Landa2415
I've been on this site for a minute and never took the time to fill out. Hmm, let's see. I've always been big, never do I remember being small. For the most part was accepted for who I was by most family members. There were a couple that knew how to ride you for being an unacceptable size.
Joined the plus size community about ten years ago and really lost it. I was in a community that accepted me for me, so all of the watching what I ate, if I exercised, etc., all went out the window. Over the years, I learned that like any other community, the plus size community was filled with cliques and such. Started to see the ugly side of things and it didn't leave me with warm and fuzzy feelings.
After seeing the 5th person I knew have WLS, I swore five years ago, very loudly by the way, that I would neva eva have WLS. Tried the whole diet and exercise thing on my own. You name the diet, I've done it. The only thing that seem to have stuck with me over the past few years was my devotion to the gym. Even though I hate it with a passion, it does keep me straight. Woke up last year, took a long hard look at myself and realized that I couldn't continue to go on like this. Did my research and attended my first seminar back in August 2007 and I haven't looked back.
Will admit that this all has been a learning experience for me. While I researched it to death, attended the support meetings, the online chats and thought I was well prepared. While its been an experience that I wouldn't change, there are some things I wish I knew that would have helped me coped a little better. The biggest thing? The emotional rollercoaster that you find yourself on. The reaction, which isn't always positive, from family and friends. You almost have to develop a teflon shield to deal ....
Like said before, it's an journey that I wouldn't change. I'm loosing the weight and slowly am beginning to gain my self-confidence back. Oh yeah, that's another thing, you don't realize what a hit you take on how you felt about yourself til after the fact. I'm only six months out and I realize that I have long way to go. I certainly looking forward to reaching my goal and enjoying the ride along the way ...
