WLS - Remembering those before us.....

I just wanted to share a story-that has a sad ending, but a BEAUTIFUL story non the less.

My Brother John Ott (John O on this site) was obese, 450 lbs.  John fought for MANY years to get his surgery...MANY YEARS.  He battled insurance companies, he battled hospitals...and yes, he battled himself, his obesity.

FINALLY he was given a date.  

WOW...we all on this site rejoiced!!!  John was a member of the Cali board, he posted funny things, supportive posts and his most memorable posts:  His poetry.  

Thru Obesity Help.com John met so many beautiful people, in person.  John played softball with his OH friends, went on cruises and had dinners with them.  

John had surgery on 9/20/05.  He had lost 50 lbs...I was going to be his care giver in San Diego CA as he recovered from surgery.  

John made it to the losers bench...but he had told me the night before that it might get "complicated" and asked that I remain strong for our family while he recovered, whatever the "complications" might be.

John passed to eternal life with our Lord on 9/22/05 from a heart attack.  

A heart attack that was surely going to happen without surgery...having surgery was John's ONLY hope to live.

I share this story not to make anyone sad, not to frighten anyone...I share it because it is SO IMPORTANT that we get ourselves healthy NOW!!

It was not Gastric Bypass that took my Brother's life...it was years and years and YEARS of obesity.  By having surgery John was choosing to LIVE...

John believed in this tool with all his heart.  He was my best friend...he wanted to live.  John spent so much time in those last few weeks telling me how important a healthy lifestyle is....he begged me not to let myself get where he was.  

So here I am, preparing for Gastric Bypass....am I nervous? yes...but not because of John.  I would be nervous for any surgery...

I am strong....BECAUSE OF JOHN. 

Johns last poem was published by one of his good friends in case he did not make it.  It had a beautiful note to all of us battling this disease. 

John wrote:

I dedicate this to all who are trying to control the disease of obesity by using that wonderful tool known as weight loss surgery. I wrote this poem while thinking about my impending surgery and considering the possibility that I wouldn't make it. If this poem is posted on the ObesityHelp message boards by anyone other than myself, it means that I did die in the attempt, whether it was on the table, or afterwards. For my brothers and sisters still struggling, keep the faith. This disease does not have to be fatal. I am looking over you all from my place in Heaven and if God allows me to do so, I will lend you the strength you need to persevere.

Mortality

Is it my time to  go?
Will I lose the fight?
I will pass on the baton,
If you will it. 

While I want to stay,
I know that isn't your way.
You know what's  best for me,
This I know.

So my arms are outstretched my Lord,
Do  with me as you will,
Take me home to you,
Or let me stay on Earth. 

So that's your word Lord,
You're taking me home.
I'm ready to  go,
As you know.

For those still here,
Fighting the  battles.
Keep the faith,
and stay, the path.

I miss Johnny every moment of every day...but he walks this walk with me..with us.  

For those who knew him-for those new friends that will learn from his journey, I share the following web pages.

Thank you all for your support....May God Bless Us All....

T.

http://www.obesityhelp.com/magazine/restaurantcard.html/cmsI D,9040/mode,content/

 

http://www.obesityhelp.com/members/__o1067734105/support_wal l/

Amazing post! thanks

Thank you so much for posting this. 

I'm so sorry for your loss.   Beautiful poem.   Best wishes on your surgery! 

 

Thank you for posting this, as well as posting on my wall.

Yours and my story are very eerily similar albeit several years apart.

I am truly sorry for your loss, as I know the pain it brings and the concern or possibly fear of going thru and having this very same fight for yourself.

I'm sure John and my brother would both still encourage us to do our own research and preparation while looking toward this surgery as an added tool to our bag, even if they lost their fight days after having theirs.

Let me know if I can ever be of help or a shoulder :)

 

-Chris, younger brother of CJ 

http://www.obesityhelp.com/members/__t982279601/support_wall/

Chris I sent you a friend request....let's keepin touch.

Chris-

Ahhh...life and its journeys.  

Our paths have crossed-I am sure John and CJ hand their hands in it, and for that I will always hold you and your family in my heart.  

When we lost Johnny I was DETERMINED to make it count...to be his voice, the voice of never giving up....never losing hope.

Bless you-for I know how hard your journey is, oh boy do I know.  

We lost our beloved Brothers to this disease-and we suffer from it as well. 

But remember, in John's last post:

For those still here, Fighting the battles. Keep the faith, and stay, the path. ©9/21/05 by John Ott, Jr.

I dedicate this to all who are trying to control the disease of obesity by using that wonderful tool known as weight loss surgery..................For my brothers and sisters still struggling, keep the faith. This disease does not have to be fatal. I am looking over you all from my place in Heaven and if God allows me to do so, I will lend you the strength you need to persevere.

We are ALL here to support each other....

T.

 

 

I'm so sorry for your loss.  Thank you for posting this. 

Best of luck on your upcoming surgery.

I am so moved by this post.   

Thank you for sharing.  

I first read this poem, the day it was originally posted.  It moved me so much, knowing how much John loved life, but how he knew that whatever happened, was meant to happen.   Reading it today, I realize how many people John touched.  He definitely lived his life to the fullest and I was in awe of him.  While his body was not in its optimal condition, that man never gave up a chance to play softball or attend a get together with his CA friends.    He inspired and touched so many.  And, he still does...........