Any really big people (or ex-big people)...

Kate, your new picture is beautiful. You look like a star.

Just a few horrible experiences I have had in public......

Over a year ago my family and I were at the mall. We ran int my sister, my nephews and a friend. As we were talking a group of teen boys ranging in age from about 16b to 19 sat in an area near us. One look and me and said "damn! that ***** is huge!" to which I replied "but she's not deaf!". They all just kept staring, talking and laughing. My friends and family wanted to say more but I wouldn't allow it. I guess I felt as though I'm willing to go out in public ao I am opening myself up for it.

Last October and friend and I were at the mall shopping. She was pushing me in my chair and we were having a great day. The store we were in sells costumes and these teenage boys looked at each other, laughed and said "where can we get a costume that looks like her?"

As soon as we left that store an older teenage girl was walking with her mther. She looked at me, began to laugh. Said something to her mom. They both looked at me then and starte laughing. My friend was so upset. I was ok. I'm used to it.

When I go to my boys' football games we either travel to another town or the other team traveld to us. Either way the parents and fans for the other team always stare, laugh and make comments. I feel so bad for my sons. I hate that the way I look embarrases them. I come from a small town where everyone knows everybody. We are a close community and everyone who knows me is very supportive of me no matter how I look. When they hear people talk they are defensive.

I love it when I hear people have such a wide reaching support system. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside because I too have a huge support system. I created it and everywhere I go there are people supporting, encouraging, pushing and questioning. Some might find this path to be a bit invasive but I use it as motivation and accountability.

Having a goos support system is a big help. It's like your own persoal cheering section that loves to see you do good, positive things. My teenage son's friends are amazing. They are not like the jerks at the mall. They all come to mu home and hang out. hey are respectful and polite. Sometimes they are curious and ask questions and I don't mind> I feel they are just trying to learn and understand instead of judging. 

You folks have some stories that would end up with a death in a supermarket. I have been in numerous altercations over people who were rude, many were about other things besides my size, but I have gone through lots of comments and rude actions in my life. The worst of the most of the time are against my mom, who appears more sick and has hernia issues which make her have a very large lower stomach. I'd very seriously be arrested over hearing or living throughsome of the scenarios you all share.

Personally, at 22, being over 300 since middle school know the physical limitations to being so large so young in life. But I was floored when I met with Dr. Rehnke for the first time and his scale told me I was 531 lbs. Last time I weighed myself before this month was in 2009, I was 385. I still wear some of the clothing from back then. I knew I had put wieght on, but nowhere near that much. To be 100% honest before I went, I felt that I was very disadvantaged and had many mobility issues. Knowing (I have doubts still) that I am 531lbs. I feel lucky I can walk around stores or get off the floor without something to grab. I need to change, I am so depressed and hate living so bad. I will seriously end up over a bridge or in a looney bin if I were to keep gaining. I'm over this.

I feel for you and your mother. I dread going out in public most of the time. I know it's hard and people can be so rude but I have come to expect it whenever i go out. I started at 572. I lost 102 with the help of a nutritionist in preparation for surgery. I avoided the scales too. So when I went to cardiologist a couple of years ago I was shocked that I was over 500 lbs. I knew it had to be in the high 400s but I never dreamed I was over 500. I had given up. Everyone around me was pushing me to lose weight The more comments they made the less motivated I wanted to do it. Almost like I wanted to stay that weight to annoy them. I had to decide I was ready instead of doing it for everyone else. I know if I can do this you can, too. You just have to make up your mind that you are ready to do this for you.