Fat Woman With A Band

island

All alone by notsogoodphotography

I get so much out of being with friends and loved ones. Yet when I’m in trouble, usually emotionally and sometimes even physically I tend to withdraw. There’s probably some psychological reason for that – maybe one of you can enlighten me – and though I know I can almost always feel better after talking, I still withdraw.

I attended a support group at the clinic this week and I was reminded yet again how the happiness hormones kick in after just talking and interacting with others. I wasn’t in a particular bad headspace before the meeting, just having an average day. At the meeting I met eight women who were in different stages after lapband surgery. I knew one woman as we are attending the same nutrition class, but I had never met any of the others, or the facilitator.

Obviously we had a few similarities:

• female
• overweight
• had laparoscopic band surgery
• had lost weight
• had been overweight a long time.

All the other women had children, and by coincidence three of the women were nurses.

The facilitator led the discussion, and most of the women shared their experiences – how they felt, what worked for them, etc.  And even though we ranged in age from early thirties to late sixties (a guess as no one asked about ages and I’m really bad at guessing age), we each had similar experiences and feelings around being overweight and living with the band.

The topic which had the most diverse opinions and experiences was “who had we told we were banded.” Many of the participants had told only the closest family. I, of course, have told just about everyone. Though I’m being a bit disingenuous as I’ve told only those people who, as the nutritionist says, “are interest-ready.” I think as I lose more weight more people will ask what’s going on, and I may share even more then.

I’m going to come looking for you the next time I feel stranded.

Cue 86-piece orchestra, with a large percussion section, and play the big music.

Started the pre-op deprivation diet today. I know. I know. It’s all in how you frame it. At this very moment, I’m feeling deprived, and the endpoint is so far away, that I can’t think of it clearly.

Grrrr.

O.K., I’ll stop. That’s it. No more feeling sorry for myself. Done and done.

I’ve been doing a lot of reading about dieting, finding the descriptions of experiences that will help me. Lots and lots to read about. Some written by people “just like me”, and some sponsored by medical organizations.

I’ve added a couple of more sites to my blogroll, to give you an idea of what’s available. Elastic Waist has some very funny videos. And Weight Matters is authored by an Ottawa doctor specializing in bariatric topics.

I’ve ordered a couple of books written by women after their successful weight loss. I’ll post reviews as soon as I’ve read them. Wonder why it seems as if it’s only women who talk about weight loss? Usually, if you see or read about a man’s weight loss, it’s associated with an athletic achievement. Gender roles appear even in weight loss stories.

On the bright side, tomorrow is two. Oh, and I can drink coffee or tea. See? It’s all in how your frame it.

And a big shout out to canadiangirl who had her surgery on Nov 20th. I’m happy to report she’s doing well. Go, canadiangirl!