DGay
I am a 62 year old woman who has been obese all my life. I was born in San Diego CA (actually at Camp Pendleton USMC). I was raised in Maine, and now live in Texas. As a child I was often the one all the other kids teased. My childhood was difficult as I was an only child and my Mother wanted me to be "special" and didn't want me to assocaite with the other country kids in our area. I was just a normal kid and loved living on a farm and being around all the animals, but I missed having friends my age. My Mother ALWAYS had me on a diet from the age of 5 on. I took tap dancing, ballet, and acrobate lessons, but was never very good even though I was entered into many performances. I was never allowed to eat candy or snacks because I need to look good in my costumes. SO learned to sneak them (Mum loved sweets had stashes in the cupboards, etc.). I also to lie saying I had not eaten them (a tough sell when I had no one else to blaime). Mum was a former Lady Marine, and RN and she was very strict and had tough rules. I grew up learning to be independent and respectful. My Dad was a second marriage for Mum, so my upbringing was controled by her. The most negative part the shame. She talked about it all the time. (Even at the age of 62 it makes me sad as I write this. I now know that these were "her problems", but a little kid doesn't understand all that/. Many times she would ask me to stay in my room if company stopped by. She didn't enjoy family gatherings because she felt embarrassed having a pudgy dauther. By the time I was in the 5th grade I weighed 100 lbs and when I graduated from high school I weighed about 180. Life wasn't very happy and I had no self confidence at all. I was told repeatedly that I was an embarrsement to the "family", even though I was my Grandfather's "favorite". Conflicting messages to say the least.
I met the man of my dreams (normal weight) and we married and had twin sons 10 months later. We were an USAF family with many mobes and separations due to DH's assignments. My weight went to about 250 by the time my sons were five. My sons were normal weight healthy little boys, thank God! They never seemed ashamed to have a obease Mother, but they probably would have liked me be more active with them. My DH loved and appreciated me. He always encouraged and tried to motivate me, but it hasn't helped the weight problem. My life was happy and I regained by self-esteem. My highest weight was 330 when I was told I had Type 2 Diabetes. I joined WW and was very successful, losing 90 lbs in two years. After 4 years though, it started to sneak back up and the program seemed to stop working. I now take a lot of oral medication. When my Bariatric doctor saw the list of meds he said "My Gosh! There is no way you can lose any weight taking these tyoes of meds. I can see now why you became discouraged. I could have hugged him, as I do eat very healthy, just too much food I guess.
I went back to school to get my college degree when my sons started high school. My degree is in counseling. I wanted to somehow give back to others because of all the blessings I have received. It was a perfect match for me and I love the work I do and the opportunity to help others that are "carrying baggage"!
I work full time from a home office for a University as a counselor. I have worked at home for almost 7 years now. I worked on campus for 12 years before we moved to Texas. The University President said "Donna, take your job with you!" It has been very successful for almost 7 years now. I communicate with the students by telephone, emails, and fax. It works just wonderful in the new age of electronics.
My DH and I are planning on moving this summer to a Dell Web Community here in San Antonio. They have a beautiful large club house, many pools and spas, etc. and lots and lots of exercise equipment. Many opportunities for activities with others our age. I am really looking forward to being healthier and living longer. Not retirement, but more time to enjoy life.
TriCare is paying for my Lap Band. I am sooooo excited. I have several friends that have recently had the procedure and they have had great success. I have said since the beginning that I do not care if I don't get to ge a size 10, or can wear a bikini, etc. I only want to be health and life longer. I now have a WONDERFUL MEDICAL SUPPORT GROUP to help me on the journey.
I am ready for this challenge! I will follow every rule they have!! I want this to work and actually think that the healing has already begun!!!
