Your Body is a Gift You are Responsible for its Upkeep
So often, as recovering morbidly obese people, we harshly judge our body finding an endless list of things that are "wrong" with it. Frustration and hopelessness prevail when we create lists of flaws. In extreme cases this becomes debilitating to the point of regret for having lost weight. Said one woman to me, "I traded an unattractive overweight body for an unattractive body draped in excess skin." She didn't mention that her co-morbidities were gone, that her mobility was improved and that she had energy to burn. She did not treat her body as a gift, only an unattractive burden.
"Your body is a gift, and you're fully responsible for its upkeep. Instead of condemning it for what it isn't, try to accept it for what it is and reward it on a daily basis with proper food, exercise and gratitude."
I challenge you to look in the mirror with kindness and respect. Find things about your fabulous working moving parts to admire and love. Consciously choose positive thoughts about your body. And then take responsibility for its upkeep. Commit to and follow a healthy clean eating plan. Commit to and follow an exercise program. And most importantly commit to treating yourself respectfully. Actively engage in caring for your body: treat it like the most precious gift you have ever owned.
Yes, you can often get insurance cover for your Weight Loss Surgery. Our own Craig "Big-T" Thompson has been there and done that, and he's written an e-book about it.
I will admit....some of the "negative talk" has crossed my lips - but overall I would take this body - even a dramatically saggy body - OVER my morbidly obese body!!!
During the 8mos. that I was fulfilling "insurance requirements" one of the theraputic things I did for me was TIVO - "gastric bypass". This was great b/c there were no surprises...and I'll never forget what one woman said about her saggy skin when asked if she'd have plastic surgery. "I'm not having plastic surgery b/c I see my skin as a blessing...a sort of 'war wound' from where I have been! I don't want to forget my past...and this is a great reminder." (as she grabbed her 'tummy skin'.)
Right now, I'm planning on having plastics....just cause....but I know the chances of having a TOTAL BODY lift is unlikely...I will imbrace my 'batwing arms' or 'saggy legs'....and think, "This is where I've been...and they will be a symbol of my VICTORY over obesity!"
AND for me im not that bothered with the skin and now you
have given me a new perxpective to it...thats its my battle
wound and reminds me were i been.
I thought alot of people could benefit from this article as our bodies change.
Once again Lisa, I have read a post on this site at a time exactly when and where I needed to see it. THANK YOU!!!
You must be one of my guardian angels!!!
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Play by the rules, but be ferocious.
Awww thanks KAT but when i read something and i know many here will benefit i bring it here.
We all, truthfully, battle the same games in our heads. We are just all in different stages and get there in different times.
I am honoured to be considered a guardian angel thats why i put some much time and effort on this board.
Your Body Is A Gift 
This is a great article! 
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