Hi everyone,

I'm new here, and have never been a part of any sort of online community like this. Just a quick idea of my story: I'll be 26 in July, and at 5'6", was 310 lbs when I had my surgery 5 years ago. I now weigh 167 lbs which is a huge, amazing, out-of-this-world difference of almost 150 lbs. I would still like to lose another 25 lbs or so, but I am still so thrilled with how far I've come so far.

All that said, I'm joining this group for a couple reasons. I'd love to help and give advice to anyone starting out on their weightloss journey, and I'd really like to get some support and advice of my own in regards to some issues I'm encountering as a result of mine.

I have always struggled with such low self esteem in relation to my weight. It's been a battle since I was 9 years old, and even after such a huge weightloss accomplishment, it's something that still runs my life. I now have a whole new set of issues to deal with. Mainly, the after-effects of losing so much weight. I feel like I have done irreversible damage to my body, and hate the way it looks now just as much as when I was morbidly obese. My embarrassment over the fact that I was ever as big as I was has impacted me so heavily (ha, pun) in so many areas of my life, and nobody can understand what I'm going through. I am terrified of dating, and definitely still see myself as grossly overweight. So here I am, I guess I just need to feel like I'm not the only one hitting these issues.

This post took a pretty glass-half-empty turn, which was is so out of character for me. I'm a super positive gal, I just feel a little lost. Thoughts?

Jes..

Come post in the Post-op area. You'll get more responses. Welcome to the board.

Ive lost 72 but have 50 to go and am now realizing that there will always be "evidence" that I was morbidly obese for over 30 years. It's depressing. Just know you aren't alone in feeling that way.

Jes Lynn, so proud of you! As you start reading the different post you will find your success at loosing so much weight isn't the norm - so pat yourself on the back. Now it's time to work on your self esteem! Go see a counselor for cognitive behavioral therapy! You've been through a lot in your life and you haven't even lived that long. Therapy is a great way to help you overcome some of your problems.....as for dating......once you meet someone that you feel comfortable with removing your clothes he will only see the beauty of you. I've been married for 26 years to a great guy - one who married me when I was a size 8 and still found me sexy at size 26 and STILL finds me sexy at size 10 - with all my saggy skin LOL!

Then, start investigating a way to get yourself tightened up........look at medical schools, newly practicing plastic surgeons.........you never know who mighr be willing to help a confident, successful young woman!

Good luck - I'd love to here about your journey!