October 25, 2006 8:47 AM
Diet Update
This is a picture of me with Tripp and my oldest daughter Samantha shortly before Tripp and I were married. I think I weighed 125.
Over the next ten years as I gave birth to seven babies, I gained approximately ten pounds per baby.
Seven years we adopted three babies, but did that make a difference in my weight-gaining habits? No – I put on another whopping 50 pounds.
In 2003 I went on a diet and dropped from 245 to 216, but didn’t maintain. By the time you met me on this blog I weighed 252 – or more than twice what my body was designed to weigh when I was young.
I’m being brutally honest here. This is not a pretty picture. I never told anyone what I weighed (as if they couldn’t see with their own eyes). Though I wasn’t conscious of my shame over my weight, I think the fact that I tried to hide the numbers shows how I really felt. When I see pictures of myself I can hardly believe it. I share them only because I know that seeing befores and afters of others helped me enormously in what I call my Last Diet.
It’s been nine months since I embarked on this voyage of discovery – being honest and accountable about the little pockets of self-indulgence that I allowed in my life, letting God strip away sin as well as the pounds. When you go to a church where half the families have six or more kids and you look around and see other mothers who’ve given birth to the same number of kids you’ve given birth to and they look like normal women, you just can’t keep telling yourself it’s all about having so many kids.
And when you look around and see people with disabilities working so hard to achieve their goals, it certainly takes away the power of excuses: “I’m overweight because my metabolism’s slow” (yes, that’s part of the consequences of being overweight – get thin and it speeds up); “I overeat when I’m stressed/tired/angry/whatever.” (does that make it all right?)
I’ve mentioned Overeaters Anonymous as a possibility for people trying to change their lives. Even if you never go to a meeting, the 12 Steps are worth examining – actually for any kind of addiction: alcohol, drugs, food, pornography, shopping, s*x (I think I have to do that to avoid spam).
When I was pregnant, it seemed like the world was full of pregnant women. Is it because I’m losing weight that the world seems full of people engaged in the same journey? (I keep using the word journey because there’s so much more to it – so much more glorious freedom – than just losing pounds.) There’s The Biggest Loser (I watch every Wednesday night and rejoice with the contestants who look so much fatter than I ever thought myself to be, and yet those women started out around the same weight I was. There’s my friend Mel at The Amazing Shrinking Mom. There’s just googling around the Internet for support and especially those very motivational Before and Afters.
I haven’t shared the latest part of my journey yet as I needed to sort out how I felt about it. I’m ready now. And I think it would be good for you to know – if only as a cautionary tale for those of you who are in the midst of a lifestyle like mine was, allowing yourself to steadily gain weight with each child and feeling somehow entitled to do so.
For those of us who have lots of babies, that habit can have drastic consequences.
When I had lost 70 pounds, the joy I felt at being free of the extra weight was marred by the fact that I had a pouch rather like a mailbag hanging below my waist and onto my thighs. Yes, that sounds gross and yes, it is gross. And I hope that by sharing honestly about this I can help someone else avoid the consequences I faced because of my foolishness and sin.
Those of you who have lost weight will know what I mean. This excess skin unfortunately cannot be exercised away. It is there for life. Perhaps some might think that is a just punishment for those who’ve overindulged: let them carry that reminder with them for the rest of their lives – serves them right.
In early September I made a drastic decision. I decided to undergo abdominoplasty – a surgery in which the muscles of the stomach wall – which have become too separated to fix through diet or exercise – are sewn back together and the excess skin is removed. I had that surgery on September 12 – a day after I finished my last two books.
Because I made the decision very quickly, I really didn’t process everything in advance. That is often the case with my life and I make no apologies for it because it is how God is able to evoke the kind of obedience in which we could say yes when asked to adopt “just one more” baby with Down syndrome. Most sensible people would be looking ahead ten or fifteen years and seeing how hard it would be and they’d never do it. Tripp and I just do it – or as he says “We bit off more than we could chew and now we have to chew it.” But he says it with a smile!
Anyway, the surgery went well. I was scared of course. And in addition to being scared about the procedure and the pain I was scared about how people would react. One regret I have is that I didn’t tell my children in advance. I was so worried that they would judge me harshly that I just decided to deal with that later. I have since apologized for my foolishness and been forgiven by most of them.
Now it is six weeks from the surgery and I have had time to recover from the pain (a lot the first month) and the aftermath and to finally process everything. So I am ready to share here for whatever benefit it may offer my readers – as I said, even as a cautionary tale.
