Do others make you feel like you will be a failure?

Oh yes, and the same people will usually lecture me on how I should eat, sometimes even before knowing what type of surgery I had.  

Lately, I've started saying things like "oh, stop being a rainmaker".  I no longer feel responsible for changing how anyone else thinks, and I've had MY surgery, so they aren't going to change me. 

If you stop and think about it, it's a little bit like telling a terminally ill person "Oh yes, you'll be dead soon"-and no one would think of saying that.

The most empowering thing about this surgery for me is that I have taken full charge and responsibility of my eating-I am not accountable to anyone but me.  (I never was, but I didn't seem to know that before).  One of the benefits of being a fully vested grown up is you don't have to entertain a lot of nonsense.  Weight is one of those medical things that people feel it's OK to talk about-and in my case, it's only OK if I want to let you.

 

After 7 years almost to the date, I can say I have NOT gained back the weight.  I have lived a very happy, healthy 7 years and wouldnt trade it for anything.  Well except to have never need RNY.  The people in my family that were supportive from the beginning still are, the others are amazed Ive kept off the weight but dont say much.  My husband who probably needed to surgery worse all along is having RNY on 4/20.  He has been very particular about who he tells because he doesnt want or need to hear the stories that everyone cant wait to tell.  At least for him, he can say look at my wife, she was successful!!  I am so excited for him to experience what I have.  There will always be doubters!!! Hang in there and proove them wrong.