Theatre Endeavors

Friday will mark the first time I will be on stage since my surgery. One of the things that motivated me to do something about my weight was seeing myself in videos of my performances. While I felt my acting was acceptable, I was always embarrassed by my weight such that I had a hard time watching myself.

It was the catalyst that made me really sit back and evaluate all the things that being obese was doing to me. It may sound like the only reason I had surgery was vanity, but it was more than that. Not only did I want to look good, but I wanted to feel good and have more energy. I wanted to be able to make it to the end of a song and dance number and not be completely out of breath. I wanted the aches and pains to go away. I wanted to not die early and leave my young wife a widow. But it was seeing myself on stage that made that all crystal clear.

So here I am, two and a half months from my surgery date and I am taking the stage again. I don't look perfect but I've come a long way and I have a long way yet to go.

Here's a shot of me taken over the weekend as Jack Manningham in Gaslight.

You are looking great. Great job.

Fyi: seeing a picture of me taken during New Year eve party was a catalyst for me to get RNY. I had it 4.5 months after the picture was taken. Before I saw the picture - I didn't think I was "that big".

This picture was taken at a flattering angle. If you see me from the sides, it's obvious I still have a ways to go.

And that was my problem. In the mirror, I didn't think I looked that bad. Add that to the fact that I'm tall and muscular and was able to carry the weight well, it's no wonder it took me a long time to come to the realization that I was bigger than I thought I was.

The old "I look good in a mirror but not in photos" trick.

It's like Body Dysmorphic Disorder but in reverse. I had it too!

But you do look good and that trend will continue even in profile

Break a leg!

As a comparison, here's me from July as Caiaphus in Jesus Christ Superstar.

Congrats on your successes so far.

That's awesome! keep up the great work. : )

You look younger already!!!

Great job so far!

I have a picture taken at a birthday party in November prior to my surgery... I had on this sweater and a pair of (wide leg) boots and I was so excited because when I looked in the mirror I thought I was so cute! When I saw the picture posted on FB, I remember feeling ill looking at myself. That was my turning point, I was already considering WLS, but that picture sealed the deal.

I totally understand seeing yourself in video/pictures really hits home sometimes!

I too found pictures of myself prior to WLS to be hugely motivating. I went to Cancun in September 2015 with DH and pictures were taken. I started my journey for WLS in October 2015 (after seeing how large I really was in the pictures - I too didn't see just how big I was in the mirror). Of course there was also the high BP, pre-diabetes, sleep apnea, etc.

You are looking great by the way!

U look really great congrats