MazadiB

I'm sorry my current weight is 150LBS!!

Hi ladies/Guys
I am 1 year and 8months post op Sleever and some how I have found this love to inspire others to do the same not saying the actual surgery but the WeightLoss part and building the self esteem of others. I am curious to see who would be interested in something like this ?
Here's a little about me I have always been a big girl but to be honest I never thought I was insecure , I always dressed up being in the fashion industry as I am for over ten years you have to look and act the part so I think I spent so much time acting that I never realized how un-happy I really was until I was 5'2 264 pounds , chronic asthmatic , sleep apnea , one step away from type 1 diabetes . Long story short I am now so happy and completely comfortable with my self inside and out and I'd like to help others with that ; inspire you as you can also inspire me Don't think that because I lost the weight that I am sitting here feeling perfect NO there are things I still deal with from day to day .

Pre-op, I was totally in the "it's nobody's business" camp. And truthfully, it's NOT anyone's business--it's mine, and I get to decide who does or doesn't know about it. At first, I was so worried about being judged harshly, and nervous about whether people close to me would be supportive, that I almost didn't tell anyone except my immediate family. My very best friend--who is like my "sister by choice"--wasn't told until after my surgery, because I knew her anxious nature would rub off on me. Despite it coming from true concern for my well-being, I just didn't want anything to distract me while I was pre-op.

Now that I'm headed to the 1 year mark (my surgery was in July of 2013), I find that I will tell anyone who'll stand still long enough to listen to me rave about how much I love my sleeve. When people at work noticed changes in my weight, they'd ask what I was doing, what was my secret...and although I could have just said "low carb, high Protein, more exercise" (all of which was true), I knew that the only reason I'd found out about gastric sleeve surgery was because a great friend told me about it. She'd had it, and went from 300+ pounds to a size 8. Without her honest and open nature, I'd still probably be overweight, getting fatter, and feeling miserable.

So. I came clean. I cringed and waited for the "ohhh, so you took the easy way out" looks and comments--but they never came. Instead, I became a sleeve ambassador, spreading the word to anybody who asked. I yap about my sleeve at the hair salon, at the grocery store, at GNC when I go to buy my weekly supply of Quest bars--anywhere, anytime.
Who knows? Maybe there's another morbidly obese person like the me of a year ago, feeling trapped and hopeless, who just might get interested enough to look into WLS because they heard it from me, or from their friend who heard it from me.

I don't give a hot jolly toss if anyone thinks I took a shortcut, I know better. That's all that matters--and there's no arguing with my results.

My sister had a gastric bypass done about ten years ago...and a few people here in my office had the sleeve just before me (that's how I knew it was covered)... I have been somewhat open about it... if I know you, I'll tell you...for strangers that know me from "sight" I keep it kind of general, like you did.
I know what you are saying about being ashamed that you had to have surgery for this... I get it...as do most of us...
But in my seminars, they talked about how it's genetic, etc., and that took off some of the stigma... also people are more informed about the surgeries than they were years ago... and anyone who thinks it's the "easy way out" needs to spend time in our shoes...
as far as telling people the truth that you told a "half-truth" to before... if they are your friends, they will understand that you felt awkward...or whatever term you want to use... about telling people...
in the end, it's all up to you....
but you've got this...congrats

First off, congratulations on your success!!! My surgery is scheduled for August 4 and I have told people that I am planning to do it. While, not the most "public" of a person, I don't mind sharing this piece of news. Most of the folks I've told have seen me struggle through my weight issues and many diet plans. I share with them that I didn't come to this decision lightly and feel that long term it is the best option for me.I figure this time they will get to witness my success. Now, I believe that we can't and shouldn't share with everybody (Negative Nellies and Badmouth Billies). That said, we can't control nor are we responsible for other's reactions and thoughts, if you find someone you want to share with and feel comfortable doing so, I say go for it. It can help someone to know your journey.