LittleBird

I feel "overlooked" because of my size but its not where I WANT to be. I want to be noticed for the me thats inside - the same me that will be here when I lose the weight - The men are in for a surprise! I'm glad you enjoyed the poem.

I work with a lot of men overall - but only about 12 in the sales department. Most of them are very nice - but they are just "guys" (sorry). I've been in auto sales for just over 3 years. I do love it too....

I agree with you - it goes both ways. doesn't even have to be the opposite sex, woman treat women poorly or pre-judge all the time.

Me too! My dad used to drink milk out of the jug, look at me and say "don't ever do this..." Now I say the same to my kids! My favorite thing is seeing green fields being watered by irrigation sprinklers. Reminds me of home!

Yes - My husband loves me - regardless of my size and for that I'm very grateful. It just frustrates me that some people literally 'overlook' people who are heavy. I think the words in this latest creation really say EXACTLY what I feel.... Since I've decided on the lap band -- I've noticed I have different feelings toward all builds right now - I appreciate the women with thin, beautiful, healthy bods and I feel connected with women who have a larger build too - like me! I guess its like when you think you might be pregnant, you start seeing pregnant woman everywhere....:confused:

I work with a bunch of men - as the only woman salesperson in an auto dealership, I see it all. The other day I wrote this while thinking about some of the comments and reactions we get when a "thin" girl comes in. Overlooked Inside I look the same I feel the same I smile the same As the other women the women the men notice the women men talk about. Its funny how women of slighter build get more attention than women of substance. Is the only picture men see the one painted by flesh? How sad how lonely it must be to always overlook the beauty of character. ~~Cindy W. 06-17-2006

I was reading this yesterday: http://www.azcentral.com/health/diet/articles/0718wsj-addiction-transfer18-ON.html They are talking primarly about "gastric bypass" which effects the digestion of the alcohol, but I think they bring a point that is worth looking at. As a recovering alcoholic myself, I relize I need to find my "healthy addiction" before I have my surgery. Tony Robbins says if something meets 3 of 6 human needs, it will become an addiction: certainty, uncertainty, significance, connection/love, growth (not physical), and contribution. For me - I'm thinking besides finding a new "excersise" addiction, it might be helpful to do so in a group/support way to create the accountability and "contribution" and "connection" factor - helping others while helping myself too. I do feel that I've isolated myself - since I quit drinking especially and don't want to make that mistake with the band.

I'm with you! This is what I do too! I used to work in an adult care facility and actually got good at folding sheets, including fitted, but why do it if you don't have to!

On the advice of an RN in the support group I recently attended, I contacted my PCP last week. Her nurse took the call. Since many of the employees have had the proceedure done and many of their patients, she was thrilled for me and very supportive. The call to my Dr. was to see if there were any tests she thought I needed before heading off to Mexico - making sure I'm healthy and ready for this surgery. I really think its about education. If your PCP is "against" you having surgery it probably is because she doesn't understand. Don't let that alone sway your decision. Look at all the aspects and do what is right for you.

One year ago I quit drinking and started going to AA. If you've been there, then you know what I'm talking about. I gained about 30 lbs in that year I gave up alcohol. I replaced one addiction with another - food! My fear is I will replace eating with yet another addiction once I have the band. On the other hand, my experience in AA gives me the strenght to know that I CAN kick an addiction, but it takes work and commitment. Anyone else been there?

I just got off the phone with Robin of NorthWest Fills in Arlington, Wa and she told me there is a support group meeting at the "Little Italy" rest. on Olympic tonight. She said they meet every 3rd Thursday from 6-7:30 p.m. I'll be there and wanted to share incase other locals are interested.

