Need size 6x clothes for a needy neighbor.. HELP

Need clothes for a neighbor Original Post by Loraine May at 10:02 PM EST on 02/14/2006 Byesville, OH - RNY (05/06/2005) - Dean J. Mikami, M.D. I have a neighbor lady who is just my age and is fast approaching around 600 pounds. She recently lost her funding for home health care and housekeeping and can no longer do these things for herself. She has asked me to help her with grocery shopping and laundry. Last night I went to the laundramat for her and I was almost in tears as I folded her clothes and those of her mentally retarded brother she cares for. They were stained and tattered. I felt so badly for her. I noticed that her clothes are a size 6x and he wears size 56 jeans and 3 x mens tops. IF anyone would happen to have access or have decent clothes in any of these sizes I would be so greatful. I want to help this family out in any way I can. I feel so badly for this young lady that she is going to die an early death and wls could save her life. I just dont know how to approach the subject with her, or even if it is my place to do so. I just love and care about her and would love to see her have a better quality of life. She is completely housebound now at 44 years of age. Any ideas how I can help her and her brother, without being a nosy busybody... HELP.. Love and Hugs, Laura

Talk to her. She has already accepted you as a close friend or she would have never given you her tattered clothes. She may not know she can get help. Find these things out for her and hold her hand. She is stressed enough caring for her brother. Please help her to help herself

I can so relate to her using food as comfort during times of stress, and she has had many heartaches and stress after losing her parents and being responsible for Leonards care. Even 7 months post op I have to keep that urge under control to overeat or make bad choices to fill that empty spot in your heart. Thank you for the encouragement to speak with her. Lots of Hugs coming from Ohio Laura

If I were in your shoes I would casually bring up WLS. Does she know that you have had it? You may want to start with something simple like, "I was on a OH the other day and someone posted something sooo funny" well if she has any sort of curiosity she will want to know wht OH is....And there is your window of opportunity. I am sure that if she has ever watched TV she knows that WLS is out there she just might not realize that it may be something available to her! I wish I could help you with the clothing but I dont know anyone who is out of that size at this time. Good luck! Tonya Jax, FL banded 12/19/05 313/277/150

Tonya, Congrats on your great weight loss so far.. Isnt this surgery amazing??? Patty knows of my surgery and she knew how miserable I was before I lost so much weight. We talk about it from time to time, so the subject isnt off limits. I just think she feels like she really isnt worth the trouble. I take every opportunity I can to make her feel special and help her out in any way I can. I can give her information and tell her my experience, but it has to be her choice and her yearning for a new and better life. I guess in some way I feel like if I can help to boost her self esteem by having some decent clothes, and knowing complete strangers sacrificed to send these things to her and Leonard that it will show her people really do care. And that she is worth saving.. I am not giving up on my dear sweet friend and hopefully this makeover will be the beginning of better days for her. Thank you all for your support Hugs from Ohio Laura

Hi Laura, I think I have a few items at my mom's but I won't be able to chec****il next month when I go back for a visit. If you send me your address, I can mail them out to you. As for the WLS have you asked her if she is interested. What about asking her if she is interested in going to a support group or info session? Sometimes the best way is to just ask. If she doesn't think she is worth it, maybe you can get her to consider it so she can be around to take care of her brother. Sometimes we won't do things for ourselves but will do it for our families. Just my morning ramblings, -Maria

Maria, Thank you for your morning ramblings... I would love for her to attend one of local support group meetings, but she is unable to leave her home. She can hardly walk due to the severe lymphedema in both legs. It just breaks my heart, because this lady was so social and loved by everyone in our small community. And it seems that when she was seen less and less people just forgot about her. But I am out to change that. I just talked to a man who runs a used furniture shop and he is willing to donate a gently used couch and chair for their living room. I tried to get him to throw in some end tables, but no go. LOL.. But I sure am greatful for all the help that we are getting on their behalf. I have such a warm feeling inside that this is the right thing to do and God put this mission in my heart for a special purpose. I think you are right about approaching the subject of Leonards care. If something were to happen to her, there is no other family to take him in. I know she loves her brother and he is her world, so she might respond very well to getting healthy so she can be there for him. Thank you for your thoughts. Love and hugs, Laura