Before Photos & Measurements

[suzannethemom]

You know what is the most embarrassing thing ever? Having your husband take your before photos and body measurements. I wore a sports bra and exercise shorts. He didn’t say anything negative, but I feel so ashamed and disgusted with myself right now. I don’t look in the mirror very often, so seing the photos was a total shock. I don’t even recognize myself. I want to just curl up in a ball and cry right now, but I’m trying to be brave as we watch hockey. If I don’t get approval for surgery, I don’t know what I will do. I don’t have a plan B.

 

[Roni]

But plan b is us. It is a matter of finding a way to make YOURSELF accountable to YOU. Having a place to go when things do go right, and even when they don’t go right, being able to vent when you need to. Reporting your successes. The surgery is a tool but so is this group. We are invested in your success also. We are here and are able to offer you encouragement or even a shoulder to cry on when life throws too many twists at you. Find that article and read up on metabolism. Remember we are still fighting bad habits til we incorporate better healthy food choices on a permanent basis. It will help you find ways to kick start yours. In spite of many of us having had the surgery there are still many helpful tips for you also. Remember diets are temporary, never permanent. Truely getting better is a mix looking at food differently, making better food choices, portion control, adding/incorporating activities, being in a good mental health place. You are better than you give yourself credit to.

 

[Kcuster83]

Don't stress too much, your husband sees you naked all the time. If it bothered him as much as it bothers you, you would know it. I get it though, even in school I always changed for gym class in the bathroom. When I go to the gym I don't change there. I am comfortable with my wife as we have been together for 17 years but I hate to look at myself in the mirror. Clothed or not.

I gotta say, I never really even considered being denied for surgery. I mean, I called my insurance company to confirm they cover bariatric surgery and got all the details. Made sure the place I am going is in network and all that good stuff. They told me the requirements with BMI and/or medical problems to be approved. I went through the "program" and now just waiting on my pre-surgery appointment on the 23rd. I just assumed since I did all the qualifying steps and passed all the quizzes that I am golden but after reading people's posts about being denied. It kind of sits in the back of my head as a potential concern! I don't know why insurances would deny you if you meet all of the requirements and get the required medical testings and approvals.

There is always a plan B, you just may not have addressed it yet.

 

[JudyNY]

You know what is the most embarrassing thing ever? Having your husband take your before photos and body measurements. I wore a sports bra and exercise shorts. He didn’t say anything negative, but I feel so ashamed and disgusted with myself right now. I don’t look in the mirror very often, so seing the photos was a total shock. I don’t even recognize myself. I want to just curl up in a ball and cry right now, but I’m trying to be brave as we watch hockey. If I don’t get approval for surgery, I don’t know what I will do. I don’t have a plan B.

He will be so proud of you on your journey because by doing the measurements for you, he will really notice the difference. I think he will be your biggest cheerleader (well besides us. LOL!).

 

[suzannethemom]

Don't stress too much, your husband sees you naked all the time.

I’m ashamed to admit this, but my husband has not seen me naked since we moved into our new house. That was November 2018. That was when I hit my highest weight ever and I have been at that weight ever since then.

 

[Kcuster83]

I’m ashamed to admit this, but my husband has not seen me naked since we moved into our new house. That was November 2018. That was when I hit my highest weight ever and I have been at that weight ever since then.

We all deal with things differently. No need for shame.

 

[KarenWV]

Please remember that starting this process is a success and a big victory. You have admitted you have concerns about your health and you want to live a healthier more active life, right? So you are already making progress mentally and physically. Try not to focus on your pre-surgery body. You are leaving that part of your life far behind. You are beautiful inside and out; never forget that!

 

[missyinacage]

Suzanne, I am sorry that you had such a trying experience while taking your photos and measurements. Please try to remember that you are more than your weight. You're working toward a healthier you. And I'm sure your husband loves you for who you are, not what you look like. After all, even thin people age, get wrinkles, cut their hair, have saggy boobs or butts lol

I think it's very important to learn to be comfortable with yourself, whatever your size. Because even after surgery, your body is not going to be perfect and it's not going to look like it did the last time you weren't heavy, if that's been many years ago as it was for me. Don't feel shame that you "let yourself go" be proud that you're taking steps to take back your life.

 

[suzannethemom]

Unfortunately, I have had low self esteem and body image issues since I was 13 years old. My parents body shamed me and teased me because I was “chubby” and my younger sister was petite and skinny. I used to wear a t-shirt over my bathing suit because I was embarrassed. My Mom encouraged me to diet and helped me do the Scarsdale Diet when I was 15 years old. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I realized I wasn’t overweight as a child. I had a chubby face, but I was average size. I have struggled with low self esteem ever since. Even years of therapy couldn’t help erase the emotional abuse I suffered. I am loved by my husband and kids just the way I am. Loving myself is something I’m continually working on. I am a work in progress.