Val_T
My Story, a work in progress: I started out on a farm in Western North Dakota. Life was fairly normal until my father was in a truck accident when I was in the first grade. He broke his back in 2 places, and life changed forever. For the next year, my mom was away alot at rehab with him, and we moved to town. I started gaining weight around that time. Maybe it was to fill a void of lack of attention from my parents, maybe something else. My folks took me to see a psych at some point who said I was just a normal kid, so I don't know. But my weight continued to grow, and by 3rd grade, the teasing and self-esteem issues started. It didn't help that I had an oldest brother who loved to tease and belittle me. Thank goodness for good friends. I am a person who can get along with anyone, and my acceptance of them allowed for an acceptance, and a protection, of me.
I had the usual teasing all through school, and I had a mom who enrolled me in TOPS, Weight Watchers and every other program around. Nothing worked for long. Hiding chocolate in my drawers or wherever was a habit for me. My little bit of "rebellion", for a girl who was always a "pleaser". I didn't date until I was out of high school, and still never really felt attractive. I had a ton of male friends, and it was only later that I realized some wanted to date me, but I was so sure no one wanted me, I never allowed it to grow. It wasn't until 2002, that I met a man who was persistant and loving enough to hang in there, and let me know how loved I was, that I allowed him truly in. We married in Nov. 2004, and I've never been happier. He accepted me as I was, and only because I want to be healthier and live a long life with him did we make the mutual decision for lap-band surgery. He's been supportive all the way, and I thank God he came into my life. We'll make this journey together.
