Where we came from

So my husband recently sent me these two candid pics he took of me about 18 mos pre-op.  I was wearing a work smock and mixing something for some kind of artistic display.  

After getting over my initial feelings of shock and dismay regarding my very unflattering appearance, I was able to contemplate and appreciate how distant that time was in terms of what I've accomplished and where I am now. As we continue our thoughtful dialogue of continuous improvement, let us all celebrate how far we've come. 

Here here! While I may be feeling stuck in my moments of fatigue and worn down at the moment, I never, ever forget what it was like to weigh 80 pounds more than I currently do today. I feel almost as well and fit as I did when I was at my goal weight. To be perfectly honest, I know I am in better physical shape than I was three years ago and I am certainly far stronger than I was three years ago - even at goal weight. So, yeah, I celebrate along with you! 

Beautiful here too Linda!

I found it very hard to embrace my physical self at that size - quite honestly I still find it hard to understand this is a version of me who is also lovable and beautiful in a different way. Maybe this comes from being at a normal weight during childhood and adolescence, because I always viewed myself as a thin person trapped in a fat body. It's only now that from a physical perspective I feel like I'm 'the real me'.  Opposite to many people's perspective, I suspect. The flip side of the same coin?

Hey be proud that you have conquered a serious problem. Very few succeed at what you and the rest of us have done.   It ain't over until the fat lady sings but in my case I am expecting it to be a thin old lady.   diane

We have already accomplished much more than most people with this issue, so it's important we remember that. Especially when we are second guessing ourselves. We aren't perfect - never will be - but we are exceptional. 

You said it girlfriend. We are exceptional!

 Diane s