Six weeks out, I must say this is one of the best decisions I ever made. I thought it was about aesthetics and comfort – I mean, it’s not very comfortable carrying around a huge useless bag of skin in your midsection. But it’s been so much more than appearance that I’m surprised that’s not mentioned in the literature about abdominoplasty.
Remember when I had a personal trainer come for one visit to show me how I could use my sons’ exercise equipment to develop and exercise program? Actually most of the exercises turned out to be with a ball, but what was revealed to me then was how I no longer had any balance at all. In fact, even though I’d lost a lot of weight, I still had to lean against something to put my pants on. The trainer pointed out to me that my “core” was very weak. My trunk muscles were separated and that was going to be a problem as I aged. She said that’s why old people fall down a lot and break bones.
Well guess what! Now my core is strong. My posture is great and I can stand on one leg and put on my pants like a normal person. With those broken muscles repaired, even my singing voice is better. I can run up and down stairs and do all kinds of things I couldn’t do before!
Is this just vanity? I really don’t think so. I think it’s a blessing that at 58 with six kids still at home, including four kids with Down syndrome 6-14 who are developmentally delayed enough that in some ways I’m still mothering toddlers (and not like a Grandma who has them for a visit, but 24/7), I now have the strength and confidence to know that with God’s help I can see this responsibility through.
However, there has been a downside. As I feared, one of my daughters judged me pretty harshly for this and saw it as hypocrisy (the one I thought would be more judgmental was only upset that I had not trusted her enough to tell her first). Seeing my hesitation to write about it here as proof, she challenged me. But you know what? I can’t write about anything until I’m ready to write about it. Just writing about my experience is meaningless for others. It’s in reflection and processing what my experience means and the lessons to be learned that it becomes useful to others.
I may have judged people who had cosmetic surgery harshly – I don’t know for sure as I don’t remember thinking much about it before my own sudden decision. I used to judge people who didn’t breastfeed or homeschool or worship the same way I did or a lot of other things that have nothing to do with who we are in Christ. But thank God time has a way of broadening our outlook and helping us to love others the way God loves us.
If anything, my daughter’s reaction set me back from writing. Had I lost my moral authority? Would other moms reject everything God had equipped me to teach because they thought I was wrong to have my stomach repaired?
In any case, writing is a process and this morning I am at that place in the process with this aspect of my life where I am ready to share it. I can’t be prodded into jumping through a hoop to prove something to someone about who I am. Writing is like homemade bread, where yeast and time are essential to produce something nourishing.
I deeply regret the sin in my life – the self-indulgence and lack of respect for my husband and family – that caused me to get fat and stay that way for so long. I rejoice that I finally gave God lordship over this aspect of my life and began a disciplined approach to taking care of my body.
I could have carried the big flappy sack of useless skin around with me as a reminder of my sin – like Rodrigo in The Mission carrying the heavy wages of his sin up that mountain – but I chose to be forgiven and forgive myself. I am grateful that there was an alternative and grateful for a doctor who did a good job, just I was grateful for the orthodontist who worked tirelessly for years to correct the genetic collision of Tripp’s and my jaws which produced seven sets of horribly crooked teeth in our children.
I am absolutely thrilled that I not only look better but am standing taller and stronger and much better able to fulfill the responsibilities God has given me.
I promise to do a picture soon - have just been busy trying to get Maddy well!
Comments
We're all human, Barbara. You are still tops in my book. I will continue to pray for your family and for your daughters understanding.
Thanks again for your honesty.
Posted by: janet | October 25, 2006 10:02 AM
i rejoice with you Barbara-- Thanks for the education about the separated trunk muscles and loss of balance in aging. I can't wait to tell my mom!
I also understand the judgmentalism about plastic surgery, having been guilty of judging another myself! But I don't see you as trying to be a Barbie doll, but rather more useful to your family and delighting in the grace of God expressed in your new found health and beauty.
We put braces on our teeth and glasses on our eyes and our children's eyes. We would repair a child's cleft palate. This is no different.
Posted by: floorplan | October 25, 2006 10:38 AM
I do not consider having this kind of surgery to be in any way "misleading" or "saying you are losing weight and then having surgery instead". No, you lost the weight through hard work and discipline. Then you had surgery to remove the excess skin and repair your abdominal muscles. What's to be upset about? I guess telling your family first would have been better, true.
