I just had to come on here and share how happy I was when I left my monthly support meeting last night. They have them every first Tuesday of the month. This month we had three people come and talk with us about their journey and experiences with the sleeve surgery. It was three men in three different phases of their journey. It was so nice that I was able to take something away from each speaker. I also choked back tears a few times, but they were good tears.

Each one hit on something that pertained to me in one way or another, but the main thing I took away and I going to try and hold on to is what the one gentleman said is to....."Take pride in yourself, be proud of you!" This really hit home and I know he saw that. The last guy that talked noticed it too and hit on it also.

I am sure like so many others while I was overweight I just wanted to be covered up neatly and blend in. Never liked to stand out, I was definitely not one of those overweight women who could dress how they want and rock it. Which is weird because I am not shy at all. LOL Well last night my family went out to dinner for the first time since my surgery. My daughter had talked me into buying two pair of jeans (I never wear jeans, only capris because I am only 5'3" and I could never find comfortable jeans that fit, thank goodness I live in AZ and could get away with that), She said they looked so good on me, but of course could I believe her, no. My husband really liked them on, could I believe that, nope. I wore a pair to work and got compliments, again nope they are just being nice. So last night when we headed out I had on three things I have not worn in over 15yrs, a pair of skinny jeans (jeggings actually and they are soooo comfy) tall black boots, a black top and cute scarf. Now I felt good but did I believe I should be wearing that, nope!! I said maybe I should wait till I lose 20-30 more lbs?? But I wore it. Out to dinner and then onto my meeting,

After hearing the guys speak I walked out of the meeting with my head held high and smiling. I felt good and I BELIEVED I looked good!! One of the speakers actually said to me in front of the whole room, that I was beautiful and looked good and I should not question myself so much. That was one time I almost cried with tears of joy.

Sorry this is so long but I have been pretty positive since about week 2 post op that I can do this and I will do this, but last night just pushed me over the edge and I am super positive I got this!! Support is a great thing and it saddens me when I see so many that don't have it. I am very lucky with my family and friends and now my monthly support group.

I am attaching a pic of me from last night (hopefully it works never attached a pic before) that my daughter took so I could send to my mom who is in NY. I am not posting it for kudos but I am posting it because before last night I would have NEVER put myself out there. You know how you pick apart pics of yourself? I am going to try and not do that anymore. I only 6 1/2 weeks post op, down 40lbs but I feel good!!!!

Here's to anyone struggling, waiting for surgery or doing good with the process.......TAKE PRIDE IN YOURSELF, YOU MATTER AND YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!

Love the outfit!! And 40 lbs is awesome. I have such a hard time finding boots to fit over my bulky calves that I have to get the extra wide ones. But I have a few and I'll be wearing a pair

tonight. I am going to HH with girlfriends so a prawn appetizer and Water for me.

~LA