How are you doing on the "emotional" side of being skinny?

[Butterthebean 8,146]

......

After that, I almost wanted to let her know that I understood... that I was her once upon a time, and still fight the same battle.

.....

This....I can't count how many times in the last few months I've wanted to just start talking to some overweight person and tell them I know how much pain they're in, that I know where they've been because I was there....and offer them the solution that helped me. I want to but I don't dare.

[Supersweetums 1,164]

This....I can't count how many times in the last few months I've wanted to just start talking to some overweight person and tell them I know how much pain they're in, that I know where they've been because I was there....and offer them the solution that helped me. I want to but I don't dare.

Me too. I just want to say...I wasn't born this way, I had surgery and have had to work hard. I want to help you, I want to tell you about my surgery. But I am the same, I wouldn't dare because I know what I would have felt like if someone came up to me and told me that. I knew I was fat, but I had always hoped that no one else noticed...as if they didn't!

[Puja 148]

Yes! I hated getting advice from people on how to lose weight - especially when it came from someone who had managed to lose weight. It somehow made me feel worse, and like more of a failure.

Of course when someone personally asks me, I open the gates and let the information flow! (Along with the support, of course)

[Lissa 2,631]

Puja and Aussiegirl, Those feelings are exactly why my weight loss journey is an open book. I offer up a copy of my "fat pictures" anytime someone asks me about my weight loss and I'm always happy to send someone here to read. I'm a walking testimonial to WLS, especially the sleeve! I've seen quite a few people who have started their own diet and exercise/WLS journey since I have had such amazing results and it humbles me to think that I might have had a small part in that. Two of my girlfriends are having surgery this month, one with the same group of doctors I used and the other in Mexico. I've received a few private messages on Facebook from people who tell me that I inspired them to start their own weight loss journey, or to get back into the gym. Those messages outweigh the sister in law who won't speak to me because my posts about my workouts, weight loss, or food goals offend her. BTW, one of the gals going for WLS was one who was mad at me for awhile because she said I had attitude. She's now picking my brain for info about the surgery. I'm glad to have her back in my life and thrilled that she's being proactive for her health.

[Puja 148]

Lissa, that's so wonderful!!! I initially became interested in surgery because an acquaintance of mine was open about her WLS on Facebook. It helped so much to be able to talk to her, and her openness helped me realize this was something to be proud of, not ashamed of. I'm much happier telling people about it, rather than keeping it a secret.

You are an inspiration!!

[Lissa 2,631]

Thanks, Puja, but have you looked in the mirror lately? If I remember correctly, you're the girl who did a liquid diet for MONTHS pre-op! I'm totally impressed by that.

[Puja 148]

Ahhh Lissa!! How do you remember these things?! I didn't do it pre-op, but had done it a few years ago, in attempts to lose weight.

Life with the sleeve is something else, though. I'm living a beautiful dream where I can eat like a normal person, look forward to my meals, and consider food as my friend rather than my enemy.

You were sleeved just before I was, and following your journey to health and happiness has been wonderful. I've just recently started posting again, but have always been lurking around and reading your updates.