I sure hope it's not a "bad" thing to do. I'm normal weight (after 2 kids, lost the weight each time), but my HUGE baby # 1 son (who was 9lbs 10 oz) tore my abs apart. I have a diastisis, which means (like you) the muscles are separated and will not come together no matter what without surgery. My core is weak. I have back pain. I see a chiropracter, and saw one THREE TIMES a week during my pregnancy with #2 daughter, because otherwise I couldn't walk. I've been to a PT, who gave me some exercises but told me that as soon as I'm done having kids, I should have those muscles repaired. (You cannot do it before. Another pregnancy will rip the repaired muscles without a doubt).
and yeah, I have skin too, from being stretched so much by a huge baby on a small mommy. If I"m gonna get the muscles fixed some day, I'll be sure to have that flap removed too.
I need to have all the kids God wants for our family first, but after I do, my dh has promised me that we'll pay to have my abs fixed, so as hopefully to remove my backpain and allow me to go into old age with stability.
And it has nothing to do with weight! As I said, I weighed 151 before I got married. I weighed 151 one year after ds, thanks to breastfeeding, diet and exercise, and I weigh 154 almost 1 year after dd thanks to the same. The last 3 lbs will go when I wean. If they don't, I will make them go.
None of that makes a darn bit of difference to my separated abs, back pain, or flaps of skin.
Posted by: Jill (colicmommy) | October 25, 2006 10:43 AM
Good for you, Barbara! It sounds like you made the right decision for you. I look forward to seeing your "After" picture!
Posted by: Christa | October 25, 2006 11:04 AM
Now what I am about to say is said in kindness (and you and I have emailed enough that I think you know my words). So, who cares? Yes you were fat and now you know better. It's not like you went in and had a face lift, your breast done and the stomach skin fixed. You had your stomach muscles repaired and some skin removed. This is something that you and Tripp needed to discuss. I personally think that your children don't have a right to be angry. Should you have told them first? Yes, you should have. But still it is not thier place to say that you blew it so now deal with the results. Gosh, if we lived by that line of thought then we all would be damned because we are sinners the moment we are born.
The only thing that bugs me about the way you come across about the health and dieting thing (or most subjects now that I think of it) is that you are very in our face about it. Calling people fatties and such hurts feelings. But you know what? I know I am fat and I know I need a swift kick in the rear once in awhile. I've come to appreciate your straightfowardness about different subjects. I may not agree with all of it but I would rather have you put it out there for me to think about rather than tap dance around it and make me think less of you. I guess that is why I like you so much. The more I get to know you the more I see that we are much alike. I say bring it on. Anyone doesn't want to hear your story or they want to think you are a hypocrite for getting some surgery doesn't need to read your blog. I'm sure there is more there about your daughter than just you getting the surgery too.
One more thing. I weighed 240 before I got pregnant with my current pregnancy. My OB DR and I have discussed the fact that when I finally get fit I will still have skin on my stomach. Even with hard exercise some people do not lose the skin (Oprah did and my husband could - both carry fat in a different way than me). My DR has said that some people HAVE to get the skin removed because infections cause issues. No matter what you do, the skin rubs and gets raw, creating a infection. What started off with me joking about him doing some touch up after a c-section turned into me being worried that I may have to deal with infections for the rest of my life IF I don't do something about it.
Just don't stop telling your story. Bless others by the suffering you had to go through with being fat, losing the weight and then the disappointment of having the skin left over. You did this surgery to make life better for you in the future. It was not for JUST for cosmetic reasons only. Besides, your children will thank you when they are older and you don't fall down all teh time needed them to care for you:-)
Good job Mrs. C and God bless you!
Mrs. DMG
P.S. As I said, this is meant to be in kindness, not harsh words. I'm only 31 but I have learned so much these last couple years. I thought I knew it all but I don't. It takes some people twice as long to figure out what I have learned and I bet there are some young 20 year olds that already know what I took 31 years to learn. God works us at different stages of our lives. I am sure your daughter will see it different when she is older. Time has a way of changing us.
Posted by: Mrs. DMG | October 25, 2006 11:15 AM
Just when I think I couldn't love you more!!!
I plan on having the same surgery done when I lose enough weight to warrant it.
It's not about vanity, it's about restoration and keeping your body as healthy and as strong as possible.
That's been my lesson from you about this entire process. Weight loss can't be just to look better to other people. It has to be about BEING better for ourselves.
Posted by: whimsy | October 25, 2006 12:05 PM
Barbara-
Thanks for being so transparent, I am really humbled and amazed that you would share all this for your readers benefit.
I am in the lots of babies years (hopefully! one so far...) and am more than grateful for your cautionary words and have taken them to heart.
