Uncomfortable in My Skin and newbie questions

[Humming Bird 275]

To me a "garbage truck person" is someone who has had many problems, disapointments, and general negative things happen in their life. They gather all this negativity much like a garbage truck that is overloaded, then they dump a little of this garbage on other people they encounter. I try to just stay clear of these garbage truck people. I too have had a very rough life sometimes, but try not to take it out on others and be a garbage truck myself. The law of the garbage truck comes from a guy named David J. Polly. Here is a link to his site :

David J. Pollay's Blog: David J. Pollay's "The Law of The Garbage Truck™"

I am sure Headhunter has much experience that could help us all in this journey, but with all the garbage, the help/support is lost.

I am just starting my lapband journey. I was banded 07/09/09, but will post my experience below to your questions ....

[Humming Bird 275]

I am a 39 y/o artist, Mom and Wife and have been fussing over my weight since I was 13. A day hasn't gone by in that many years that I haven't thought about food or my weight from the time I wake up to the time I go to sleep. I feel your pain! I too have had weight problems most of my life and it is a constant in my mind.

I love fashion but can't wear what I want. I am running out of sizes and styles that are wearable. My next fashion step is the mu-mu and I REFUSE to go there. I agree. It seems like everything larger than a size 14 or 16 tends to look like a mu-mu to me and I hate it! I have saved many clothes over the years thinking I will get back in them someday. I have everything from a size 9 to a size 24. It feels so good when the sizes start dropping.

I have also entered menopause and all my fat (which I carry around the waist) seemed to drop overnight. I had surgical menopause and after that is when the weight really packed on and sent me up the obesity scale.

Sometimes, I have to take a shower after using the toilet because I can't reach my butt to clean it properly. That hurts to type but it's time to be honest. Again, you are not alone.

What if I can't stop myself from eating past the full point?

In my case, the band stops me from eating past my full point. If I take even one more bite past full, it does not feel good (pain). I learned very fast to stop.

How will the lap-band® stop me? Being full doesn't stop me now. I am full right this second and planning to go find a snack any minute now. It is a very different full with the band I really have no choice but to stop.

The seminar host told us that what stops her from overeating is the throwing up process. For me it is not throwing up, it's pain. I have only thrown up one time since being banded and it was not from eating too much. It was from eating the wrong thing (5 french fries)

I am dead-set against Gastric Bypass and lap-band® is the only procedure I would ever consider. I feel the same way about GB. I know a few people who have had it done, and after seeing and hearing the problems they have had, it is not for me.

Since I can't seem to do it on my own, it's either this or die fat and early. I can't do that to myself or my family. I have the most perfect, darling little boy and I need to be here for a long time to watch him grow up. Great motivators.

How did you deal with the emotional/head/obsessive eating? So far I have not had too much trouble with this, but if I do, I will go talk to someone and get help.

What did you say to yourself when visions of cupcakes floated into your consciousness? I agree with others.

I can get by with a bite or 2 and do not feel deprived.

Does anyone have TriCare Standard who can talk to me about options and OOP costs?

can't help with insurance. I have no insurance and was self-pay.

Who is having a hard time with the band/lifestyle changes and what are you doing to change your thinking or behaviors in order to make it work? I don't have children at home, but think it may be hard to deal with the cooking changes. I do have my 7 yr old grandson 3 days a week. There will be times when you cook something for your son that you just can not eat.

Is there anyone here who regrets having it done? I do not regret it at this point. The weight is coming off!

How does losing the weight (or having the band) affect your relationships with others? I have not noticed a change at this point.

Would you do it again if you could? Oh YES! wish I could have done it sooner.

Do you tell people you had surgery? I ask because so many people consider it "cheating" even though we know it is hard work. (I have considered not telling anyone BUT I have a big mouth and probably can't keep it shut even if I try) I have pretty much told everyone. These people around me are great a support team. If it's cheating, then oh well, it works and that is the most important part!

Good luck to you on your journey!!

[shmack 0]

Hummingbird... I think you're right :thumbup: I'll have to remember that one... so many people out there like that x