Is GBS like a tatoo on my forehead? - Page 5 - ThinnerTimes

SueRN · 01-22-2008, 05:35 AM

GBS will always be a part of you and it will become your "normal". But it doesn't define who you are as a person. You always have to be mindful of what and how you eat because of GBS. I like to talk to other about this because only someone who has dealth with weight problems and have had GBS can understand. I had such a great experience, and as a nurse, like to help other who are going thru this process. Those of us who have been thru some of the problems, complications, bumps inthe road, set backs, body image issues, can offer some advice and support to those just going thru it. Some people need strong support. Some like to give it. And sometimes it's just nice to talk to someone who has walked in your shoes. There are other topics covered on this site too. I only discovered in last Oct and have found some really awesome people who are kind, compassionate, considerate, blunt and to the point, helpful, and really amazing. I really enjoy everyone's advice, their humor, their support, their prayers, and sharing their stories. It's a great site. Sue

Tricia3 · 01-22-2008, 09:24 AM

After working 25 years in health care, I've always been fascinated by the workings of the body, and how the brain manages such a complex instrument. Having had a chronic, debilitating pain disorder for 12 years, I'm also aware that much is still unexplained in medicine and each person is different is response. I'm sure it is really valuable for the Forum to have a nurse with the background knowledge who has also been there

I realize that I tend to overthink the process at times and find first hand info helpful.

I find the reality thinking here refreshing too. The people who aren't familiar with the actual process providing a tool to use, frequently make comments about taking the "easy route" with GBS rather than meeting the challenge with hard work & determination. I've never viewed this process as an easy fix, but I know it isn't worth the time and energy explaining it to all of the people who don't really want to be confused with the

facts. TT and other GBS forums provide a terrific system to provide the support and correct answer that you might never get from friends & family.

Tricia

Kenneth · 03-08-2008, 05:40 PM

Thank you for all the great replies.

I was originally concerned how I would feel about myself down the road. Would I feel like a survivor of WLS?

Now I am a bit curious. How will other people perceive me in five or ten years?

I have a friend who is adopted. I never think of him as adopted...but when my mother speaks about him it almost always comes up in the conversation.

I have a freind who is an alcoholic. He has not had a drink in ten years. It is very hard for me to forget that he used to drink.

My wife has a friend with a great rack. My wife told me that her friend had implants ten years ago. Since she told me I don't look at that cleavage in the same way.

How do people think about recovering fatties? (please don't commet on the use of the term 'fatties')

Claire-in-Texas · 03-09-2008, 04:50 AM

It's all about one's personal perception.

People who know me and see me frequently are used to the "new" me, and my weight loss and the surgery doesn't come up very often at all anymore.

New people I meet never knew me any other way, and since I don't define myself by my wls (for me it's a personal journey), it may or may not come up in conversation.

Since I am a recovering food addict, and am hours from the closest support group, I feel that I will always need this support system, this forum. And, of course, I feelthe joy of much better health and vitality. Now, however, it's time to think outside of myself and be involved in the world (since I am able to physically do that now - couldn't before).

So, in a way YES I am defined by my wls, and in another way, NO, I am part of the regular and everyday world.

I have no idea what others really think about me and my fourney. That's THEIR perception.

marine · 03-09-2008, 03:19 PM

Kenneth,

It depends on what you show+ behave with the others, and it depends how they percieve you.

Despite my continuous difficulty to eat normally, and health issues, I still have a much more healthy image. I am also perceived as I want people to see me. Not like a WSL of former obese, but as I girl who with strong feel succeeded to become almost normal.

I am not fake, I truly became thinner, dropped 6 sized in trousers, am more self-confident, hide myself less. And that is what counts, what you show to people.

If some still see me as the former obese, and so what, that is their problem. Not mine. THe overall attitude at least at work changed a lot, for some dramatically. And this is the proof that what counts is what I am now, and not what I was physically.