My 5 month update, with pictures.

OMG Jessy!

I can totally see the difference and you look HOT!!  Wowzers.

Your aunt is crazy, we have a few of those in my family too!

Your mom can't see it because the change has happened gradually right before her eyes, pin up the pics somwhere.

You are so intelligent, caring and very mature for your years!  I also wish you were my daughter.  LOL on the 'old soul', that's what everyone says about my youngest son. ( he's a Highway Patrolman now)

I think you have done a wonderful job!

Michele

P.S. My breast bone hurt for quite a while, Dr. M places a hook under the sternum to keep you from sliding off the operating table.  That could be part of your pain.

A hooook under the sternum? Yikes! That's one I haven't heard of before.

LOL I know, huh?

He actually was invited to give a presentation of it at one of the ASMBS conferences, the one in San Francisco, so maybe 2006, not sure.  He says it holds the patient in the perfect position on the operating table as opposed to the feet thingys. (latest medical teminology) .. I still have a bump on my breast bone from it.

Michele

Look at those gorgeous curves!  Jessy, I'm so pleased for you and I agree with the others, IGNORE your aunt, she may love you but she's crazy.  Good for you for doing so well in school too.

Brava, Jessy!

Congratulations on receiving top marks (not that we're surprised around here... you are one smart lady!) and I'm excited for your impending graduation! Brains, an education, and a little wisdom are a woman's best assets (IMHO) and you are a triple threat!

I'm sorry to hear your family is having difficulty recognizing what you have achieved so far in your journey. I also think you have a good grasp of what is going on: your mom is with you every day and her picture of you as you are now is a little distorted; your aunt is too stuck in her own delusion to see or hear you clearly. While I can't help much with your aunt, I'll echo the suggestion to show some of your before pictures with your mom. Together, you can both see the changes (aside from just the numbers!) and this way, evolve the head pictures/perceptions you both have of you.

People are weird. It has taken me many years to recognize what you are able to do now: more often than not, a negative reaction to me or my size has nothing to do with me at all, and everything to do with where that person is at that particular point in their day/journey. Yes, I'm still firmly in the "fat" category and folks sometimes treat me accordingly, but I don't have to carry their reaction with me--I'm starting to let it go a lot better than I used to. Also, it helps me to know I took charge of the situation and I just might have the last laugh. Living well *is* the best revenge.

This last bit *is* a bit petty. But then, I'm a weird person too and never pretended to be anything else.

I always enjoy your updates, Jessy. You are an inspiration!

A waist AND a neck AND great grades! And it sounds like you're the smartest and most sane person in your entire family.
     There will always be negative people around, family or not. You're learning early to ignore the negativity and rely on your own good judgement.
    Keep up the good work!

Larra

I'm proud of you doll! I think you look great. GREAT!!!!

Tell?  How could we not--you look fabulous!!!  So happy for you.

And, while it's none of my business, are you applying for or planning on attending college?  If you're not, you should as you are obviously very, very bright and mature.

Hi Jessy,

I'm so sorry you have family who are so unsupportive.  You are very mature to be able to keep your mouth shut when they are being so mean.

I've got a rash too!!!  What's up with that?  I'm not a rash person.  I think I've only had one in my whole life and that was from poison ivy.  Now i've got the itchiest rash on both my lower arms and also a small spot on my waist and on one thigh.

I'm putting cortisone cream on it and taking benedryl which doesn't seem to be helping. 

You look amazing in that second picture and if your family can't tell you that, I hope you can hear it over these computer air waves.  You look amazing!!! 

I always look for your posts and I get such encouragement from them.  I may be old enough to be your mom, but I am learning from you.  I hope I have even some of the wisdom, grace and maturity that you project.

Hugs,

Becky

WOW Jessy ! I can really see a difference --- YOU have a waist now !  I am so proud of you for making such an important decision and for being so well informed!  Yes it does sound like your family may be sabotaging your weight loss - but kudos to you for being smart enough to realize where they are coming from. You are such a smart intelligent and beautiful young woman with so much of a grand life ahead of you!  Just keep positive as you are and don't let the hurtful words get to you! You have proven you are smarter then that and you will CONTINUE to overcome. Bless you sweety and hugs to you for being such an inspiration! Thank You !!