chappers
New Member
Hi Guys,
I've been on here for a few weeks now and thought I should introduce myself properly. My name is Jax, I'm 52, living in rural Essex, happily married with a grown family and adorable grandchildren. I have a wonderful blessed life, apart from the demon that I have battled since I was a child - FOOD! Over the years it has been my constant companion, my best friend and comforter and ultimately, my greatest enemy.
I had quite a lonely childhood, my parents were busy running a business, my older siblings were seldom there and so I got my kicks by eating, and eating and eating! I remember one time when I was about ten, eating half a packet of rich tea biscuits slathered in butter! Why? I gradually gained more and more weight and by the time I left school, I weighed 14 stone (I'm 5'8") and was a size 18.
I did get to a size 14 during my late 20's to 30's as I was busy raising the family but for the last 15 years, I have piled on the weight. My heaviest weight was 17 and 1/2 stone! I did manage to lose 5 and 1/2 stone on the milk shake diet, but have yo-yo'd since. I have gained 3 stone since March this year alone and I currently weigh a whopping 16 stone :-( I think that the menopause has not helped to be honest, however, it is time to break the cycle. I should say, I'm not an unhealthy eater. I do not buy processed foods. I cook from fresh and follow a Mediterranean Diet mainly as we have a house in Italy and spend a lot of time there. I love cooking and feeding people is my greatest pleasure! I'm not into sweet stuff particularly either and not a picker, but, I do love my dinners and eat too much. Even when I'm full, I have to clear my plate. Sound familiar?
So that's me. I honestly believe that a gastric band is the answer to my problem. I have really enjoyed your posts, advice and stories since I joined the site -they have been a tremendous help to me, especially as I have mentioned in some posts, I am starting my journey with no support from family or friends, which is OK but I do wish that my husband would support me. I understand his concerns but ultimately it is my decision and I feel I really need this. I have my first consultation with the surgeon on Saturday. I am a bit nervous as my husband is insisting that he comes with me and I'm concerned he may be rude to the Doctor! Walking on eggshells will get me in a tizzy, which doesn't take much at the moment! I thought it best to write down my questions.
So, my. BIG question is: Can you think of questions that I should ask that I may not have thought of? Questions that you wish you'd have asked before hand? I would be grateful for any advice. Thanks for 'Listening' guys. X
I've been on here for a few weeks now and thought I should introduce myself properly. My name is Jax, I'm 52, living in rural Essex, happily married with a grown family and adorable grandchildren. I have a wonderful blessed life, apart from the demon that I have battled since I was a child - FOOD! Over the years it has been my constant companion, my best friend and comforter and ultimately, my greatest enemy.
I had quite a lonely childhood, my parents were busy running a business, my older siblings were seldom there and so I got my kicks by eating, and eating and eating! I remember one time when I was about ten, eating half a packet of rich tea biscuits slathered in butter! Why? I gradually gained more and more weight and by the time I left school, I weighed 14 stone (I'm 5'8") and was a size 18.
I did get to a size 14 during my late 20's to 30's as I was busy raising the family but for the last 15 years, I have piled on the weight. My heaviest weight was 17 and 1/2 stone! I did manage to lose 5 and 1/2 stone on the milk shake diet, but have yo-yo'd since. I have gained 3 stone since March this year alone and I currently weigh a whopping 16 stone :-( I think that the menopause has not helped to be honest, however, it is time to break the cycle. I should say, I'm not an unhealthy eater. I do not buy processed foods. I cook from fresh and follow a Mediterranean Diet mainly as we have a house in Italy and spend a lot of time there. I love cooking and feeding people is my greatest pleasure! I'm not into sweet stuff particularly either and not a picker, but, I do love my dinners and eat too much. Even when I'm full, I have to clear my plate. Sound familiar?
So that's me. I honestly believe that a gastric band is the answer to my problem. I have really enjoyed your posts, advice and stories since I joined the site -they have been a tremendous help to me, especially as I have mentioned in some posts, I am starting my journey with no support from family or friends, which is OK but I do wish that my husband would support me. I understand his concerns but ultimately it is my decision and I feel I really need this. I have my first consultation with the surgeon on Saturday. I am a bit nervous as my husband is insisting that he comes with me and I'm concerned he may be rude to the Doctor! Walking on eggshells will get me in a tizzy, which doesn't take much at the moment! I thought it best to write down my questions.
So, my. BIG question is: Can you think of questions that I should ask that I may not have thought of? Questions that you wish you'd have asked before hand? I would be grateful for any advice. Thanks for 'Listening' guys. X