Winsane

I've read up on how our ideals of body type and shape of women are so often imposed ideals of a patriarchal society, how those ideals torment women and marginalize people. I've touted those ideas since I was in middle school, however fumbling my efforts were. I had been excluded for being fat and odd since grade school, and developed a dislike for the mainstream early on (starting with the popular girls of course.) I made friends with the freaks, geeks, and goths my whole life, I love them. I love the underdog, the misfit toys, the goonies. The code was always to be who you are and Celebrate it. When I discovered I was a lesbian as well, I was already two steps ahead.
I worked to develop pride for myself as I was, I tried to err on the healthier side, but I didn't want to diet anymore. I was tired of the struggle, I AM tired of the struggle. But I was offered a very generous opportunity from my family. I am willing to take it. Chubby is one thing, but my doctor has been bringing up my weight. I'm in my twenties and my knees and ankles hurt at times. I know I can succeed with the helping factors that the procedure provides.
I can't imagine being on the other side, though. I feel like I'm being given the option to change my ethnicity. I know this is more about health than anything (how would you get insurance to help otherwise) and there IS more to me than my BBW status, (I love indie films and reading). Yet, people like Rosie O' Donnel (before the drama) and Uncle candy, Tracy from (the original) Hairspray, these were the people I identified with. I watched Heavyweights multiple times as a kid. I feel like I'm turning my back on the people who helped me feel good about myself when I was young.
Did anyone else struggle with these sort of feelings?

What Ilene said! Best wishes to you, but you do have to change your eating habits. Baby steps, 1st! My trick (and my nutritionist's) is to use a small plate, kid size if you have them. I use salad plates exclusively. I, also, use small forks, dessert, I guess they are called. I share at restaurants,being a senior citizen it s easier. But, don't try to eat until you are full, eat only what your nutritionist says is portion size. If you haven't had to consult a nutritionist, do so! (meat the size of your palm, or deck of cards)etc. You can do it, just have faith in yourself. Karen
PS: As Ilene said, also, get a support group!

Congrats on taking the first steps to losing weight. In my opinion: Full for the lapband members is when you do not feel hungry. The problem is that we as obese people thing we are hungry all the time. Whether it is the mind hunger or stomach hunger. The size of a normal stomach is very small. (not sure but I think it is the size of our fist) I am sure if I am incorrect, there will be someone correcting me.. ***thanks in advance*** I think they use the word saity but I know I am not spelling it correctly. It is like a calmness in your body. It is a word from satiate, AND THAT MEANS GLUT.OH NUTS NOW WE REALLY NEED HELP HERE.. Any how. I used to have many stomach problems and also would only feel right if my stomach hurt a bit. That is not good. YOU BET YOUR LIFE YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE TO CHANGE YOUR EATING HABITS. i WISH YOU LOTS OF LUCK..JUST DO IT AND BE HAPPY AND PROUD OF YOURSELF. DON'T EXPECT THE BAND TO DO THOSE THINGS. AND WITH OUT A FILL YOU PROBABLY WILL NOT HAVE RESTRICTION. MY QUESTION IS: WHAT DO YOU EXPECT YOUR BAND TO DO FOR YOU??I hope that your Dr's office gave you some information to read. Also the computer is filled with some. LASTLY I RECOMMEND THAT YOU JOIN WLSFA.ORG. IT HAILS FROM CALIF WHERE YOU ARE FROM..BE STRONG. YOU ONLY HAVE 1 LIFE TO LIVE. THIS ONE.ILENE

Hi and welcome. Because you haven't had any fills yet you may not feel full. Follow your dr orders and be patient. Follow the rules . This is a time of healing. You need to concentrate on changing your eating habits . This is a saying you will hear over and over. Just because you can doesn't mean you should. So if you can eat a lot doesn't mean you should eat a lot.
Good Luck.
Sorry for the cross outs i don't know how to get ride of it.
Wendy