my hernia the reason my tummy doesn't look like it's shrinking even thought the tape measure says so??? It's all "out front and jiggly." LOL Bought a "sucky-in" undergarment yesterday. *sigh* xoxo Mare

Myrtis, I wanted to add something I have been thinking about since I saw your post. Personally I belive that when we as humans experince something that is life altering weather it be good or bad we like to share the events with others. If I could climb to the top of the highest mountain and shout YES I HAD WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY I would do it!!!! For me I like to share my story always in hopes of touching someone else. To have wls is a personal choice and yes having the means to be able to do it is a big factor. I am hoping that in the future wls will become something as simple as having your tonsils out and hope that the cost will be doable for any and all people who want to have the surgery. For now if asked I will glady share my journey with others who ask.                                      Annie Anniep59>>>>>>>>>>stepping off her soap box