I see me...........(cross post from VSGMG)

Oh yes -- I see "me" everywhere-- and when I see "myself" as a child, I just want to cry!  I know the life that child will lead, and when I see the parents, most of the time is it clear that the child will probably not escape his or her destiny as an obese person.

Every time, I vow I will go out of my way to be friendly.  I'll compliment the woman on a scarf or her hair or something about her appearance, if appropriate.  I'll make conversation -- just some action so the person doesn't feel the isolation that so often accompanies us.

The children kill me. I was obese even in kinder. I had such an amazingly terrible childhood and I know why I was obese and I fear for them, not only for what's in store for them but what may have made them that way. I realize that is projecting and may not be their truth, but yeah... it's hard.

Beautiful made me teary ... Th banks for this ...

OK this might sound weird, but here goes.

I really relate to this post, but...I don't feel I have a good handle on what I look(ed) like. Shortly before surgery, I would see women who matched what *I* thought I looked like and I'd ask my husband or my daughter, "Is that what I look like?"

9 times out of 10, I was wrong, and the woman was heavier than I was.

Back to this post, I do have a higher empathy for other obese people, and I "see" them more now than I did. I love the idea in the comments about being friendlier to an obese person and compliment small items, etc..

Laurie

Laurie, funny, for me, I always think / thought I was THINNER than I really am / was.  Had dinner with a good friend the other night, with our family and our kids.  She was telling me, "Oh, I am so fat, never tell my husband I weigh 189 lbs!!!".  I almost fell over in my chair!  I thought she and I were the same, fat weight.  But, 5 months ago I WAS 256 lbs!!!!!  I am NOW 189 lbs!  So, I was 70 lbs heavier than she is now, and I thought she and I were equally fat.  Damn, I was in denial!

This is a very emotional post for me. It sure did hit home.

This made me tear up. What a wonderful post.

I see me everywhere. I will never forget what it's like being obese and I hope I never lose my compassion/empathy.

I have such a hard time now when I see some one struggling - I really want to share my truth - what I've been through - but then I know what I've it would have been like for me pre-op.  I had so many humiliating times, people laughing at me or making an issue of my size.  I would never for the world hurt someone - I don't ever want someone to feel uncomfortable like that because of me!  I just want them to know that there are options out there - they can make a change.  

I chose to be open about my surgery and my journey - any struggles that I encounter.  I'm not going to go up to strangers (even though the urge is so there sometimes!) and talk about it - but when the topic comes up, I will let people know.  

Great post Frisco!

Yes, I see me and it totally breaks my heart to pieces.  I want to help all those with similar health and weight issues as I once had.  What a flashback of where I've came from and where I'm going.  Great post, Frisco