A quick update on a couple things, first the Minneapolis Meet & Greet is going to be July 23-25. Hosted by Patti from the BTV forum. I’ll dedicate a post to it soonly.
Also, I’m working on another project, a WLS oriented blogging and social site with some help from the BTV peeps. Look for more info on that in the coming weeks.
And then the bulk of the video is about body image, and my take on it as a dude.
I’m going to let the video speak for itself for now and maybe reflect on it a bit more before writing anything else up about this, but fair warning.. I go ‘topless’ towards the end of this one. If it’s something ya don’t wanna see… stop the video at about the 8min mark!
Hey Rob:
The funny thing about self confidence is…it comes from SELF. So, there is nothing anyone can tell you that will improve it. Fortunately, the flipside of that is that if you really have confidence, then there is nothing that anyone could tell you that would diminish it, either.
I believe you are on the right track to accepting your new “self” — it just takes time for the brain to catch up to the body.
Hey, I have a belly and shrinkly thighs, so I will never be able to wear shorts. It makes me sad sometimes, because if I don’t move or bend over, my legs are really cute.
For the first time in my life, I HAVE SHAPELY LEGS.
And then I move…and they melt.
But, you know what? I am okay (now.) It took some time, but I am able to embrace the dribbly belly and thighs as a part of who I am. Of course, that’s easy for me to say, right? I am married to a wonderful man who knew me (and loved me) throughout all phases of thin and thick and thinner. Plus, I had some plastics done for the things I simply didn’t want to live with. Although, admittedly, when I was trying to cobble together the money for the PS, I did have to come to terms with the fact that if I couldn’t have any work done, I’d have to live with AND LOVE the body I’m left with. After all, it truly is a record of how far I’ve come, and a reminder of places I never want to go again.
There’s something powerful about that.
I’ll leave it at that. Good luck to you on your journey, Rob. Someday, you will believe what we already know to be true :-*
Time is a funny thing. The briefest of moments can seem like an eternity, and vice-versa. We can take all we want, but we never seem to have enough.
Hopefully I am on the right track, but this track isn’t a straight line that’s for sure. It’s full of zigs and zags and seems to keep doubling back on itself.
But as long as it keeps me going in the right direction, I suppose I can deal with it.
Good video – I plan on sharing w/my husband (sharing the ‘guys’ point of view). We don’t have the dating issues – but recognizing ourselves (in pictures and mirrors) and even each other at times (especially in a crowd), that we are working with. Also how others (of the opposite sex) view our spouse… that is also eye opening! Our one year will be in April (7th & 27th) so we are about the same distance along. Thank you for sharing what is happening in your head – and you are right – we (WLS folk) are not alone in this journey :)
You are very courageous. My husband reminded me this weekend … “I’m not a woman, I don’t think about things like you do… it takes me longer to see things clearly.” So he straightened me out. I definitely feel the fact that you want to have your head straight before getting involved with someone, but wouldn’t it be great to find someone that only knows you from NOW and grows with you… its the romantic in me…
Oh Rob, what a great video. As you said, your head isn’t in the right place to hear this, but anyone would be lucky to have you for a partner. You will get there my friend, and you will find someone when you least expect it. I for one am very glad to have met you through BTV, and hope to meet you some day. Keep up the forward motion hun!
Nice video Rob. I think we all (in the wls community) whether male or female have trouble with the brain catching up to the body.
I just got home from 10 days on the beach in Jamaica and I got a lot of compliments from people I see just once a year and it was hard, but also very encouraging and rewarding for all of my hard work.
Hang in there buddy, we will reach the pot of gold!
Patti