1 year, 2 months, and 1 day

A WOW moment:

It took exactly 1 year, 2 months and 1 day since WLS to be able to completely accept a compliment and respond with pride and truth.

Long story short, I went to a party and saw a lot of friends that I havent seen in a few years.  Needless to say, some didnt recognize me while others proceed to tell me how great I look. And my response folks.......................................

"Thank you. Thanks a lot. I've been working really hard."

And I'll tell ya, realizing that on the ride home and really thinking about it made me so F-ING PROUD of myself I could scream.  FINALLY! I am not faking the reply, I am not saying I'm happy when I wasnt, I am not feeling guilty, I am not ashamed, and I am not uncomfortable by the attention.  I am damn proud. Truely and genuinely..and it's unlike anything I've ever felt before.

P.S. - I have been working on this in therapy for the last year. I can't belive it actually happened. How exciting!

HEy congrats, that is a really big realization and step. Not having had the procedure yet (I am going to a seminar soon) I know what you mean. I am still living your old life with many issues and I cant wait for the day I can feel the same as you just described. I am glad your celebrating your get feeling! Enjoy the new you!
Paula

Way to go Jen!!  That's an awesome moment for you and for us to hear about!!  keep up the great work!

Pam

Good for you!  Isnt it amazing how hard it is to get your head around all this change.  I am only 6 months out and the compliments come hard and fast and all I usually say is thanks, I have got a long way to go.  Yet, they all say, Oh really, you want to lose more?  Well, yea, I didnt do the band to go half way!  I do feel differently with just 60lbs lost and yes, I think its such a small amount, yet my clothing tell me a totally different story.
So, in closing, its nice to see that someone did get their head around it and is truly an inspiration to those of us who still need to see the light at the end of the tunnel. 
Thank you for your amazing story, I will think of you every time I get the question in my head, am I really different?

That's an awesome reply and one I'll have to remember - its so hard for us to just accept a stinking compliment without adding 'but, I still have ___ to lose; my arms are flabby; etc., etc. I guess its all part of that self-acceptance goal and it looks like you've finally made it! Not sure when I will - maybe as I get closer to goal? But your answer was perfect and I'm glad it made you feel so good. You deserve all the compliments coming your way - you've worked hard for them - we all do. Now all we have to do is work harder at accepting them!! Kathy

Hey Jen,
I am sooooo proud a you!
Compliments AND Thank You's do go together!
Goodness takes time and your time as come.

Shauna wants you to know how wonderful it is to have this feeling, but also know that during the times that are not so great never feel that you're losing this feeling because you can always work and get it back.

You my dear are doin' GREAT!

Dennis
 

Awesome Jen!

The feeling had to be amazing! Keep up the good work of accepting those compliments with pride!

That is AWESOME Jen, good for you!!

You go, girl!!!!  That is fantabulous.  It's about time :)  And you deserve every compliment you get, because YOU HAVE WORKED your butt off.  Congrats!!!