The way I see it, you haven't lost your moral authority by trying to improve your health and quality of living!
It seems to me not to be a selfish decision because this was as much about your family as it was about you.
Are there other issues with the daughter who judged you harshly? Because I think when we have a bone to pick with someone anything they do is fair game for our condemnation. I hope that made sense. I was once so angry with my Dad over one issue that everything he did and said seemed to belong to that issue.
Anyway, I rejoice with you over your new tummy! I am glad it "works" much better and you are feeling so full of energy. What a gift!
Posted by: Keri L | October 25, 2006 12:13 PM
Oh Barbara, I offer you grace. Being able to fix something broken is a blessing.
Posted by: relevantgirl | October 25, 2006 12:32 PM
Barbara, thanks for your honesty, and for daring to write in such a loving, but frank, manner about weight gain and loss.
My opinion about your surgery, for whatever it might be worth: you actually missed mentioning another health concern about the "pouch". Many who have lost significant amounts of weight and have dealt with excessive abdominal skin have ended up suffering from a number of skin problems, including recurrent infections. Our bodies are just not designed to have an excess of loose skin.
I'm hoping that your words about core body strength will be a wake-up call for many women. My abdominal muscles never quite healed properly after the c-section I had with my first baby. There is somewhat of a gap between them, but it is a gap that I have narrowed considerably by lots of exercise. However, all my exercise has done little to correct some postural problems, many of them the result of multiple pregnancies and years of carrying six toddlers and small children about on my right hip.
My daughter has recently begun treatment for scoliosis. I was so inspired by the rapid results of the postural exercises she's been doing, and so discouraged by my own chronic neck and lower back pain, that I've started treatment with the same chiropractor. Part of his evaluation involved taking pictures of me while I stood normally (as opposed to the way I try to stand for pictures). I was aghast at how horrid my posture was!
Anyway, I'm now doing exercises to improve my posture and will soon start additional exercises as well, and I feel very hopeful about being pain free in the not-too-distant future!
I fully believe that children are a blessing from God. However, I also believe that it is important for those of us with a crew of young 'uns to take care of ourselves and not use having a "bunch of kids" as an excuse for poor health habits. We need to be honest with each other about these sorts of things, and we also need to help support each other in obtaining optimal health.
God bless you, Barbara. I'm so thankful for how you minister to others through your walk with God!
Posted by: Rebecca | October 25, 2006 1:12 PM
Thanks everyone for your supportive comments. If there are others who feel differently and are not speaking up, I understand that too.
Keri, you are right - this is just the latest problem in a litany of things I've done wrong in my daughter's eyes. The only thing that gets me through this latest shunnng is knowing that if it weren't this it would be something else I've done which makes me unworthy to be who I am or do what I do.
There is a healing needed here, and I have done all I can. At some points - as when Jonny was ready to die in 1984 - you have to just put your kids in God's hands and pray that he will fix what you cannot fix yourself.
Posted by: barbara | October 25, 2006 1:59 PM
Your story resonates with me in a different way. My mom had a face lift and I found out about it from an aquaintance of hers months after the fact. (My sister has obviously had breast enlargements too, but this was never mentioned to me...) I know these are different surgeries and for different reasons (very different) but they are elective surgeries.
I'm wondering why my mom (hers is the one that bothers me most, my sister's just seems foolish to me-but a needless risk nonetheless) felt too embarrassed to tell me. What if something had happened to her while under general anesthesia? Why does she want to hide these things from me but then she shares them with her friends? If it was something that wasn't done in a sinful vain way, then why not just tell? She would mention other important things in her life. I feel like the fact that she hid it means that it was not a good thing.
(Or just a very personal, private thing, like plucking, shaving, etc. and other things we do to improve our looks!)
Also, this is a really weird thought, but is there often sense of competition between mothers and daughters in general? I feel sometimes like my mom is trying to show off to me... things she can buy that I can't afford (especially this), weight she's lost that I still need to lose, time she has to invest in hobbies and friends. She is very pretty and very into her looks and comments often about her face, photos, etc. I don't want to spend endless hours shopping and indulging in myself, like I feel she does. I have specifically chosen a very simple lifestyle probably as a reaction to all of her materialism. Still I can't shake the feeling that she is competing somehow, or at least trying to be more extravagant to somehow show me how great it is or something. And it only drives me in the opposite direction. There's no lasting joy in material things, or in personal vanity.
