FAT MAMA TOWN.....

I remember, when I was younger I would be sent off to visit my cousins for the summer. I dreaded this journey, because it seemed there were no other obese children around to play with. I was ALWAYS singled out, and the other kids, especially my cousins, would sing this song about me, which always killed any spirit I managed to muster, during my visit. The song went like this: "VERA GONNA GO TO FAT MAMA TOWN... .... VERA GONNA GO TO FAT MAMA TOWN... ........ VERA GONNA GO TO FAT MAMA TOWN! and with each bar, the song got louder, and louder until the kids were in a circle around me, screaming these words. Well, today, I thought about that, and eventhough I had WLS, I still can hear those words. However, instead of allowing it to kill the spirit I have managed to muster, during this time in my life, I made up a song to sing to these now unemployed, unstable, drug heads, who now see me and wonder who I am, even before surgery. The song GOES like this: "VERA DONE BEEN TO FAT MAMA TOWN... .... VERA DONE BEEN TO FAT MAMA TOWN... ...........VERA DONE BEEN TO FAT MAMA TOWN... ~.... and she ain't gonna go back!~ Life is sometimes rather tricky... allowing us the opportunity, as WLS individuals, to look back at a point in our lives and reflect on how it damaged us. I have used this ONE incident, recently, to pull me through these tough days... more protein, (or Vera gonna go....), more water, (fat mama town....), more exercise, (Vera gonna go....), and a positive attitude (... and she ain't gonna go back!) I hope this little story will help the next person remember, reflect and share. I am so happy, this day, that I had the chance to see them on Easter, to see what town THEY went to, and to see if they are/were able to redeem themselves, as much as I was able to. Unfortunately, they have not, and/or can't.... Thank God for the help and guidance He has provided and given me through WLS, because as hard as it may be to stay out of FAT MAMA TOWN... I can only imagine it is even more difficult to regain respect from the towns they now find themselves living in. DO SHARE YOUR MEMORY.... and how you've overcome! Vera, Crew Encourager 12/20/05 343/387/? RNY Proximal LAP -54# and counting down! 3 months post ot

(((I just have to say, I love your posts! I read them every day!))) My memory of being a heavy child: In elementary school, probably in 3rd or 4th grade, we had a chorus concert for the other kids in the school. Well... we were getting on the bleachers and I was a taller kid (back then.. ) so I was on the back row... I was probably the 5th person to get on and as I stepped on the bleachers fell.... and every one of us went down with it... No one was hurt (Thank God) but dont you know... the loudest kid of all piped up and said, "Beckie is so fat she broke the bleachers". Then that awful giggling... Do you know that he didnt let up that entire school year??? That is probably the beginning of my low self esteem. I went through high school wondering what everyone thought of me and thinking "they think I am just a fat girl". I feel terrible when I see kids tormenting others... they can be so mean! NOW::: My 10 year high school reunion is next year... I will not be the "fat girl" but a girl who is secure with herself and the actions she has taken to make her life better. And my that little boys face drop with awe when I walk in!!!! Sweet revenge... LOL! Cool Post Vera, it made me think of where I have been and how I will never treat people as I know how it feels. Hugs, Beckie XOXO 255-209-170

YOU SHOW THEM BECKIE.... SHOW THEM FOR US ALL. Be sure to take photos, and be sure to take one of that guy, who is probably still sitting in the 'bleachers' if you know what I mean! So proud of you and your weight loss... keep up the excellent work babydoll! As for my posts, I type from my heart. Even I need encouraging, and having the love of our December Crew helps so much, right! Luv ya! Vera

Hi Vera, I used to be called Italian Meatball! I remember also being called Fat Frannie too. I wasn't fat for my full childhood, but it hurt me all the same and I will always be a fat person in my mind. I think it makes us stronger to know that we will never treat a person bad because of their appearance. I feel that my obesity has made me a much better person. I have much more sympathy for other people's afflictions or problems. We will never be that kid again, I know we will have learned from what we were and hopefully not let the physical change take over and make us forget where we came from. Thanks for your post. You are so special. Are we still planning the trip? Fran Also, please email me I need information on London.

Fran, less not we forget... we will never forget. NEVER! Such a terrible name to be called... besides, who wants to be a meatball? Well, just e-mail me what you want to know, [email protected]. I will be going back in June. When are you going again? I can tell you anything you need to know... trust me, you'll have a ball baby! Vera, Encourager! Encouraged