When did you hit bottom?

At what point did you feel like you'd hit bottom as far as your obesity went? the point at which you said "something's got to change."

I feel like I am there. I mean like I look like a weeble wobble. I used to tell myself that as long as I stayed under 200, my weight was still manageable. Overweight yes, but in the realm of being managed.

Well, I've weighed between 210 and 215 lbs for probably a year now -- and I'm only 5'3". I did a crazy boot camp for 4 months and only lost 3 pounds. And I just can't live like this anymore. And I won't much longer if I don't get off my...er...couch... and do something. I have sleep apnea and high blood pressure and GERD that makes me want to rip my esophagus out if I don't stay on top of it with meds.

And I just don't feel like I can pull it from within myself to do the diet and exercise thing with the kind of dedication and persistence that it would require to lose nearly 80 pounds. Is that a cop out? or just being honest with myself?

So, I am thinking about weight loss surgery. My dh had RNY almost 6 years ago that was basically disatrous. Oh he lost 200 pounds, but became addicted to alcohol and vicodin in the meantime, re-gained 100 pounds and nearly destroyed our marriage. I will say that he did not participate in any of the post-op support groups. 

However, I do worry about the whole addiction transfer issue. Our family has already been thru it with dh and I don't think we'd survive weathering that storm again. The second is what kind of message it would send to our kids, especially our 11yo dd who struggles with food herself.

All I know is that I'm miserable and embarrassed and really huge and depressed about it. Which, of course, makes me want to eat.

2 years ago my whole family went to Cedar Point, the best roller coaster park in the country.  I didn't fit on most of the rides, so I had to sit and wait for literally hours while the kids waited in line for their rides.  My husband sat with me, of course, he's a great guy.  Man, did I feel old and dumpy!  And it was so embarassing, trying to force the restraints closed and then having to leave the coaster, in front of everybody.

We're going back to Cedar Point next month, and this time I know I'm going to ride everything!

Hi,
Welcome to the boards- you'll find "family" here! if you check my profile you will see my story.
I never thought I'd become almost an invalid at 54. Nor did I think I'd be 271#, have a lot of co-morbities, unable to walk without a cane, and on 18 meds! My defining moment came when my Nurosurgeon told me- "if you don't loose atleast 100#, you'll be in a wheelchair in 6 months!" Well, it took 2 tries, but I did eventually have a Lap RUNY, & my life has changed forever!

No one can do it for you- It is a daily commitment! You have to be prepared for challanges, ups/downs; dissapointment; wow moments and have a great support around you to succeed! Yes, addiction transfers do happen & are ugly- for the person & those they love. That is part of the reason it is vital to go to Support Groups, seek counciling when needed, and have "family " that cares, like the folks here do!

Good luck whatever you decide!!

Hi Amy,

I think it's probably different for everyone, but for me it was an accumulation of things.  Last Fall, I saw my heatlh gradually deteriorate.  I got diagnosed with sleep apnea and high blood pressure.  When you're 35 and having heart palpitations, it's pretty scary!  I guess I finally woke up, realized that I was a good person and I deserved a better life.  I started actively pursuing taking care of me.  I have tried virtually every diet plan out there.  For awhile I've actually been afraid of the dieting syndrome because initially I have lost the weight only to regain it and then some.  I can't do that anymore either!  When I confided in the nurse practitioner at my PCP's office, I told her that I felt like if I could just get a little help, then I could lose the weight.  She then talked to me about WLS.  Honestly, I can tell you as heavy as I am it had not crossed my mind before this point.  She told me that she does not recommend this for everyone, but usually about one patient a year she sees who is ready to commit to the process.  She said that I was that person!  Wow!  So...I started doing research.  Long story short, here I am.  I have a surgeon and now am meeting with a therapist to discuss nutritional/behavioral issues concerning weight loss and the effects of WLS.  I should be ready to turn everything in to my surgeon's office by the end of next month.  I don't know when my surgery will be depending on the scheduling and everything else going on in my life at this time, but I do know that I will have it.  It's time I thought about me instead of everyone else.  I am at the point if I don't have this surgery, then I may not be around to have the option of it...or anything else for that matter!  But that's my choice! 
I also understand about the addiction stuff.  I grew up with a drug abuser in my home and let's just say it traumatically affected all of us.  I know what has been helpful for me is staying active on this board.  I don't always post...unless I have something to say.  I do read a lot.  Also, since I met my surgeon in June, I have been to 4 support groups.  I am trying to exercise as much as possible and trying not to beat myself up if I don't eat everything exactly as I should.  Finding people who will support your venture is critical as well.  I feel like I have been very candid on here, but in my life, I have only shared my journey with my husband and 2 very dear friends.  We all need to have support!
Good luck with your decision.  I know it is not an easy one to make. 
Peace,
Christina 

I went to a concert with 3 friends in February. I thought I looked pretty cute but when I saw a photo from that night, OMG. I was horrified. I was the largest I had ever been and I KNEW I had to do something or my weight would just keep going up. I'm 4 weeks out and already glad I did this.

I understand your concerns ... my dad gave up drinking and instead became very obese. Attend the support groups and find a counselor if necessary. There are people who specialize in bariatrics who understand the challenges patients face.

Oh and welcome to the boards! :D

Hi Amy! I had considered WLS at about 250 lb in 2004, but it seemed to overwhelming then. All the rigamarole to get it, and the 18 months of medically supervised diet my insurance was requiring then. Then in 2006, summer, I went to the doctor for a check on my high blood pressure. I weighed in at 296. I was horrified. So close to 300. Plus, from that visit I found out my A1C blood sugar test was 0.1 away from being diabetic. So I made up my mind then. By then the rules for medically supervised diet had also changed to only 6 months, which made it seem alot more feasible.

I had my RNY in 11/2006, and I don't regret  any part of it. I feel great, have normal blood sugar, normal blood pressure, etc.,...

Ummm when i couldnt breathe or walk and had to have help in the little girls room.
I am alot bigger than you all and didn realize i how big i was til i couldnt breathe and the doctor gave me 6 mths or i wouldnt be here we couldnt get the surgery because of insurance i had tried for 2 yrs .
so when the doc told me this about the 6 mths we were going to get a 2nd mortage to pay for it ,but the military offered tricare to the national guard memebers and we jumped on it and they payed for the surgery and it is the best choice i ever made i have a life again.
good luck