Why I've never visited over 50 until today

Thank you everyone! Happy Camper....Today is your day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Everyone,
Glad I found this home that I can feel like I belong and can be understood.  I am on the wait list for surgery, I am hoping to have the sleeve done.  My start weight was 396 on my 5 foot 6 frame my BMI was like a 68 or 69 I am now 384 not much of a loss but a loss none the less.
I am finding it hare to find exercise programs or equipment that will help me without hurting me.  I live in a really small community, 735 people, and finally ventured to another town to try out their new women's gym, not easy to do when you have 3 young children and a hubby that isn't very supportive, only to be told by the gym owner that I would not be able to use her facility as the equipment has wieght limits and she was sure I was over the limit,  You know it took me 2 years to build up the courage to go in the door and then to have it slammed in my face really hurt.  I asked if she could suggest something for me to do at home and she said I would be better off getting info from a trainer or physiotherapist, I heard at least one if not more of the other ladies working out there, snicker and one commented that the best exercise I could do was put down the fork and walk away from the table.  I just hate being my size, I am an emotional eater, I know that and I try to control it but comments like that usually send me into an eating frenzy, but I am happy to say that I resisted and turned to a good scream and cry on the way home instead of filling my face.

Thanks for being there and letting me blow off steam, if any one has some ideas for exercises please let me know thanks

Well, that club won't be able to use you for their marketing in a couple of years... their loss!

I started with a BLI of 59- and I'm at 40 now.  When I check in to this site, I go to my surgery month first and then become a little emotionally adrift when I see that many people are in the size 4-8 range after 7 months.  I've lost 125 pounds and am still in the world of 22-24... so you can see why I quickly make my way to the BMI over 50 page.  It's just a LONGER trip for us than it is for some others.  In other words, make yourself at home!  :)

As for exercise- consider "activity" as exercise.  Walk around your house, clean, garden, LIVE... there will be time for bikes and treadmills and all of that as you go on.  I have a treadmill at home (weight limit- 300?) which I used when I was just over 400.  Honestly, it dragged at times- maybe wasn't totally safe, and maybe wasn't good for it... but I didn't see myself walking outside in January, so I just went with it.

Thanks for the support, I never really thought of my activities around the house and yard as exercise, thinking of it that way I think that instead of getting things brought to me I will have to just get up and get it for myself,  I often ask, and am ashamed of it, my kids ages 7,7 and 4, to run downstairs for things or to get me water etc. I could atart by doing those things for myself.  I hate to go out in the community but maybe it is time to take the bull by the horns and actually take the kids to the local park I usually get an older kid to take them just because I don't want to embarass myself or my kids, though my kids are always asking me to take them instead.  Maybe I have to get over myself and accept me before others will.  Thanks your support has opened my eyes to quite a few things that I could and will now be doing. Thank you

I am so sorry for how those people treated you.   YOU had the courage to go there and inquire.
They are the ones who have a problem.  

Until this year, I never realized how embarrassing being this overweight is.  In May I flew to my daughter's graduation - the flight was miserable.  Then, before surgery, I had a breast MRI ordered (I won't have a mammogram).  I went there and because I weighed over 300 pounds, they told me I would not fit in the machine.  I was humiliated.  I also could not fit in my kitchen chair.  

Since RNY, I have lost 36 pounds.  It's a start.  I can sit in my kitchen chair and I am less than 300 pounds.  

There is never a reason for people to be cruel, but they are.  

You are brave and on the right track.  Hang in there.

Oh as far as exercise = try stepping in place?   If there is a step stool, or step of any kind, just step up and down.  Ten years ago I weighed 140 pounds (believe it or not) and jogged.  My knees went out and I used the step stool to strengthen my knees.   It would also be good cardio exercise for you - and help your knees.

 hello and welcome to the 50+ board everyone whos new... 

