Jennie
That is very very brave of you to post that picture and you fully deserve to have the op - you'll be wearing crop top's by this time next year and getting your belly button (new one I understand...lol) pierced too....!!!
Speak to you in the New Year hun.... have a fab slim Xmas and New Year - get out partying (like you need telling...!!) with them girls of yours!
Lots of love
Hiya beautiful, let me tell you , there's not a cat in hell's chance of me ever wanting to wear a crop top nor of having a belly button (new or otherwise) pierced! lol I just want rid of this nasty horrid depressing stuff.
I felt it important to show the photo for a number of reasons - firstly because I know that there are many who simply do not / did not believe that I have a real problem with excess skin because it isn't obvious when people see me - I'm exceptionally good at hiding it! Secondly, I know too that it isn't a cheap operation nor one that is considered lightly either and I realise that there will be those who feel it is a waste of valuable NHS resources too. I won't necessarily be able to convince them otherwise but hopefully they might understand better why it affects me so so deeply.
Also, it's a way of continuing the openness of my diary. I have tried to not shy away from the harsh realities of life and my weight loss journey, I view myself as still only part way through that journey, possibly not even half way yet as I need to maintain for a significant amount of time to believe I have finished. Plus, until this skin is gone, the scales do not show an accurate picture of my true weight.
At my heaviest I stretched my skin over a body in excess of 25 stone... the photo shows what that can leave you with when you lose the fat... if this even stops just ONE person from getting up to that kind of size and therefore stops them having to cope with it after their weight loss then it will have been worth posting the picture. Also, it may help prepare some folk for what they might have to deal with. I don't want it to put them off losing, God forbid! It is far better, I feel, to be slim with skin than fat and facing a premature appointment with the grim reaper on a daily basis! But it is very hard too.
Can't wait to see you again in the New Year.
Loads of love xxxxxx
You already know how thrilled I am that the PCT reconsidered their decision and I'm delighted they've finally seen sense.
I think you're incredible for posting your photo and I can't even begin to imagine how exciting it will be for you to have a fab flat tummy (I can only wish and dream!). You so deserve it though - and I can't wait to see the results in the New Year.
Meeting you in person and becoming your friend has been one of the true highlights of 2007 for me - and I love ya to bits too!
Have a wonderful Xmas and a truly spectacular 2008 (and let's sort that weekend away out as soon as we can eh?
)
Oh Sharon, such a lovely message, thank you.
I know that a flat stomach is a long way off yet but I am looking forward to it. Very much. In the meantime I have to concentrate on keeping the weight off and staying healthy mentally and physically so that when the time comes all is in place.
We MUST sort out that weekend double quick!!
I thought of you when I posted the photo, I remember you doing the same and how strong I thought you were and how inspirational I found that.
I don't see myself as brave etc... just perhaps open.
The photo is a pic that will change... I am excited and nervous all at once about the time when I can post the 'after' shot!!