I loves it, but have definately had some wild emotions at times. Lately, i have been feeling more normal, but occasionally have something happen that reminds me of this wild journey.

I have been going to the office alot and been asking for different/new work assignments. It is really helping me feel better - like I am getting my life back.

anyway, Friday I ran into a woman that I used to work with quite a bit - say 5 years ago. i saw her this summer, after I had lost probably 90-100# but I keep "reshaping". The LAST 20# I have lost have been more shocking to everyone then the first 100# somehow. I have lost about 140 now and I am a pretty solid size 10 now, and what I find surprising is that seems to be a huge leap from where I was even back in November when I was a solid size 12. I don't see much a of a difference but I am working out hard to and under that loose skin I am developing a pretty firm muscle base that probably makes a difference in appearance too. Anyway, I thought she was gonna have a break down. She has always been chunky, but she has really gained weight - don't know if that is what triggered it.

I saw her and stopped to say hello. She didn't recoginize me so I made a joke of it and we started talking about work stuff. She interupted me and said "I recognize your voice and your laugh, but my mind can't believe that is really you talking." I thought she might cry... seriously.... she was emotional and I acting kinda nutty actually. I gave her a hug, showed her my badge again trying to be funny about it but she never really recovered.

I got two things out of this encounter.

1. I am a lot more huggy then I used to be. I don't know why, never thought about it, but a few years ago I would not have been likely to hug someone that is a fairly insignificant aquaintance. I think I like this about the "new me" - I have always wanted to be a warmer person I just wasn't raised that way...lol. In general, people are friendlier to me now and I think alot of it is that I am friendlier as well.

2. I always thought people didn't get too wrapped up in how others look... I mean, seriously, who cares that much? I guess i was wrong.

I have been feeling pretty good about my body image lately so the encounter didn't upset me too much, but at weaker times, it might have. Losing this much weight in just over a year - it is a shock to the brain that is for sure.

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!

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)

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.

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!!

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.

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.