Can't visualize *normal*..and I feel beautiful already :)

[Miss Lili 0]

ok..here is a question:

I already feel that I look good. Ok ok..I KNOW I am big, but I still think I look good.

This has probably been the biggest factor in my not losing weight over the years... seriously, you would think if I thought I looked really bad..it might motivate me more...

ok.. so the question is: how will I be able to stay motivated? What if after x amount of pounds I am like.. wow.. ok..I can stop eating well now...

????? I am certainly not the only BBW out there....

:thumbup:

[MINI-Me 196]

I guess I'll put a question back to you ... why are you considering WLS?

It doesn't sound like it's for size or self-esteem concerns. Are you doing it for your health? If so, focus on that. Focus on reducing risk factors for disease and such.

Hopefully that helps.

[Miss Lili 0]

hi!

yes.. for health reasons. (and of course shopping will be even more fun!!) (for me.. not my bank account!)

my mom passed away from complications to diabetes.. I promised I would take care of me...

[MINI-Me 196]

hi!

yes.. for health reasons. (and of course shopping will be even more fun!!) (for me.. not my bank account!)

my mom passed away from complications to diabetes.. I promised I would take care of me...

Thanks for sharing about your mom. That's what did it for me too. I lost my Dad early in 2009 from obesity complications (type II diabetes and heart issues).

Shopping is definitely more fun. I'm having a ball at thrift stores. I love putting things back that are too big!

Just focus on your health. When you want to reach for something "bad", think about your mom. Then, if you decide you really want a treat, just have a small bite or two & be done with it.

Congratulations on your journey! If we can help, just let us know. This is a great place for lots of information and ideas.

[Miss Lili 0]

excellent! thanks so much! I have found so much info here.. really great!!

Sorry about your dad.. it really changes our outlook, losing a parent.

Thanks again!

[Papillon 7]

I agree with mini - focus on how much you love your Mom. My family is part of the reason I am doing the surgery. I want to spend the rest of my life with my husband and I want to be able to do some of the things together we can't now. (hiking, bicycling, scuba diving... ) the fun outside things that we love but can't do right now.

[Tiffykins 673]

I never ever had self-esteem issues, or confidence issues. I was the "hot fat chick" among my friends. I had a "full dance card" so to speak, and had zero issues with dating, boyfriends etc etc. So, I completely understand how you feel. I never really saw how huge my a$$ was until after I lost the weight.

I dropped 80lbs the first 4ish months, and I just kept wanting to lose. I still eat healthy, I still follow the rules about 85% of the time, but my rules are a little different than other VSG'ers. I refuse to deprive myself of certain foods because I deprivation dieted myself to 270lbs. I'm not going to do it again.

I will let you know that I'm actually more critical of my body at 122lbs than I ever was at 270lbs. My boobs are gone, my butt is gone, I have a little bit of hips left, but not much. I don't have curves anymore, but I do have a rockin' little body (as long as I have clothes on). I don't have major skin issues, and it's rebounding nicely. I will have boobs bought, and a Tummy Tuck at some point.

I did this for my health, and no other reason. I didn't have any co-morbidities, but knew they would catch up with me at some point. I feel I dodged a major bullet. Weight regain is possible with the sleeve just like it is with any other WLS. So, it's a lifestyle change and lifetime commitment to change your relationship with food, and replace the bad habits with good ones.

I agree with Mini to really focus on why you are doing this, and remember that just because you are a BBW doesn't mean you aren't going to be beautiful when you lose weight. I lost a lot of my BBW friends because of my weight loss. I mean long term 7 year long friendships because they felt like I shunned them, or turned my back on the "size acceptance" thing. In reality, they couldn't accept my size, and they shunned me. I'm the same person I was when I was fat. I have a bit more confidence, but I was and always will the "party girl" the "fun girl" regardless of my pant size.

Believe the first time you can fit into true skinny jeans, and they look good on you, you'll never want to revert back to your bad eating habits.

Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels. . .

[Miss Lili 0]

yay! thanks guys..

I hear you.. I am the party girl, the one who was never without a boyfriend.. even now, at the ripe old age of 40, if I am out with friends without my hubby, I will usually get hit on (which is in no way a meaure of my beauty... you should see some of the guys..hehehe)

but yes.. I feel like that too. I went to a few pre-surgery meetings here in Montreal, and honestly, felt really bad when it came to explaining myself....

one of the exercises was to list 20 things that was hellish about being fat... I was able to name 7, mostly health related. When came my turn in the group session, the others around the table were looking at me strangely that I had no self esteem stuff...

I am not saying I never feel bad (we all have our days), but my size does not stop me from doing things.. I travel, i wear my bathing suit proudly, I generally strut my stuff...

anyway.. THANK YOU! I knew I was not alone out there!!!

REALLY skinny jeans here I come!