A fews days ago, I mentioned a local support group attendee had died in her 30's.  I do not know why she died.  Today, the local paper printed a photo along with the obituary of this young woman I was fortunate to know through group.  For whatever reason, which may have been a very special personal reason, a photo of her SMO was used.  I certainly believe in highly respecting and not judging the choice of photo.  It did prompt me to make a proactive move for my family to hopefully respect, as well.  For you, photo choice may mean little.  For others, this post may spark proactive actions, too.  

What is SMO?

MO=morbidly obese, SMO=super morbidly obese, SSMO=super super morbidly obese

Oh, ok - thank you!

wow - I would think her family would have known to use a "thin" picture - I'd better let mine know!!

What does it matter if you're dead? Your loved ones will do what they want. Maybe the picture of that woman when she was overweight did mean something special to her family.

Old pictures hold no power over me anymore. I believe that is part of the reason I am still at goal. I have forgiven myself for becoming overweight.

I want a thin pic too.  This is me.  This is the me I was SUPPOSED to be my whole life, instead of just the fraction.

One of the Center for Weight Management's requirements before WLS was to complete a health care directive.  I took it one step farther and completed pre-funeral planning; it has given me a profound sense of peace not expected. I have asked and been assured family are not allowed to over-rule wishes.  Anyway, this week, the top margin of the pre-planning packet kept on file at the funeral home has been updated to read, "no photo submission of any kind."  

I have read this post over and over and have been thinking about it. It didn't control my night. 

I look at pictures of myself when I was SMO and I know when I look into my eyes in those pictures there was a heart and a lot of love there.

Vanity wise I would want a thin picture. But knowing that my family never really looked at me like a SMO person. They looked to me as mother, wife, daughter and friend.

There are people who don't remember me being as big as I was. They almost don't believe it when they see a picture of me. Even though they knew me. 

As a overweight person I feel like I look better than I did before. Inside not so much sometimes.

So the picture the family posted was maybe a time they remember this woman in a good light. A happier time to. 

Also they may have been so distraught that this may have been a picture they just grabbed.