Daily Post--3/3/08

Well since it hasn't been that long ago that I was morbidly obese I don't find that I'm critical of those who are. I feel bad for them because I know what they are going through and how bad they feel. When I see them I wish I could go up to them and tell them what WLS has done for me, but I know it's not an option for everyone. I find that I'm definitely more sympathic than critical. I hope that I never completely forget how bad it feels to be morbidly obese. I think that will help me stay on the right track, even further out.

What a good topic! I am definitely not critical of MO people; in part of my mind & heart, I still AM one of them. I feel incredible compassion and, if I don't know them, I often wonder to myself what their "story" is. Like someone else already said, I sometimes try to compare what I THINK I looked like compared to what they look like. Looking at MO people now gives me an idea of what I looked like to others; before wls, I never could see myself objectively. No, I have definitely not forgotten.

I treat everyone the same as I did before my surgery but I do find myself thinking terrible things about people who eat like food is going out of style. When I see a heavy person eating so much, I just can't understand how they can do this to themselves. I don't say anything and I am sorry I think this way. Man, it wasn't that long ago that people probably looked at my food and my body in a negative way too.! But now I see what I was doing to myself and I am stunned to see others overeat and wonder why they don't see what they are doing. I know it is an addiction and it takes time and work! Jolene

I must admit that I have probably been critical of people even before I had surgery. I try to keep my thoughts positive now, I know how I feel if someone treats me bad. Vivienne

When I see someone who is morbidly obese and who seems either very unhealthy or very uncomfortable with their weight, I sometimes find myself wishing that I could tell that person what the surgery has done for me and encourage him or her to do it also. Of course, since these are strangers, I would never approach them and stick my nose in their business, but it makes me sad when I see others who are much like I was (unhealthy and uncomfortable in their bodies) and I can't help them the way I'd like to.

I have gained and lost so much weight in my lifetime, that I have empathy for the obese. I hope that I will always have that. I'm very open about my surgery and answer any questions that people ask me. Jules

We went out this past weekend with a few from the boards here. Hubby in his usual way when we got in the car said something jokingly about women who don't get out much I looked at him and said "When I was over 300lbs how much of a social butterfly was I? Do you think that some of the women had the same thing happening?" He looked at me and apologized... Said he hadn't ever thought of it that way before. I punched him I still find myself on my journey looking at others, not critically but in trying to see where I'm at. I still don't see a change after almost 80lbs. My mind never let me see myself over 300 either though so I'm now physically getting down to where my mind had me at all the time. Poor therapist just smiles and tells me to cover the mirrors for a month and look only at pictures. Lori M.

I have a sister in law that is 500+ pounds. She is such a beautiful person inside and out, but she has sleep apnea, can hardly walk, and breathes heavy while at rest. It scares me. She has a 6 Y/O boy that is 100+ pounds and is headed for disaster. He husband is at least 350. SHe lost weight before by counting calories and going to curves 7 days a week. SHe even has a belt panniculectomy and was so happy. SHe looked great. Now she gets sores on her legs that won't heal, she has to wear compression stockings that are special made. She said she has considered the surgery at one point, but doesn't want to eat four bites of food and have the ****s all the time. I told her I don't eat four bites of food and I don't spend my days in the bathroom. I pray for her. It's hard to talk about WOW moments and successes toher because I feel like I am gloating maybe, even when I am not meaning to. Katy

No I don't think I am. I just wish that this was available to everyone. If I were ever to win a LOTTERY.. That would be 1 of my goals.. to make this available to EVERYONE that desired it. Alice

I really try not to be critical of others,but I catch myself looking at someone who is over weight and thinking they could really use this surgery.I'm not being mean I just wish them to be as happy as I am.( but then who's to say they aren't happy).I have a close friend who is morbidly obese.I have talked to her about my surgery.She ask me for some information on the different types of wls.For everything I gave her she had a reason why she couldn't do it.She claims a Dr told her you couldn't have this surgery if you have acid reflux.Well I told her it cured my acid reflux,so she found something else that would stop her from having it done.She is not ready to do anything about her weight,and it has to come from her.My concern is she will not be able to walk in another year or sooner.She has so many health problems and most are due to her weight.I pray she will want help soon. Patti