Mentally preparing for a big reveal...

I have big issues with my weight loss being the center of attention, that is no secret.  

So here is my latest internal drama... I have a meeting I am going to in about a month, and I will be meeting with colleagues from all over the nation.  We correspond regularly, electronically and via phone conferences... But the last time I saw them was about a month before my surgery.  In fact, it was the day I got my surgery date.  I was a size 24, now I'm a size 8 (ish).

There are going to be many surprised faces.  I am finding myself dreading this meeting - and usually this is one of my favorite meetings of the year.  I feel ridiculous for letting this worry me, but it is.

I even considered contacting a few select colleagues to "warn" them, but that seems silly too.  This is a professional meeting, we have work to do, and this a collegial and polite group - so it isn't like my shrinking size will be the topic of the keynote address.

I'm looking at it like it's just pulling off a band aid- likely painful, but only for a brief time... And then back to business.

I don't think I would "warn" them.  If it's a strictly professional relationship you have with them, then I think "warning" them would be sort of unprofessional.  And if you don't want them to focus on your weight loss, then I wouldn't bring it up.  I think it's one of those things where you'll feel a bit uncomfortable for a little while and then you'll get over it.

Put on something sassy and dazzle them.  I am going to be the biggest show off in the world when I get skinny.  You're doing wonderful Pathchic!

Update your profile pic on your professional email and your linkedin with a current pic and hopefully your colleagues will be adjusted to a new you before they see you.  My colleagues learned to expect the unexpected,  changed it up with my hair color, my clothes and obviously my size none could keep up.  I used to have his really long dark wig, then I showed up with short red hair, it was so funny to be asked why I cut my beautiful hair.  I laughed and said it in my suitcase if they wanted to borrow it.  Shock was the reaction.  Now I am boring, same size, and hair color for years. 

I second Heidi's recommendation about the LinkedIn pic - if you havea  profile. I've updated mine regularly in the past year so that hopefully at least some people will notice the changes and not be too shocked lol!

I would "dress to kill" and great everyone with a huge smile... Great job.. It is time to shine... . I am sure most of therm will be very supportive.  When that happen to me I told my Friends that I got tired of being the large person in a room and took action and work hard. 

Said "thank you" with a smile for compliments. 

I think the pulling off the band aid is what it will be like.It maybe uncomfortable with some people but try to change the subject to something else.Most will want to get the meeting over with. I wouldn't warn anyone I don't think it is silly to feel the way you are feeling.

We are with people we work with sometimes more than our own families so it can be uncomfortable. Go out and buy yourself a new suit or outfit that makes you feel good when you wear it.

Worrying about it seems normal to me.  But I think you'd be better served worrying about the killer outfit you are going to wear instead!  You may be surprised that no one says anything!  Then you'll be on OH going WTF?  Seriously, if everyone is professional then NO ONE should be discussing personal things like your appearance IMHO.  But if someone does say something, start planning your responses now.  Will you be the smile and nod and divert type, the smile and say "why yes I do feel as good as I look type" or will you duck your head or shoot someone the finger? Or.....?  

You've got this.  You have come so far!  I love reading your posts - we had surgery a day apart - and I am blown away by how well you are doing!  Be proud, be professional.  Kick ass at the meeting, whatever that means to you!

I like you pathchick. You and I are a lot alike. I think you're right, you're just going to have to rip it like a bandaid and get it over with. People will be happy to see you happy and those who aren't don't matter. Should be an interesting trip!

You come across on here as very socially adept, so I'm sure you'll do a very gracious job of thanking everyone for the compliments without anyone (even you) feeling awkward!

Congratulations on doing a great job on your weightloss!