I know you are not like this at all Barbara. But I do think that moms often wish thier daughters would do things the "right" way (their way) and daughters need to find their own way without their mother's judgement. I think the weight loss issue is a big thing. I can hear my mom's judgemental thoughts about me playing in her mind even when she doesn't say them aloud. I know she is less than thrilled with me because I'm not doing what she does.
It's all so complicated, this mother daughter stuff. I need to read a good Christian book about it so I don't repeat history.
Posted by: s | October 25, 2006 3:27 PM
Barbara, I echo what others have said in offering you grace and encouragement ONLY. You have absolutely lost not an ounce of "moral authority" in my eyes; on the contrary, I respect you even more for your honesty and your hard work.
I can hardly wait to see a picture!
Posted by: Shannon @ Rocks in my Dryer | October 25, 2006 3:28 PM
PS- the fact that I even wrote all that I just did shows my OWN issues with being judgemental! It goes around and around with us...
Posted by: s | October 25, 2006 3:29 PM
Uh...I would never step between Barbara and her children. :) I'll just pray for peace and growth of understanding and resolution...:)
Barbara, honey...I don't see anything wrong with the surgery. Not at all. I would do the same if I were in your situation. You know, I only weigh 15 lbs. more than I did when first married, and that is after seven kids. AND YET!!!!! (Don't leave me, folks!) I can say with 100 percent validity that the body isn't the same. The waist is much larger, the skin is much looser...the core is much weaker. It is a GOOD thing to take care of ourselves, to do what is needed to keep us around for as long as possible.
Posted by: Holly | October 25, 2006 3:59 PM
I have to say that maintaining one's health becomes a major issue when you are likely to have children still dependent on you in your old age. Trying to stay as physically healthy and strong as you possibly can becomes of major importance. There is no way to dance around it.
Posted by: Julana | October 25, 2006 4:18 PM
thanks for sharing. God is faithful. He is in the tummy repair business and in the relationship repair business. Neither is without some pain but in the process we become better people all the way around.
Posted by: Spunky | October 25, 2006 4:40 PM
Thank you for being so frank and honest throughout your weight loss journey--you've been my inspiration to get active and lose the 45 lbs I need to after baby #3 (who is almost 2 now!).
You won't find any judgement from me--I find that surgery that you had to be basically medically necessary. I think the procedure you had done is a far cry from women who are never satisifed with their appearance and have multiple cosmetic procedures done.
Again, prayers for healing in your family relationships.
Posted by: KatieButler | October 25, 2006 7:19 PM
Dear Barbara,
First, I must say that all of your commenters thus far have forgotten to mention what was at the top of your post...YOU WERE SO CUTE IN THAT PICTURE! You look like you just stepped out of the Pat Boone family; not at all like what you could have looked like after your upbringing (recently discussed here by you).
Now then, as I was on my way to a sugar coma as I was reading your post (Good-n-Plenty, Dove cookies, Gouda cheese), it's was good to be inspired, at least temporarily, to get back to some healthy habits. It seems like only a decade ago, Christians thought health and wellness was only for those health nut hippies; but I love this new attitude emerging about respecting your body as a temple of Christ, and being healthy into your own age. I think your slight guilt is coming from the "old ways" that you still internalized. And I agree with all your readers who told you that the skin flap isn't just about obesity. I gain all in the middle; and when you're 5'2 and have had a lot of kids...that belly gets WAY stretched out. I'd have it snipped in a minute if I was able. (All you small waisted/hippy women...you don't understand :)
Enjoy the fruits of your labor; nobody lost that weight for you. Can't wait to see the picture!
Posted by: Marie | October 25, 2006 7:57 PM
Barbara, I am full of admiration for you. You rock!
Posted by: Mel | October 25, 2006 8:07 PM
by the way, there is NO pic of you tripp and samantha on that post. instead, an antique painting of mom rocking baby in an old wooden cradle.
What am i missing?
Posted by: floorplan | October 25, 2006 9:33 PM
Here's the way I see it. God works in ways that we don't understand and don't expect. However, He always does those things within His character. And I think that is what you were/are doing Barbara. Maybe we wouldn't have expected you to do this kind of surgery, but if we examine your heart we will see that it is keeping in your character. I am glad you are happy about this journey. It is evident through your posts that your weight loss is not just about physical aspects, but spiritual ones. Thanks for sharing and being open.
Posted by: Andrea | October 25, 2006 10:35 PM
now the picture is fixed...
wow barbara, you were so cute : ) and your fam too. Thanks for posting that. I'm glad for all of your life and the journey you so openly share with us for our encouragement and learning.
