Sad today

Today I went to a theme park with my brother, his girlfriend, and my sister.  The big question used to always be AM I GOING TO FIT? Now that isn't a problem, but my loose skin is. None of us took in our cameras or cell phones because we knew we would be getting wet, so when we did the log ride I told everyone to smile big and I would buy the picture if it was good. I had my hands raised up and when I saw the picture I almost burst into tears, it took everything in me not too. I looked like I had wings or something by how long the skin on my arms was hanging. It was horrifying. I've been really upset over my arms for a while now. Every summer this happens, but this summer has by far been the worst. In addition to being a teacher, I am a waitress at night. The uniform at the restaurant I work at has a pretty short sleeve, so I always wear a 3/4 or long sleeve shirt under it. Well that wasn't a problem until recently when it has been so hot. Sometimes I think I am going to die and I stick out like a sore thumb! All my co-workers comment and ask why I wear long sleeves when it is so hot. It's embarrassing! But I don't have a choice. It is only going to get worse as the summer goes on. I feel so trapped because I absolutely cannot afford plastic surgery, but I am sick of feeling like a freak who wears long sleeves all summer long. I have too much pride to let it all hang out like some. Grrross! Then later while we were waiting in line for another ride I saw a morbidly obese woman on a ride and the workers were all pushing to squeeze her in. It made me sick to my stomach and brought back many painful memories. That used to be me........ Thank God its not anymore. Even if I do have bat wings!

I can understand what you mean about your arms. Growing up, even though I was "normal" sized, I always had heavy upper arms. I never wore a tank top outside of the house, and always had to make sure my shirts had appropriate length sleeves if they were short so they covered most of my upper arm. Thankfully, the "skater" look was in style with my friends, so big baggy t-shirts saved my butt. I'm sorry you're having bad feelings about your body. I don't really have any advice, but I just wanted to offer my support. You definitely are not alone.

I, too, want to say that you definitely are not alone.  I am so self conscious about my arms, but am also at the point that it's too hot to wear the long shirts (southern Oklahoma/100+ degrees) so I just have to make the best of it.  Maybe someday I will be able to have a brachioplasty.  At least I've lost a lot of weight lol.

See? You were shown that bigger woman to remind you what you've done to yourself and how much better your body is for having done it. Don't sweat the small stuff, the big stuff is out of the way.

I like the way you think!  Thanks for opening my eyes again!

Ha Ha! I always try to find some kind of positive in every situation.  So how was the 4H stuff this weekend?

Awesome.  Although only seven kids came.... we had a great learning experience... those seven are now better equipped for the fair! I am now as red as a lobster! :)