I started out with a BMI of 75.3  at 5'5 was 453lbs.. alot of that weight was from meds i had been taking over the  years.. as well as poor eating habits.. and not moving due to pain and no energy.. i woke up one morning and was sick of being sick... tired of poking myself daily because of diabetes and decided it was time to DO SOMETHING! anything, everything i could possibly do! so i started consultation for RNY  last summer.. and Feb 09 i had my open RNY... ive lost a total of 133 lbs since last july.. and my BMI is now.. 53.2 as of today so i still have a long way to go.. but the ppl on this board have made my journey a lil bit easier.. and have been here when i needed words of encouragement, advice, or just someone to listen.... dont be ashamed of who u have let ur self become.....  be proud that u finally see it and are making the changes nessacery for a happy healthier new u...  best thing i can say to anyone just starting thisjourney  is MEASURE ur self!!!!  cuz a yr from now... u wont believe the difference in how many inches u have lost... last count  a few months ago.. i had lost 80+ inches from all over... its incredible feeling even when the scale isnt moving.. im glad i listened when ppl told me to.. cuz now i have that as my reminder.. of where i came from.. 

Hi

I post between this board, the RNY board, the WLS for over 50 (yes in age) board and the Main Board.  Usually when I see a topic that hits close to home.

I am one year and 1 week out today.  My BMI at my heaviest (I'm 5 5-1/2) was 67 at 407 pounds and at my one year follow up on July 9th, I was 226 with a BMI of 37.  Still obese but not Super Obese.  The weight loss is starting to slow up but when I think of 186 pounds less than my heaviest and 165 from surgery, it is bound to do that.  I just have to keep doing what I am doing and it will come back again.  I've been trying to step up my exercise and the like and watch what I am eating.  I am attempting to remember to post to the eating threads but I have been tracking in livestrong.com which has taken over daily plate. 

I know what you mean about wedding pics.  My daughter got married on January 3rd of this year.  I was big in the pictures but I would have been far bigger and it would have been questionable as to finding a dress.  At the time of surgery, I wore a Roamans 5X which was starting to get tight.  They don't have many mother of the bride dresses in that size.  I ended up with a 24-26.  I wish I could have been thinner but nevertheless, my daughter told me that she was proud of me and that meant a lot.  At least I could be at the wedding and enjoy myself without excrutiating back pain and all the other ailments I had. 

Meeting her inlaws in New Hampshire was my turning point.  I don't know what yours was but the trip (the wheelchair, worrying about those pushing me getting either a heart attack or a hernia or a major back issue), the seat belt extender, the looks you get when you are going down the aisle in a plane, the inability to get out of my airplane seat easily, the embarassment I felt about my appearance despite the graciousness of my son in law's family--I am tearing up just typing this. 

I am doing so much better a year later.  Physically, I feel so much better.  I was able to give up my CPAP machine 3 months ago, my meds have been cut in half, I've given up one med, I can walk without excrutiating pain and life in general despite the ups and downs that have nothing to do with weight has been great. 

Best of luck on August 26th.  It is only 10 days away.  If you have to do the pre-op diet, just remember--it is a crappy time and your first few months you will wonder what you were thinking but I do not regret this at all.  I wish I could have had this at 43 instead of at 53 (years of age-my BMI was higher than my age-now it is lower). 

Sylvia

 My surgery (RNY) was July 16 - one month ago.  My BMI was 53.
Btw, this is the first time I've been to this forum.   I go to the OFF (over fifty forum) but that is age, not BMI!  lol  

My BMI is now less than 49.  I lost 36 pounds so far.

You only have 10 days before surgery - that's great!

My starting BMI was 74 and I'm 5'4", so you can only imagine my size........(grin)  at a BMI of 51, you're a 'lightweight'....
I don't post a lot here, but I read and read.....  I'm less than 30 pounds away from a normal BMI....but if I stay this weight forever, it's still all good.....  OH is a great place to find info, trade stories, share successes  (and examine failure)...  but you have to realize, like all internet sites, some posters are honest and accurate, and some just like to fabricate and rile... LOL....  no sites perfect...  but I couldn't match what I gained from OH with any other place.... 
Good Luck on your Weight Loss Journey!   Mary C