I can totally relate to that Michael....I don't understand the why's or maybe I do, but won't talk about them. The problem is it is a real issue...Someday maybe it will change. I hope so for all of us you have issues with it. That is something we need to overcome.
Hugs Michael.
Sherry

Great post!

I love your new avatar photo! I would not have recognized you! Wow! :)

TYVM Mary. I hope one day to get to visit with many more of you!

Great, great post!  Can't believe I missed it since I lurk over there sometimes.  Thank you for sharing!

It's from Beth K.'s new group called "VSGrs with 150 or More to Go" (as in pounds), so you didn't miss it on the regular VSG forum board.

Michael,

I've been coming to terms with these very concepts while in the hospital.  I've realized that WE are just as deserving as the Paris Hiltons of the world.  We can be happy with ourselves.  Look at the sheer courage it took for us to admit our addiction and seek help for it.  If there are others out there that cannot be happy for us then we need to work on getting people who are happy for us.  That's what group is for.

Michael!!!  I"M PROUD OF YOU!!!!  YOU HAVE DONE WONDERFUL AND IT JUST GETS BETTER!!!

This is a rebirth for all of us!  How many people get to go back in time and change themselves to be a new person?  We do and it's worth every step and hardship on the way.  You never solve a problem by running away.  You face it and gain strength from it.

“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear... And when it is gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear is gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain."

Frank Herbert - Dune 

VERY WELL SAID WINNE!

Surely know that I love all of you.  You are the best group of people and my life is so much richer because of y'all.  I thank God for each of you.  Thanks MammaHen, thanks Winne (by the way I am glad you are doing better), OUCH Glitter -- my cheek is red (your the best), thanks Mary.   Just learning to say thanks, not giving a "yeah, but...",  and letting it go is a big step for me.  (Ahem, Glitter). I had to stay in OKC till today (Sunday) because my mom isn't any better.  We had a family get together Saturday, and had to just say thank you to the compliments -- SO hard.     BUT  years and years of a bad image is not going to change with a few pounds lost.  I have had it drilled in me for decades....  I was once on the verge of being a recluse in my home because of my self image.  Yes, I often feel disgust for myself, feel worthless, (especially now because I am out of work), and often secretly confused why I have been blessed with my family, etc, etc, etc.  Sorry, but that is just the way it is, so please don't cyber slap me or put a cyber smack down on me.  It is what it is, and it's not going to change over night.  I'm so sorry for the crappy post, but it's like 1 in the morning, I'm tired, feeling down because of the work thing, wanting to stay to help my mom and relieve some of the pressures from my sisters, but need and want to be home at the same time to help my wife.  Thanks for the vent.  Again, love y'all.  Michael