Posted by: floorplan | October 26, 2006 6:37 AM
I'm so glad you had the procedure done! I admit to being a little envious. I lost 65 lbs several years ago and had the same problem. A big flap of skin hanging down. Yuck! Unfortunately we didn't have the money to do anything about it at that point. Now, after a couple years of gaining weight back, I'm losing again and I know I'll hate that loose flap. I actually thought that it was from DS #3 whose birth was a c-section. After that section my abdominal muscles were never the same. Maybe I have an abdominal separation too??! Hmmm, something to look into.
Thanks for your thoughts and I can't wait to see a picture!
Posted by: Beckie | October 26, 2006 8:39 AM
I'm so glad you shared this story! I've had some of the same struggles and battles.
My tummy was destroyed by four 10 pound sons :) but with the last I had extreme polyhydramnios and that really took away any hope of fixing my abs on my own (although T-Tapp is helping).
I'm facing abdominoplasty and I'm scared to death so I'm thankful to hear of another Mama who had a good experience with the surgery!
You know, I was very hard on my mother. I didn't tell her how harshly I judged her but I think she probably knew. Sometimes it just takes maturity and experience for a younger woman to understand. Even now, I do not agree with choices that my mother made. From my new perspective as a wife and mother who has lived thru some hard times herself, I find it impossible to judge my mother's motives anymore. Learning to assume positive intent is just something that takes time. I'll be praying for you both!
Posted by: weathertopmama | October 26, 2006 10:11 AM
Wow, Barbara. Good for you! I am so happy for you. I hope your daughter comes around sooner rather than later. I know that must be heart breaking for you.
Posted by: dcrmom | October 26, 2006 12:58 PM
Barbara, it's no secret that folks who lose a lot of weight have extra skin. I can certainly see how that would affect your balance, health and even potentially your safety! Thanks for being so honest about it.
BTW, when I look at your "fat" picture, I see that wonderful friendly smile first and foremost! IT seems that's something you have had all of your life. What a blessing!
Posted by: Elena | October 26, 2006 1:12 PM
Maybe I'm just a product of my culture, but I see nothing wrong with plastic surgery. I mean, we all had braces, right? Usually, that's just for aesthetics. We wear makeup. I don't get why anyone would be upset. My mom's had stuff done and man, has it improved her outlook on life! She had skin removed after a major weight loss as well.
And honestly, my mom has stuff done that I don't think she needs, but who am I to judge her? She spent her life caring for four kids and is still caring for them, plus my dad, plus my kids now. I'm really glad she does things for herself now. I wish she'd done more for herself when I was young.
I hope to have surgery at some point as well. I always wanted a breast reduction because they're so large they cause me back pain, but I wanted to be able to breastfeed. Now I'm done having kids, but unfortunately have had some health issues arise that may prevent my surgery. At this point, actually, I'd rather have the stomach surgery to repair my abs and remove the excess skin that I have now and will have even more of once I remove my extra weight.
So, all that to say, kudos to you, Barbara, for doing something for yourself that both improves your quality of life and your looks. I suppose I'd be irritated if my mom had major surgery without telling me, just because if something happened, I'd need to know (I usually have power of attorney for her and, because she's usually had things done when my dad is out of town, I'd be the one to make a decision should something go wrong), but I'd get over it. I hope your daughter does, too.
You are continually an inspiration for me and I love that you're so honest and real about yourself and your struggles. I mean really, if you were perfect, why would I care what you said? You wouldn't understand what I and other young (and older) mothers go through.
Posted by: Lucy | October 26, 2006 5:45 PM
Hi Barbara,
I'm happy to hear you did the surgery. You touched on something I have feared about losing weight. I have a friend who had to have her skin removed, and I cannot afford to have that done-at all if it comes to that. I have a son who needs special therapy and would not be able to take that money from his needs. I shouldn't think that way though. It is better to be in shape, and if the time comes when I need skin removed, God will provide. :)
Posted by: Honey | October 26, 2006 9:42 PM
Barbara you're truly an inspiration. Such honesty and love can seem rare in this world of ours, and WOW, it's a true pleasure to find someone like you so willing to share and talk and care and love. Thank you. x
Posted by: Claire | October 27, 2006 3:59 AM
Barbara, I have 100 lbs to lose. I will be having the skin removed too- even though I am scared. I think it's great that you went ahead and had the surgery. Blessings. Glenys
Posted by: Glenys | November 11, 2006 6:35 AM
