Just Wondering

Got a card from my brother-in-law a couple of days ago.  He said, "I can't express how proud I am of you for making a difference in your life -- which, in turn, makes a difference in ours." 
That really struck me.  You see the pain an alchoholic or drug addict causes to the people around them.  At our highest weight, how much pain and worry did we cause to the people who loves us?  Never really considered it, but I guess from this card, quite a bit.  This makes me even more happy I have made this decision and the desire to be successful with my new tool, not only for me, but for those around me who care.  Makes you go hmmmmm.  Michael

Good point Michael
We often tend to think that the weight thing is just personal and doesn't affect anyone but ourselves.  Reality is that it does affect others in our families.  It certainly causes them to be concerned and worried about us and our futures at a minimum.   But also, it causes them to be concerned about our ability to provide for them and to just be able to do things with them that they would like for us to do.
Like you said, lot's of reasons to work the tool and benefit our families as well as ourselves.
Thanks for sharing.
Steve

Dittos to what Steve said.

 You know it's funny because even though your family loves you and whatnot they still give you that "why don't you do something about your weight issue" look every time you get a plate of food or waddle over to greet them. I think it is also a big relief on family members so they don't have to worry as much about you and they don't have to pretend not to notice the weight issue anymore. My family would occasionally say something to me about my weight but I would just bru**** off and say that I've been trying to diet or whatever but when I had this surgery they all were like OMG YOU LOOK SO AMAZING....but wait, opposed to looking like total **** before? I hate that double standard thing where when you're fat they LOVE you but they hate seeing you that way out of love and out of discomfort for them as they may not know how to speak around you or just might not want to because you're disgusting (or whatever) but as soon as you get the weight down they're like fawning all over you and can't get enough of it. Puh-leez, just leave me alone haha that's what I want to say to them anyway. Oh well, luckily now I'm no longer the fattest one in my family!!!!

Cool message Michael and a cool brother in law to be sure. I know that when I was obese, my temperament was that of a grumpy old bear let alone the poor example I was setting for my kids with regards to eating and fitness. After WLS, I've been a postive influence in both regards.

Boner