"I Choose"

Wow, even three years later you get those comments? I was kind of hoping this was just the initial "you are now a freak show" phase. I guess I'd better get used to dealing with it then! Vi

Oh initially they gawk in amazement commenting on OH MY how will youever live on that small amount of food? That can't be healthy? Your losing wt too fast, u need to eat more, more often? To then, wow u can eat more, is thatok? To waiting for the moment you break the rules to see there I knew u couldnt do this. To waiting w/ baited breath for you to sigh regain and FAIL! WELL it is all good, the spotlight is just fine, I use their negative energy to THRIVE and succeed I WILL NOT give them the satisfaction of being right! LOL No realy I avoid those exact people , but peole watch, I know what they think, even if they dont say it...I think to my first thanksgiving I had 1 bite turky, 1 bite mashed taters, 1 bite squash w/o sugar in it. I was stuffed but so so satisfied, now I can eat 4 oz turkey, gravy, 1/4c mashed taters, 1/4 cup squash and 1/4c stuffing if I choose and probably then some.. Choices it is all choices. So I guess yeah if u want to cal lif freak show ok I say it is a good tool to stay on track! (I am not paranoid but just thought of this..think they r watching!) LOL Jamie

You are too funny, I bet they ARE WATCHING, DAMN THEM!! Vi

Hi Vi, I love that poem! I have been finding lately that as I begin this journey which requires me to address my own dysfunction, I have become increasingly intolerant of the dysfunction in others! It's not dysfunction actually that bothers me, it's chosing to ignore it, deny it, blame others for one's own bad choices, and especially self pity. We are not victims. We make choices and each choice has a consequence. People who live in a state of victimization about their own choices while discouraging others from making their own choices are my personal nemesis! I'm going to cut and copy and print that poem and put it on my fridge! Congratulations to you in handling a very stressful situation with grace and for finding a poem that reinforces your right to personal choice!!! Yahoo! Amy

Hi Amy, It interesting that you said that, I find myself becoming intolerant of the same things. Glad you liked the poem too! It's short and right to the point and I've loved it since I first read it a few years ago when I was a TOPS member! Vi

Great attitude! Heck sometimes I have brought home doggie bags that made excellent second meals! I still do!

Thanks!

Hi Vi, sorry I'm posting so late to your original post. I had my first steak and potatoes on Christmas Eve at a french restaurant no less! It was delicious but I only ate about an inch square of the meat and that took me over 30 minutes. The potatoes were excellent. Fortunately for me, I had my brother and his partner and my sister there. We do this every Christmas eve. I told my brother and friend about my surgery, they were amazed and very supportive; my sister had already known. What comments were made to you are exactly the type I try to avoid. I've not told anyone at work except for two friends whom I can trust. Otherwise, it's no one's business. Keep up the positive attitude and don't let the buggers bother you. Poor attitudes come with poor self esteem. They must live very sad lives. You, on the other hand, are an inspiration...I really enjoy your posts. Take care. LindaM

Aww, thanks so much for saying that, you have no idea how good that makes me feel. BIG HUGS, Vi

Hi Vi, I still get stares all the time when I eat around others. They watch me put the food in my mouth and chew like they are waiting for staples to burst and come flying out of me. It is annoying but what can you do? I just smile back and say "boo". It just a mixture of curiosity and ignorance. We have gone from one stigma(being M.O.) to another stigma(thin post-op WLS patient), let alone in a short amount of time. It just takes some getting used to before it just rolls off your back. Soon people are going to tell you are you way too thin and need to stop losing weight. On New Years, one of my husbands "friends" said I look liked a "crackhead" b/c I'm so thin. Wonderful, right? This is while he proceeded to eat everything that was not glued down and drank god knows how many beers...and I'm the unhealthy one. Anyway, take care and don't stress about it too much. Tavia