I AM SO SORRY!!

Ok where do I begin??? I have a weight on my chest to get off, so I am just going to put it out there!! For those of you I have met personally, almost everyone!! To some I may have seemed standoffish or stuck up, but the truth is I am not, I am just so embarrassed by what I am abt to say. About 8 years ago, I was in a bad car accident and I had my 8 front teeth knocked out, 4 top 4 bottom, well I had partial dentures made and they are beautiful, well after my surgery in 12/04 I have not been able to wear them. They make me gag and puke!!! My dentist and I have tried everyting and nothing works. The only thing that will work is implants and unfortunately I dont have that kind of money right now and insurance wont cover them. So, what happens is that when I get in a group event, I want so bad to laugh and talk my butt off, get to know everyone. But, I know that I am so embarrassed that I dont have and front teeth, that I tend to hang only with my wonderful husband. It breaks his heart cuz he knows how bad it bothers me and there is nothing he can really do about it. You know everyone talks abt getting plastic surgery to be complete, but you know I would keep all the sagging skin and boobs forever, If i could just get the money to have my teeth fixed. Well, I just wanted to let everyone know that I am not a snob, just embarrassed. I cant believe I have put this out there. I mean it is not like it was a secret, cuz you can look at my face and see it, but for those that I really havent talked with just seen and maybe smiled and waived I just wanted to let all know, I love you all!!!! So, anyway I hope all has a wonderful day and weekend!! Love and hugs to all, Kelli

Oh Honey...you are a beautiful person inside and out. It is that beautiful heart you have on the inside that I love so much. Anyone who has met you personally knows what a beautiful lady you are and we all love you with or without teeth. They do not make a person...your beautiful heart makes Kelli who she is. To me, you are a very special lady and one of my bestest friends. I love you for you, not whether you have teeth or not. Makes no difference to me, Sweetie. I love you.. Hugs, Betsy

Thanks sweetie!! I knew I could count on you. You are just as sweet as a summer day is long. I miss you so much. Cant wait to see ya. I am hoping Jay and I can make it to the January event, but I am not sure. That is the same weekend as our 20th anniversry and We are planning on renewing our vows. A wedding ceremony and all, since we didnt have one the first time around and specially now that I can fit into and look good in a wedding gown. I will keep you informed though. Love and hugs, Kelli

Kelli, Teeth don't make the person - it is what is in your heart that does. Your heart is large and sweet. Those of us that didn't know your struggle now know. I hope that makes you more comfortable around us the next time we see you perhaps in January. For people that have been obese much of our lives, we lived with being judged based on our appearance. I'd like to think that we've all learned not to judge in the way we've been judged. You are beautiful as you are - physically and because of your heart. Kathy

Thanks for your support!! I am hoping to make it to the January event. The last 2 have been so great. Look forward to seeing you and Rich again. Love, Kelli

Kelli, I can feel your pain and please do not feel that we judge you in any way. We all have our issues after WLS and are used to other people judging us because of how obese we all were. Well this group is non judgemental because we hated being judged and so most of us do not judge other people on their appearance. It is what is inside that counts and you are a wonderful person. Please do not be shy around any of us. You did a wonderful thing for yourself when you lost all your weight - in time other issues, like teeth, will get dealt with. We are all here to support you and love you! I hope you feel better having got this off your chest and I hope people here can reassure you that it doesn't matter to us - you are part of our weight loss family and we will support you no matter what..... I hope you have a wonderful weekend and come to the January event so we can all say hi to you......... hugs, Jackie

Thanks Jackie!! I was glad to meet you at the conference. You are doing so great. I look forward to getting to know you better. Thanks for your wonderful response. Love and hugs, Kelli

Hey Kelli I am not sure if you remember me....we met at the Winter Conference. I don't post often and haven't had the chance to get to many gatherings...but I just had to respond to your post. When I went to the Conference, I was feeling a little out of place. Most people knew each other and seemed much more comfortable with their new PostOp lives. We struck up a conversation (outside smoking unfortunately) and immediately I felt at ease. We talked about our children, husbands, etc., and to be quite honest with you, I don't think I ever even noticed teeth. What I saw was a beautiful woman that made me feel glad to be there and someone that I wanted to know better. It always made me feel good to see your face whenever we crossed paths the rest of the weekend. Your kindness and personality glow from the inside out....and has nothing to do with the superficial things on the outside. I am sure it took a lot of courage to write this letter...but rest assured...your smile radiates to all of us...with or without the enamels. Take care and I look forward to seeing you again in the future. Hugs, Sue

Hey girl!! I sure do remember you. When had so many wonderful conversations at the January conference and you made me very comfortable also. You are a wonderful and kind person. I was so sad that you didnt make it to the June event, it was fun. I hope we make it to the January event and you too!! I so enjoy talking with you. You are a very nice person. With a very big heart. Thanks for all you said!! Talk with ya later!! Love, Kelli

Oh Kelli... I am so sorry you have to deal with this on a daily basis. Implants ARE so expensive. But car accident? Oh no... You are lucky to have a face and mouth !!! Sorry..that was ER nurse Dana to Kelli !! Hmmmmmmm..maybe you can sleep with a dentist????..hehehe..just kidding. Tell your husband not to beat me next time we are all out !! Can you get a bridge or is it too many teeth? That is probably the same as a partial? I wonder why it makes you gag now. But I can relate....Since surgery LOTS of things make me gag...hint hint ( now I can't believe I put THAT out there !!...lol) I thought it was because of the stricture thingy...but things just dont seem the same in the ol' mouth department . You need to feel good about yourself. Take out a loan, girl. You are worth it. Sheeeeeeesssssss..the way my leg skin is hanging, I will take out a second mortgage on my house if I need to. Poor Pete..he doesn't know what is in store yet. I am all about feeling good about yourself.. Well, we love you Kelli. As I tell my daughter with Vitiligo..which is a disease causing disfiguring pigment loss of the skin..that everyone has something to deal with. With some people it may not be as obvious as others but it is still there. Most people stare at her because they don't understand what it is...once they know, they tend to forget it is there. Okay...so now we all know you aren't an "At goal, snobby b*it*h"..hehehe I really don't think anyone thought that anyhow. I just thought your were shy !!! Thanks for sharing. I know that took alot. Love back at ya !!! Dana