help

Hi Cindy, I think I know how you are feeling ... I go through some similar things. I feel so different, and yet like the same old fattie. I do sometimes think that when we are very obese, we self-absorb into our own little world, for self protection, as much as anything else. We tell ourselves not to EXPECT kind words, positive attention, things like that. I stayed in that little private world for many, many years. Then when we suddenly start getting a lot of public scrutiny and attention, it is hard to know what to say, how to act. It's embarrassing, awkward, and we are afraid to drink it all in, don't even know if we should! But at the core, in your heart of hearts, YOU are still YOU. The same values, the same love, the same happiness and hurt, the same faith, the same memories, the same self. It's kind of like being thrust back into our teenage years again. We have to re-examine life, re-decide how we want to be or how we want to change, even re-affirm our relationships with others. A little overwhelming. Even though our bodies are changing quickly, we have to pace ourselves as far as making life-changing decisions. Remember that you don't have to do it all in one day, one week, or even one year. I think the idea of a therapist is good, and would certainly see one in a heartbeat. Right now am feeling pretty "stable" but have had my moments. Sending you love and good wishes, Kitty B. RNY 12/13/04 Then 251 / Now 173 /Hope to be 145