JustJean
I've been overweight my whole life.
One of my earliest memories is of my uncle bribing me to come to him with chocolate cake. I was probably three.
I never wore "normal" clothes. I remember shopping at Sears in the "Pretty Plus" section. I was buying clothes from the women's plus size department when I was in high school.
I decided in June of 2005 that it was time I did something about it. My sister had twins, so I now had three beautiful nephews under the age of five. I babysit often, and knew I'd have a hard time keeping up with them all! I also realized that one day, I'd have grandchildren, and I wanted to be able to play with them one day.
My family is overweight, too. My mom had gastric bypass surgery two years ago, and has done a great job! My dad was investigating the option for himself when they discovered he has cancer of the liver - so all else was put aside. He is losing weight, possibly as a result of his illness or maybe just the stress.
I was scared. I still am. Not of the physical aspect of going under the knife, but the mental aspect - I will one day be a "normal" person. I don't know that I'm capable of that! I've never been able to hold a face-to-face conversation with anyone without being conscious of the fact that I was fat. It has colored everything in my life. My weight has affected my relationships, my career, my education, and every aspect of my life. Now it's all going to change. Am I ready for that? I guess we'll see. I have to believe it will be better - in all ways.
About Me
Before & After
rollover to see after photo
