Oprah's Bestlife week - learning to love yourself

Did anyone watch Monday's episode?  I had recorded it so I finally was able to sit down last night and watch it.  I think it's been a long time since I've seen her be so open and honest.  A lot of what she said really hit home for me.  Learning to love ourself and making ourselves a priority is hard.  I think for me, when I decided to pursue an RNY that I put myself back on my priority list...I put me first and that was my first step to learning to love myself.  Since I had my RNY last year I've had no choice but to make myself and my health a priority...protein tracking, meal planning, exercising.  So I think she really hit on something.  I'm not convinced that everyone can lose weight and keep it off without a tool, and I hate that she is so opposed to WLS (IMO), but even for those of us with a "tool" this insight could expand our success. 

I wonder what has changed in this area of your lives as a result of WLS?  Have you learned to love yourself or are you finding that you're not such a high priority anymore? 

I too agree that she showed a lot of honesty and was pretty shocked when her trainer admitted that she probably used the thyroid problem as an excuse.  If I could spend an hour with her, I swear I think I could change her outlook on WLS. Oprah and I are the same age and I know what years of dieting can do to your metabolism.  That's fairly obvious since I had surgery and maintain my weight but only with my tool.  That's because my body no longer reacted like a normal person and I had to eat so much less to even lose weight much less maintain.

I think my severe low self esteem is the biggest block to learning to love myself.  It is all my mom asked me to do while on her death bed.  Maybe I can say I am better but it is the most difficult thing for me to do.  I know deep down I still don't believe I deserve to be loved but I'm trying.

I really wish Oprah would at least not act like WLS is a dirty word.  There is so much shame (especially in Hollywood). I have a sneaking suspicion that some of the stars that are pushing weight loss products really had WLS and are hiding behind product endorsement to cover the WLS.  Wynonna and Alli come to mind.  If WLS weren't considered shameful, it would be more in the open. 

It was many years of putting everyone else first so I don't think it happens overnight but I know that if we don't take care of ourselves, we certainly can't take care of anyone else.
Blessings, Y

I have definitely made myself a priority and it actually is getting a lot of negative attention from my family.  They are not used to me taking care of myself.  I have no trouble asking for what I need instead of just accepting what is offered.  I am hoping at some point they will jump on board but for now I will put up with the criticism in order to maintain my healthy lifestyle.  This is my life not theirs. 

Jenn

I truly believe that it isn't so much about you doing for yourself as it is the nature of the human spirit to fight against changing the "normal" way of things.  Just like my analogy of giving the fattest friend trophy away to someone that doesn't want it...people are uncomfortable with change.  Changing the dynamics of any group...friends or family...will almost always create friction because people like things to stay just like they were.  It's particularly crazy when everyone knows the change is for the best.  Sweetie, live you life.  It's all yours and if your life takes a turn, at least you know you were in the driver's seat.  I cannot live to please others because it never EVER works.  How well did it work for you before?  It made me morbidly obese and I got that way by pleasing others and not taking care of myself.  You are beautiful and I think you're doing exactly what your supposed to be doing.
Blessings, Y