ObesityHelp

August 27th, 2004
I've been doing a lot of thinking lately...looking at old pictures, looking in the mirror, trying on new clothes...I think I can call it a rebirth process.
The results of this surgery are beyond my wildest dreams. I had no idea it would affect me so much. Of course I knew it would make me happier and healthier. But it's just so much more...
I'm so in awe of everything I've been through in life and how strong I turned out to be. From growing up with a bipolar abusive mother, to dealing with obesity in Brazil (I think it's harder there...I totally felt ostracized due to the fact 95% of the population exercises like maniacs and are in great shape) to moving to the US by myself...to run away from all those feelings. I'm in awe that I survived every single battle life has thrown at me...and I'm in awe that God gave me a second chance.
I feel so blessed! I never thought I would be able to look in the mirror and like what I see again. That hadn't happened in so long! I feel strong...inside and outside. And I just would like the people who are going in for this surgery to know...it takes a little while...but you too will feel this way.
Being obese was no walk in the park...but it made me such a beautiful person inside. I can relate to so many things my "skinny" friends can't. I can see beauty in things other people just take for granted...because I KNOW that beauty is skin deep. I feel happy today!