My name is Cindy - I'm 31, married, and have 2 kids. I love in Arlington, Washington. I've been consumed with my weight issues for the last 2 years- I think about it from the time I wake up to the time I go to bed. I've tried to just "accept" this is who I am and be ok with it. But - that just doesn't work for me. I was thin growing up, then after my kids my weight varied in the 170-190 range. (what I'd give to be 170 now!!) I'm now 255 lbs and I'm NOT ok with it. It just keeps coming and my energy level is awful. I haven't been able to sustain any significant weight loss on my own. After meeting someone in person who had the surgery - I started looking into it. The cost in the US was out of my budget, but the options in Mexico work for me. I did my homework and got my ducks in a row. I just scheduled my surgery today for the 16th of August with Dr. Ortiz in TJ. I have some fears - wondering how my body will feel when its done, if I'll be successful, will I have energy even though I can't eat as much, will I still be hungry? Those are my biggest worries : Will I still get my "no food" headache and will I be hungry. Regardless, I'm scheduled and I'm going to be banded soon!

I talked to my hubby at first, then my mom. I just worked up the nerve to tell my Dad today - since I'm scheduled now. He told me "just don't eat so much." He's not for it and I knew he wouldn't be - but I'm an adult and he's not living in my body. I also told one friend at work - she is the only one who was thrilled for me.

That's so close to home for me. And I thought I'd have to go to Tacoma or something! I'm scheduled now for the 16th with Ortiz. I'm thrilled! Thanks for the info.

Did you say the "Arlington Pharmacy" will do fills?? Or did I misunderstand? I'm working on a 16th Aug. Surgery Date with Ortiz. Trying to work it out wiht my husbands schedule and get over this growing fear..."am I doing the right thing?" "is there another way?" "Will I be successful?" I'm sure I'm not the only one who's had those last minute jitters!

I just applied for CapOne and they have Dr. Ortiz (from Mexico) on their list with a California address. Looks like maybe they found a loophole or something with a California office. I have to wait to confirm tomorrow, but I think Dr. Ortiz can receive CapOne payments. Does anyone else know about this? My credit isn't the greatest and the 1.9% is only for the short term financing (no more than 24 months I think) and I wanted longer term. My rate isn't good but I expected that - payments about $240 and I can always pay it off early to aviod those interest charges

Thank you for all the input! It's a huge help. I just applied and got approved for financing. That was the hurdle I was most worried about - so now it just comes down to getting scheduled. Thanks again for sharing everyone!

I'm considering Dr. Ortiz in Mexico. I guess I'm just assuming there WILL be a fill Dr. somewhere local that Dr. Ortiz can refer me to. As I understand it, sometimes Dr's don't want to do a fill if they haven't done the surgery. Has anyone in the area found that to be true? Any other Snohomish or King County Resident out there who have successfully found a fill Dr after having the surgery elsewhere?

As I consider all aspects I wonder if those of you who are moms and wives can share you experience as a family with one member banded. My husband cooks the meals in our home and we eat dinner together every night. (We are not the Cleavers, but its the one of the few emotionally healthy things we do every night). How have you and your families adjusted to this change in your eating??

New to the site myself and considering - strongly - the LapBand. Here is my question-comment-rambling-over-thinking-it-thought: First, I believe overeating can have a LOT to do with emotional pain or some other "internal" emotional issue. Since I believe this, then I think "If I have this surgery, the underlying problem is still there, not delt with" so I worry about the "problem" i.e. the underlying emotional issue is going to crop up in some other area of my life. Does anyone else have any thoughts on this or even understand what I'm trying to say?? And what about excersising - on the little bit of food you are able to eat, is there still enough energy there to "work out"?

What the heck is a PB?

My day job is as an internet sales manager at a Ford Dealership. I have also been nurturing my online business, www.providerwatch.com for the past 6 years. Previously I was a CNA in the home health care system in Oregon.

My weight gain began about 9 years ago - it was a slow process that began with excessive drinking - high calorie drinks -depression...I gained about 30 pounds those first few years, lost some and have steadily increased reaching my all time high - currently 255. I quit drinking a year ago - eat more to replace it - and have worked at a desk job for 3 years. That combined with no physical activity. I ENJOY food, its emotional for me. When I cook and enjoy a good meal, it feels good deep down. But this good feeling is followed by guilt and remorse. When I feel full - I feel guilty. I think about being fat from the time I wake up to the time I go to bed at night and sometimes in my sleep. I'm considering the band, but am unsure how I'll pay for it. The bottom line is I overeat, food is emotional satisfaction, and I sit on my a$$ at work all day.