The Impact of Obesity

loris_story
on 10/20/07 6:07 am

Hi, I have been thinking off and on for a long time about the impact of obesity on ME personally. Lately it is more so on my mind (with my friend Anne's surgery I am thinking more and more about my options). I thought it might be helpful--for me AND for others, to have a place to write about how obesity limits you and any other impact you can think of. Or, alternately, what you wish to do when you are no longer considered obese. Here's just a few things on my list: 1. Socially I feel it limits me..... it almost feels that the world thinks it's not a big deal to discriminate or judge obese people. I feel I'd have better success in the work world as well. 2. I long to be able to do the simple things in life...... get down on the floor and play games with my nieces and nephew, take long walks, go to a movie without worrying if I will fit comfortably in the seats. 3. Planes and buses are nightmares because again, with the weight I fear I will not fit comfortably in the seat (Some airlines now charge extra for an added seat for an obese person) or, that the restroom will be too small. I can use the regular seatbelts on a plane as of last year when I last flew--but it was a tight squeeze! 4. I haven't seen my dad in 15+ yrs. I am ashamed of my weight. I'd love to make 2008 the year when I can see him and be HAPPY with the way I look and feel! 5. You won't believe this one--Iol! I want to be able to get down on my hands and knees and wash my floors like I used to. Now, I do it in very short bursts because my body aches. Which brings me to the next one--and the BIGGEST factor for me. 6. Obesity takes it's toll on my health! I do not want to be at higher risk for cancer, get Type 2 diabetes, have aching joints, stroke, heart attacks etc. Already I have high blood pressure and my cholesterol could use lowering I'm sure. 7. Shopping----what freedom to be able to buy normal sized clothing in any store I want!! 8. Wearing a one piece bathing suit on the beach or shorts in the summer. I do not own a pair of shorts. That's MY list for starters... I'd be interested to know what other folks think! Take care, Lori

Cinderella83
on 10/20/07 7:27 am - Anson, ME

RNY on 08/03/07

Hi Lori, Your list was definitely part of my list when I was deciding whether or not to have wls. I also have a list of regrets because I let so much time pass before making this decision. All I have to do is look at pictures of my children growing up and remember how much I longed to be able to play or be involved in their playing activities but couldn't physcially because of being overweight. We have one particular picture of our 3 children when they were young, standing in front of the home we lived in, beside the beautiful snowman they had just built with their dad. Mom (me) can be seen inside the house standing in the doorway looking out, because I was too overweight to participate. Those are the regrets that are closest to my heart. As for seeing your dad.....PLEASE don't let your weight keep you from spending time with him. I am sure he loves you unconditionally. If he says anything about your weight, I'm sure it is out of love. My dad just passed away in September. He was only 66. He was also one of the major reasons I decided to have wls. My dad weighed over 750#, had been bedridden for the past year, suffered endless weight related illnesses, and all of it affected his quality of life. Once he made a comment to me that I was beginning to look like him. That hurt, but the truth always does. He didn't say it in a mean-spirited way, but because he was concerned about me and about the future I was headed for.....one like his. So anyway....don't let your weight be a reason not to see your dad. Life is short. Too short to be estranged from the ones you love and who love you. And besides.....your body IS NOT who you are. Be happy with WHO you are....the outside package (our body) changes daily with age so that's just something we have to learn to accept..... wls or not. You've set some great goals for 2008! But why wait til 2008? It's not too late to start now! Set some short-term goals that will get you to your long-term goals and then get started! Action = Rewards! Good Luck on your weight loss journey. I hope you'll keep us posted on your progress. Now go get busy shortening that list!!! LOL Blessings, Yvonne

Leprechaun
on 10/22/07 1:32 am - Lewiston, ME

Lori, What can I say but.....I'm VERY PROUD of YOU !!!!

You and I have been through quite a bit since our days in high school and I've always know you to have a good head on your shoulders and a big heart!

Yvonne is right with her comments that your list is shared by many of us. How often have we both commented on the clothes made for us "bigger" folks and how we wished to be able to do things and feel better about ourselves. As for seeing your dad, I agree there too. He loves you for YOU. There were reasons things turned out as they did all those years ago but I know, from what little you've told me about him, that he really does think the world of you. Number 5 on your list got me to chuckle as I know EXACTLY how you feel and I can truthfully say, my own kitchen floor has never looked better now that I can get down there to really give it a good scrubbing !

Glad you had the chance to meet Dr. Loggins on the day of my surgery. I think you can now see why I had such confidence in him. Once you get back, we can begin to take small steps toward your goals as they will also help to reinforce my own. Take Care, my friend. Till Later. Anne

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The Impact of Obesity