When you finally meet somebody that's been in your shoes...

Do you get that huge sense of relief and sadness when you start talking with them?  Relief because there's somebody that finally GETS IT, and sadness because they've had to go through all the crap, too. 

I went to my first support group meeting on Saturday, and somebody mentioned something about not feeling ashamed about having the surgery. (trying to keep this vague enough, lol) I asked how she got to that point, how she got past the feeling like she should even BE ashamed, and somebody else answered with something that just resonated with me.  She was able to put into words, in front of my husband no less, things that I've been feeling for years.  She and I both ended up crying, and I wanted nothing more than to get up and give her a hug. I've never met this woman before in my life, but she was able to explain to my husband things that I've been trying to explain to him for years.  She GOT ME.  I'm so looking forward to our next support group, just so I can give her a hug and thank her.

I know EXACTLY what you mean.  I had that special someone too.  My support meetings are the greatest tool I have even a year later.  My special someone was at a meeting one night.  She had let channel 4 do a news story on her over a year ago and she was the one who inspired me.  I was finally able to tell her in front of the group what admiration I had for her and being my inspiration.  I ended up crying, she ended up crying and we both hugged at the end of the meeting.  People just DO NOT GET IT if they haven't been in our shoes!!!  I'm so glad you met your "somebody" and that she could tell the answer to your husband that he needed to hear.  We're all in this together and WE will WIN the battle of obesity!!!  I'm so proud of you!!!

You nailed it why I go to support group meetings and why I moderate one on line. "I got it" is the reason for doing what I do. I believe in "paying it forward". So if this person helped you then pass it on to next person who comes after you. It is a simple thing you can do and makes the world of difference to the next person. I can remember a certain person *****alized I know what she was going through..and now she is wanting to pay it forward also...Due to HEPA I can not reveal her name but she is a "MOM"
can ya figure out who it is..lol

I know, I know...I think I know....does she have baby chicks?? 

DING DING DING YOU WIN THE PRIZE...and that would be more of me

What can I say Pattye spoke to my heart when she laid it on the line at my very first support meeting a year before my surgery. And if I can Pay It Forward then I will be the blessed one. Besides I love her onaryness! She is blunt and some people  don't take that well but heck I grew up with a father who is exactly the same way!  Hmm Pattye are you a Leo?

Nope I am a aries..horny at best....LMAO..



Did I say that?

Wow y'all lost me (Pattye and Deb) LoL...  However, I know what y'all mean about support group being so important.  I've met so many people along the way who have touched my life.  I can't thank everyone enough for being part of my journey.  I've met so many wonderful people in both online and in-person support and it's just been amazing in helping me maintain after all these years.  *hugs to all*

~ Renae

Because I do everything backwards, I had to meet people who understood before I realized fully that people who haven't been there can never fully understand.  BUT, that made me feel better towards the people who don't understand-they weren't being idiots, they sincerely didn't understand....now if only THEY knew they didn't understand!

By George I got what you are saying ..if they knew the didnt know what they thought they knew then they would be right where we are now IN THE KNOW...

Sure have missed you!