A funny thing happened on the way to the gym.....

I left work on Thurs and headed over to the gym I just joined.  It's in Astoria, my old 'hood.  So I ran into a friend of mine on the way and stopped to talk.  I hadn't seen this woman for a few years, but I've known her for years; our kids went to bible school together (hers and mine are now in college and high school), swimming lessons, library sessions and just general neighborhood stuff.  So I'm talking to her asking her how her kids are, asking about some friends we have in common, etc.etc.  I'm kind of not feeling the love from her, but didn't think much about it because she can be standoffish at times.  So after 10 - 15 mins, I said ok, got to get to the gym, take care, bye. Friday afternoon, I get a phone call from this woman and she tells me that she is calling to apologize because all the time I was talking to her, she could not figure out who I was.  Apparently, I knew enough about her that she had to know me, but she could not place who I was until she went home and spoke to her daughter.  She said, "You look familiar, your eyes definitely looked familiar, but everything else was different!"  She told me that her mom had passed from Alzheimer's years ago and she was afraid she was having an Alzheimer's moment, which I felt bad about. Anyway, we talked a bit more and she told me how wonderful I looked and all, but it was a totally weird experience to actually have someone not know who I was. I am going to my cousin's baby shower tomorrow and I also haven't seen this side of the family for a long time so I am looking forward to it and also dreading it a bit because it does get a bit weird sometimes. Anyway, just sharing my story! Take care and have a wonderful weekend, Sue

That is a great story ...more proof - of how you've changed! Amazing!  have fun at the baby shower and enjoy the jawdropping stares!  hugs, Britt

Thank you, Britt! I am looking forward to seeing my cousins and other extended family.  I am sure I will get some comments and compliments! Take care, Sue

Loved the story!  Yes, I find that I look forward to going to social events now...I feel so much better about myself...Have a great weekend and enjoy the new you! Rosemary

Thank you, Rosemary! Social events are great now.  I feel I blend in so much better and I also just have more confidence in myself! Enjoy the weekend, too! Sue

That's funny - the poor woman must've thought she had lost her mind! Thank god she discovered it wasn't the case!! I know what you mean about the baby shower!! We just had a family reunion a couple of months ago & for many of my family it will be the last time they see the fat me!! I have only told my 2 closest cousins what I am up to but I am on the reunion committee so eventually they'll all know something is "amiss"!! We are currently planning our 10th annual reunion & it's going to be a special one so I can't wait to see them next year!!! By that time I imagine I'll be at least 7 months post-op!!! I am excited to see their reactions!!  You are doing amazing... keep up the great work!!! Good luck at the shower!! Knock 'em dead!!  Cece

Hi Cece, and thanks! I just read your profile, are you still scheduled for Oct?  It's definitely a truly wonderful tool. I, too, lost my father "young", he was 61 years old and died of a massive heart attack.  When I started my process, I was 46 and I kept coming back to the fact that he was only 15 years older than I was at that point.   I'm so excited for you - it's happening soon! Are any of your sibs coming to stay with you or vice versa? Take care, Sue

Sue, Yeah - I have had a lot of deaths in my life that maybe with better care they could have lived as long as they deserved (if you know what I mean). With my dad it was his heart (among other things) & my mom had breast cancer but also had complications from diabetes & well, my Aunt who died at 46 (or 47) if she had lost enough weight back then for them to do this surgery she might still be with us! They tried like the devil to help her but she just gave up in the end!! I can't change what happened but I can take those tragedies & take them as a sign to get my butt in gear & do something to make sure I am healthy & good lord willing live much longer than they did!!! Like my grandmother who 89-90!!! Yes, I am still scheduled for Oct & as long as nothing unexpected comes up next Friday when I go through all of my tests it's a go!!! My pcp is behind me a billion percent so no worries there!!  I am very excited & anxious to get to the next stage!! I do have a brother who is local who will be here for me & one of my sisters is planning on coming up from Boston to stay with me. So between them & all of my friends I should be well taken care of!! I can't wait!!!! Cece

Cece, I commend you for wanting to change your life around! It will be here before you know it and it really helps to have a support team around, like your sibs. Keep us up to date on what's going on and good luck with your journey! Sue

That's a great story, Sue! I do feel bad for that woman though. How awkward that must have been for her.