“When we were on vacation in Mexico a few weeks ago, it was the first time I had worn a bathing suit in a long time, and it had been even longer since I wore a bathing suit without a cover-up.”

“I was nervous to take my cover-up off and to walk into the pool or walk on the beach. I still felt like that same 500-pound girl… then, it happened.

A couple sitting by the pool started laughing and pointing at me and making fun of me as soon as I took my cover-up off.”

“So what did I do? I took a deep breath, smiled and walked into the pool. That was a huge moment for me. I had changed.

I was not the same girl anymore. Yes I still have a lot of loose skin, I may still feel insecure at times, and yes I may still get made fun of.”