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Monday, November 24, 2014

Microblog Mondays: "Be Careful of your Face"

Our dear Mel over at Stirrup Queens has begun a blog phenomenon... as she frequently does. 

Microblog Mondays. Writing in your own space. Something short and sweet. But it's meant to take back our bloggy space and call it our own. I am going to try to do this periodically. Life's hectic. So we'll see how long this lasts.


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Before I had weight loss surgery (WLS), I had heard so very frequently the same old line that I grew to hate more than the extra weight itself, "Gil, you have such a pretty face. If only you weren't so fat." Yes indeed, people had the gall to say that to me, in person. I mean seriously, how does one respond to that sort of insensitivity? Sheesh.

Now that I have had WLS, the weight is shedding quickly and I am being very diligent about following my surgeon's guidelines regarding my water intake, protein consumption, required vitamins/minerals, and portion control. It all works well together and to date, I'm more than 115 lbs down. But I'm technically still obese. At least for another pound or two. Then, with a little luck I'll be in the "overweight" category for another 30 lbs. Rest assured, my surgeon's office is following me closely, including watching my blood work.

This week, I got lucky and won tickets to my university's alumni association dinner (a value of $300) that was held downtown at the beautiful Château. A famous Canadian musician was the keynote speaker and I've been a fan of his and his band's music for nigh on 20 years now. It was an excellent opportunity to meet him in person. Hubby snagged this shot.



I posted the pic on Facebook, and got many comments on how great I look; almost everyone completely ignored the fact that I am standing next to Alan Doyle! I couldn't believe it!

Anyway, I have a girlfriend who is also a fan, and I e-mailed that photo to her as she is not on Facebook. She opened the e-mail while I was on the phone with her. And her first comment to me was, "Oh Gil, be careful of your face." She went on to say that in her view, I had lost more than enough weight. She repeated that line no less than FOUR times during our convo. "Gil, be careful of your face."

I reiterated that my surgeon is following me closely. "Be careful of your face." I told her that skin takes an average of two years to come back into place (assuming it will; for some people it does not) and that I just have to bide my time. "Be careful of your face." I told her that I am technically still obese. "Be careful of your face."

Seems no matter what I do, I cannot win. I guess my face/neck is on the losing end of this battle. Whether I am fat or thin.

And as frequently happens, that one negative comment overshadowed all the other positive ones by at least a million times to one.
*cue the tears*

So much for the 'microblog'... Sorry.

10 comments:

Tracie Nall said...

I think your face looks beautiful in that picture, so I can't imagine what your friend's issue was.

I don't know who Alan Doyle is...but congratulations on getting to meet him! It is always exciting to meet someone of whom you are a fan. I'm happy to celebrate that with you today.

And good work on keeping with the program your doctor has put in place for you. That is exactly the right place to be....no matter what anyone else says!

quidnunc said...

There are so many of us struggling with our weight. Your story is inspirational.Thank you.

Non Sequitur Chica said...

I don't know who Alan Doyle is either but I think that you look fantastic!!

loribeth said...

I think your face is beautiful too. Not quite sure what your friend was nattering on about. You just can't please some people.

I do know who Alan Doyle is. ;) Great photo of you both!! Am looking forward to reading his book when it comes out in paperback.

Kelly said...

I think your face looks beautiful in that photo! What a rude thing for a friend to say...

I say screw all the others...this is about how YOU feel!

Also, my mom was scheduled for WLS (gastric sleeve which I think I remember you saying you were having done) back in June. Hers was postponed bc they found a blockage in her heart. She is hoping to have the surgery in late January. I would love if you shared with me some of the ways you get your protein. I know that is one of the most important things after this type of surgery. She is going to live with me for a while after the surgery so I will be the one helping her with "meals" ;) Feel free to e-mail me if you have time. No pressure!

Again, try not to let that one negative comment get you down. That person is not being a great friend to you and it is okay if you tell her so. HUGS!

Turia said...

I LOVE GBS! Love them so much and have been listening to them for at least 15 years.

I think you look great in that photo, so I have no idea what your "friend" is complaining about.

Jen said...

You look fabulous! Your success so far is incredible. And you look fabulous. Ignore the 'face' comment if you can, I can't see what she's talking about. p.s. Did I mention you look fabulous?

Lollipop Goldstein said...

It's a great picture because you look happy. You look beautiful because you look happy. Okay, you look giddy :-)

I had to Google Alan Doyle.

Middle Girl said...

I think you look great. I know from personal experience the weight of the negativity and how those kinds of comments can over-shadow the rest.

My strategy of late has to be Taylor Swift about it, "Shake It Off".

Sometimes it works. ;-)

Congratulations on getting to meet Alan Doyle. What a great moment that must have been.

dublinerinDeutschland said...

Wow, sorry to hear that. Imagine it must be frustrating to constantly have people commenting on your weight and appearance! You are doing great!