My Niece and her fiance announced their engagement a year ago this month. At the time, I had only been to one diet visit with the clinic I went to for surgery and I was still debating if I wanted to have the procedure done. A month after their announcement, she asked me to be her maid of honor. But inside I was already dreading it. At that time, I had maybe 2 outfits that fit correctly and was always uncomfortable. I knew I was going to have a struggle trying to find a dress that fit and that I could afford. I was already thinking of how fat I was going to look in the pictures....I felt like I would ruin them. I never said it out loud, but I was certain she would regret asking me to do it due to my size.

That is very mean and shallow thinking on my part. I know my niece loves me regardless of my size. But that is the way I thought of myself at the time. I hated looking in the mirror. I hated having my picture taken. I flat out didn't like looking at myself. Being part of the wedding didn't make the decision to have the surgery, as I had already been considering it. But it did help push me in the right direction.

Here it is a year later, post op, and lost 40+ pounds. The best part? I went from a size 28 down to a 22 in 2 months. Not only was I able to buy a dress at a regular department store, but I ordered in ONLINE and it FIT!!! Something I have NEVER done!!!! First pic is of me and my niece the day she asked me to be the MOH. I know you can't see my body but that's as good as it gets. I had to approve the photo to be posted and I wouldn't have if my body was in it. lol The other is me in my dress!!!!! (Forgive the awful lighting and basement background, lol)

That is wonderful! I'm so glad that you can be in those pics and feel like you're contributing rather than detracting from the special moments!

I have to admit that part of my interest in losing weight, outside of the obvious health benefits, was so that I could feel "not grotesque" at my kids' weddings. No, that's not how a healthy-minded person should think about themselves, but I did.

8 hours ago, Orchids&Dragons said:

That is wonderful! I'm so glad that you can be in those pics and feel like you're contributing rather than detracting from the special moments!

I have to admit that part of my interest in losing weight, outside of the obvious health benefits, was so that I could feel "not grotesque" at my kids' weddings. No, that's not how a healthy-minded person should think about themselves, but I did.

I totally understand what you mean. I felt like people would be looking at me in the wedding pics like, "Daaaannnnnng that chick is Huuuuuuge! and not at my beautiful niece on the best day of her life.

Well I am proud of you, if they thought you looked big rest assured it is a healthier big. And we understand what you went through to get where you're at. This is the only place where. telling someone you're not the person you used to be is a compliment. So in sisterhood, I hope to see less of you every,time I look at you!