Hi Shannon. I can never figure out why people don’t get the “you do you and I’ll do me”. Once you’re perfect you can move on to someone else!

As you said, nobody knows you better than you. I always notice that I gain weight when I am nervous about something coming up. I am comfortable at my weight now but have to watch it and actively make sure it comes down after an issue or event. It doesn’t matter even if I am looking forward to something. My default is to comfort food. I figure better than alcohol or drugs.

When someone tells me something about how I look, you know, for my own good I have a standard response. Usually, I can’t think of a good comeback at the moment so I need to be prepared. Unfortunately, it has happened enough I am now ready. “I only discuss personal things with friends.” Then I leave or I move to other people leaving no room for further discussion.

Shannon, you usually delve into things fully and will know what is right for you. You are making so many changes in your life and this is just one more. Maybe later you will choose surgery. But you are right, no surgery comes without risk. You need to enter this option when and if you are good and ready.

Whatever you choose, know that there are a lot of people pulling for you and understand the difficulties. You go girl!