At what point did you know? (Rock bottom)

Mine came at this time last year when major changes to the industry I work in had me wondering if I'd have a job anymore.  And knowing no one was going to take me seriously at my age and at almost 300 pounds, I was in no shape to try and interview.  In the same vein, there were rumors about the house I rent being sold and having to move after 35 years.  I could barely get my giant butt out of bed in the morning and work a 40 hour work week, let alone worry about having to interview for a new job and move the entire contents of my house somewhere else all at Christmas time.  I was physically unable to do either.  It was a scary time for me.

Also - I'd been on Jenny Craig and spending a fortune, while just barely maintaining my top weight because I was cheating.  

Now it's one year later, I'm still at my current job, and still in my home of 36 years and I'm only ONE POUND from my goal.  So, I changed me, instead of my world changing around me.  I'm ready for changes if they come now... bring 'em on!

Mine was about a month and a half  ago when I too could not reach certain areas to clean.  Or even bend over to tie my shoes without feeling like my heads going to explode.  So I decided to do research on the internet, talked to some friends that had the surgery, and then finally talked to my doctor about weight loss surgery.  She also agreed that I should move forward with it so I attended my seminar about a week ago and I just got a call to set up my first three appointments.  My weight has spiraled out of control also and I feel ashamed that I let myself go, but I no longer feel that way because now I know that there's help out there and I'm super excited to be starting this process of weight loss surgery

my moment was when  I loss both parents in 2 years. Looking at pictures I did not recognize myself. My husband was against it but I simply told him it was for my health. Being a insulin diabetic/hypertension/off the wall cholesterol - I knew I wanted to see my grandchildren grow up. It was the best thing I ever did for ME. size 28 to a size 10 - 140 lbs off and still off after 3 years.  I was 53 when I had the surgery and the only thing I wondered was why did I wait so long ...

There were so many moments over the years that should've been my aha moment but I was just driving to work one day thinking about my life and how tired I Was of letting my weight hold me back from so many things. I was tired of giving my weight and my self esteem issues control and power over the daily choices I was making. Mostly, I was tired of feeling like a failure as a mom in not being able to show my girls how to be brave and make a change, even when it's hard, to better yourself. I finally had my surgery on 10/21. I'm really looking forward to life post surgery and seeing what's next! 

My wife got stage 4 colon cancer last year.  It made me realize how short life is.  When she finished her treatments and got healthy, I decided I had to do this.  Life is too short to keep banging my head on walls that aren't moving.

When my father died suddenly, I found him.  The loss of my father was the most poignant moment of my life -- I remember thinking how lost I was without him and how lucky I was to have had him for so long.

Then I thought about my little boy.  My beautiful little son depends on me for everything.  He needs me to be healthy and alive.  I was already an insulin dependent diabetic with high blood pressure, sleep apnea and fatty liver disease.  At 41, I wasn't heading anywhere good.  Loving my son, really loving him, meant changing something to assure that I could be here for him as long as possible.

One night I had a nightmare.  I dreamt that I died in my sleep after a massive heart attack.  My father came to me in the dream and told me that it was time for me to go -- but said to watch -- and I saw myself dead in my bed and my son trying to wake me.  He was pleading with me to wake up.  My father asked me, "Do you remember how it felt when you found me?" 

I jarred awake. 

I knew I couldn't let that happen to my little boy.  I hardly survived at 39 finding my beloved father.  How could I possibly let this happen to my then 8 year old son.  Loving your child means doing -- not just saying.

The love I have for my son saved my life. 

Always for my boy. All the things for my precious boy.

So true. 

I had no idea I could love so much, nor that my love for my child could teach me to love myself, too. 

I "knew" for a long time but my husband did not.  He still though I could lose on my own.  UNTIL . . . my back went out (not the first time) for 3 weeks.  He actually put his back out trying to help me get around the house!  Seeing my pain and how he was no longer able to help me as much made him realize it was time!  I am now just waiting for final approval from insurance after a long haul of doctors' appointments, 6 month diet, etc.

Jasminesmom

I wish you all the best with your surgery.  Your data is close to mine - HW 284, SW: 260.  CW:152-154 and moving into maintainence.

The fitter you are going into surgery, the easier and  faster your recovery may be.