FAT and FRustrated

I have been visiting this site for months now and finally getting up the nerve to post. I have been overweight since I was a child. Through counseling I learned that I used my weight as a barrier, both physically and emotionally. (i was abused as a child) I am now 37, I have 4 kids ages 14, 12, 9 and 7 and a wonderful patient and kind husband (thank God) I now weigh 350 +!!! I am SO sick of being fat, I am depressed and embarassed about the way I look. I stay in the house as much as I possibly can. I only go out if I absoloutly have to and I also go to counseling. I stopped going to church, I dont go to any of the kids school functions. When I walk I have to stop and catch my breath after just a few feet. SO many things are hard for me, steps, driving,sleeping comfortably, etc. I have an appointment at hurley bariatric next month. Im scared, happy, excited all at the same time. I so badly want the surgery!

Git'r Done! All that sounds familiar. It's a tough spot but you can get through. The best thing is that you have your support system in place. If you follow the rules with the new tool then your chances of success are much higher when you are being backed up by your family. Start doing the things you need to do now. Walking, water and sampling protein products. kp

LOL! Achmed.....

Achmed- you new here? Welcome!! THink you have a little multiple personalities? LOL S- In my pic- I am the one on the left

I think most of us here can empathize with you. We've walked in your shoes. You're taking the right steps. "Achmed" was right, start walking and drinking lots of water now. Even if you can only walk a little bit, do it. It'll help so much in the long run. I know now, it probably seems like too little, too late. You'll be surprised, though, at what a difference this will make. Plus, it gets you ready for life after surgery. I had my surgery with Dr. Farhan at Hurley in August of 05. I was 335 pounds. I'll be 37 in March. I've had no problems with my surgery and have lost 130 pounds. I was amazed at how much better I felt, just from losing the first 25-30 pounds. I then realized that I had been fooling myself before. I was healthy, despite my weight and thought I was feeling pretty well. But after surgery, my eyes were opened. I feel SO much better today. It's amazing. I still have about 50 pounds I'd like to lose. I'm working on those. Glad you posted! Keep us updated on your progress. Feel free to email me, if you'd like. Tina

You are on the right road Denise! This is the best thing you can do for yourself & your family. You aren't living life the way you are living now. Keep that appointment and keep us posted! We're behind you 100%!!!! Hugs, Theresa

Denise, Boy we could be twins. I too am 37 and have 4 kids almost exactly your kids age. I did this surgery last year and could not be happier with my decision! You are so on the right track. Don't wait and debate like I did for years. Get it moving and you will be so grateful for this chance to actually live life and feel good. It is not a cure all though let me tell you. It is only a start in the right direction. You still have issues and problems, but the weight being gone sure makes it easier to deal with the world around you. And your family will appreciate the "new" you!

Denise this post brought tears to my eyes. You just described me two years ago. Married, four kids, and no life. I didn't go any where, had to hold onto the cart if i went to the store, weighed 360 pounds, had nothing. I couldn't work, walk, take the kids anywhere....i had to send them with neighbors or friends to have fun. Today, i weigh 155 pounds, i work full time, walk miles a day, am so very happy and just plain fun. I would die before going back to what i was. It was a scarey decision to make, but i am so happy i did this. Even though my journey has been hard, i would still go through everything i did to do it again. Stay focused and get prepared, read profiles too, you have to know the good and the bad. Good luck hugs Linda

Good for you for taking the first step. I did it two years ago and I'm so glad I did. I wish I had done it years ago. I had been overweight all my life. I was a fat kid, a fatter teen and turned into a super morbidly obese adult. It ruined my back and knees and my life. I tried dieting every which way and finally said this was the only way I would ever lose my weight. I was 347 pounds in June 2004; I'm now 185 pounds and 15 pounds away from my goal. Yes, my knees and back are still bad; I really ruined them. But I'm off blood pressure meds and antidepressants; I look and feel so much better. I can do things I couldn't do better. In April, I went up into the St. Louis Arch ... couldn't have fit into those tiny cars when I was 347 pounds. I'm 51 years old, and two years ago I figured I'd be dead by the time I was 60. I don't think that now. Do it. Have the surgery. You are saving your life. You will be reborn. Good luck to you. Eileen lap rny 6/29/04 347/185/170

i could relate to a lot of that. but not anymore. now i'm healthier, thinner, happier and much more social. good luck. we're here when you need/want us.