Journal Entry 4: First Family Function... and Feeling Nervous

Jodie Russell
Presurgery weight: 282 pounds
Current Weight: 230 pounds (11 weeks after surgery)

I’m filled with excitement, as well as hesitation, as we travel the 40 minutes to my aunt's house. It is the first family function I have been to since my weight-loss surgery. Apparently, I am deep in thought because my husband jabs me in my side and says, "I was only kidding," and I have no clue what he is talking about.

My mind is busy going over things like, "Will anyone notice my weight loss yet?" I have to admit that I am excited for people to see me, but wonder, "What if they don’t notice? Will I be disappointed? What will I say if they ask me about my 'lack' of food intake? Am I ready to tell my extended family about my surgery? Will they even have anything I am able to eat?"

We finally arrive at our destination. I weave through the sea of relatives as I give in to the ritual of hugs and greetings and make a beeline towards the empty chair in the corner. I always like to hide in a room full of people, hunch over and make myself as small as possible. The less attention that is drawn to me, the better.  

I decide to walk over to the table to scope out the food choices. I do have my trusty protein drink and cheese stick safely in my purse for just in case. Then I see it, a huge crockpot full of nice, juicy, moist shredded chicken. Do you think my three bites of chicken will draw attention? I am heading back to my safe seat when my cousin grabs me and says, "Oh my gosh, Jodie! You lost weight! What on earth are you doing to lose it? I’ll try anything at this point. You have to fill me in on your secret. I’ve got to try it!"

I look at her small frame, and perhaps 10 extra vanity pounds and kind of laugh and reply, "I really don’t think you need to try my diet." She looks at me a bit puzzled and laughs it off. I handled that well, didn’t I? I mean what am I supposed to say? I wasn’t in the mood to explain my whole reasoning as to why I chose what I did due to my health problems.. 

My aunt announces it is time to eat. I stand in line and put my tiny pile of chicken and small spoonfull of beans on my plate. Then I spot my dad at a table and squeeze in between him and my husband. I think I am finally safe when it happens.

You know in the movies when there is a critical moment in the main character's scene? You know the part where everything slows down around her and the words spoken to her are all in slow motion and the camera zooms into the main character's face as she stands there looking like a deer caught in headlights? Yeah, that's where I am right about now as the lady next to me says, "That’s all you are going to eat? Darlin' put some food on that plate and eat up! Don’t you like the food?" She piles tortillas, steak and rice onto my plate. I honestly didn’t know what to say. Then my dad puts on his "super dad" cape and comes to my rescue as he takes my piled up plate and says, "She’s on a diet," and starts to eat my food.   

I sit in my chair thinking about how silly I am and giggle. I am making a much bigger deal out of this whole thing than needed. I get up and walk over to my cousin and say to her, "I had gastric bypass a little over two months ago. That’s how I am losing my weight." My cousin’s eyes get very big, and she begins asking me the million questions that I am surprisingly used to by now. A small crowd of my relatives gathers as I excitedly relive my past few months. Follow more of Jodie's ongoing weight-loss journey.

For More Information
If you would like to start your own weight-loss journey at Sharp HealthCare, learn more by attending a free informational seminar. To register, call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277) or register online at Sharp weight-loss surgery seminar.