Describe your behavioral and emotional battle with weight control before learning about bariatric surgery.
My battle with weight control seemed like forever but most of all for at least the last 23 years I have been morbidly obese.
I think the emotional part is what got to me the most. The feelings of shame and inadequacy. I thought if I hear one more person say but your soooo pretty! I'd scream!
The head games for me hurt the most. Always sizing things up to see if i'd fit. Having to be the first inline at the airport to get my pic of seat or to be able to ask for a seatbelt extension without the whole world hearing. Talk about embarrassing! But most of all the years of not feeling worthy and ashamed of how I looked. Especially with young kids. I never wanted them to get teased because they had a FAT mom! But through the years and with alot of counseling, I learned to love myself to the best of my ability. I put on a happy face which most of the time was real except for my fat! People would tell me that it was my personality and positive outlook that drew them too me....and that they didnt look at me as FAT! Yeah ok whatever! We know better...but then I guess that meant that they loved me for who I was..unconditionally. And thank god for that!
As for the behavioral part...hmmm...I always tried to figure out why I over ate or binged or whatever....sometimes I would ask myself right at that moment.."WHAT AM I FEELING?" Why am I eating right now when I know i'm not hungry? I think it was just out of boredom or the anger I felt toward myself for letting me get like that.
But thats all different now. I love the new me and thanks to the many years of counseling prior, I do not have the same head battles that alot of people go through. Do I still want to eat at times out of boredom or what not...sure I do....but I try to have the strength not too. I do not deprive myself either.
Most importantly, this tool has given me back my life which is what you will hear alot! I stop when I am full and I eat what I want. I also make sure that I reevaluate my goals from time to time. IF I plateau for a bit or dont lose what I'd like to...then I REFOCUS! Cut the carbs, up the water, up the protien etc...WE KNOW WHAT TO DO! You just have to DO IT! Hold habit die hard so PLEASE make sure your head is in the right place when you make the decision to have this surgery...it is NOT a quick fix! ITs a life long battle but with the help of this too if used wisely YOU CAN DO IT!
ALso, please visit the message boards and read others profiles. There are many aspects and ups and downs in this journey and we are all different...your journey wont be like anyone elses but you need to READ READ READ so you know some of the feelings and concerns to expect.
Would I do it again? ABSOLUTELY! In a MINUTE! Best to all of you who are thinking of this journey!
Julie :-)
What was (is) the worst thing about being overweight?
Being uncomfortable and trying to feel comfortable in my own skin. Not to mention the ridicule of others. OUCH!