Today at the store

Tracy B
on 8/1/07 5:30 am - Erie, PA
My friend, 4 kids and myself went into the store today and I overheard this very large man (probably 500-600lbs) talking to the lady behind the counter about trying to lose weight and he said that if he didn't lose a significant amount of weight soon then his dr was going to make him have surgery.  I assume he meant wls, but you don't know how badly I wanted to go over and speak to him~I didn't, but I really wanted too. I just wanted to tell him that I understand the struggles and that having wls isn't necessarily a bad thing. Its such hard work no matter what route we take  to lose the weight, but I know at 328lbs it seemed unimaginable for me to be able to lost 170lbs without having surgery (or maybe even with the surgery b/c I was so afraid that it wouldn't work). Anyway, my heart truly went out to him even though he didn't realize it.

~*~Tracy B~*~

328/160 *** 5'9"
start/current

meltingmel
on 8/1/07 5:43 am - Grove City, Ohio, OH
Tracy, I hear you and this tool has been such a God send to me that I just want to tell the world about it. At work there is one MO gal, *****minds me of myself and I want so badly to tell her, but how to you tactfully go up to a huge person and say, ya know I'm thin on the outside but I'm huge on the inside and I was once where you are????? I know the feeling
Peace and Blessings, Melinda
Starting weight 326
Lowest weight 145
Current weight 175
Goal weight 145
The taste of the bait isn't worth the pain of the hook
(deactivated member)
on 8/1/07 5:48 am - Cleveland Heights, OH

I can relate to how you feel.  Although we really want to be helpful, I try to put myself in the potential recipient's shoes and think about how I would have felt if someone approached me.  At that point in my life, I would not have been receptive to the information.  I had to come to the decision in my own time that WLS was the right choice for me.   But if someone expresses even a scintilla of interest, I'll tell them my full story, and whip out my driver's license picture for proof.  (Will have to carry an old picture when I have to get a new license this year.)   So I understand where you're coming from, but you absolutely made the right decision -  Kellie

JackieBel
on 8/1/07 8:06 am - McAllen, TX

As a teacher, I see parents, coworkers, and central office personnel who are struggling to breath and walk.  I can see the pain and misery in their faces.  It's a look all too familiar.  I want to walk up to them, hug them, and offer them support and tell them my story.  I don't.  I don't know how I would have felt if someone had approached me.  I share my story when I'm in conversation and someone MO mentions that they're struggling with their weight, or if someone says (which generally is the case), "OMG, I haven't seen you in ages!  I wouldn't have recognized you without your kids, husband!  You look great!  How'd you do it?"  Then I spill the beans.  I am so grateful for having this surgery.   JackieBel

niecey
on 8/1/07 9:24 am - Wilmington, NC

Hey Tracy You are so right - such hard work at any stage in it's own way.  At first hard getting in protein (sometimes still is) and now I seem to struggle for each pound.  But before I was struggling for each pound but had 200 to lose!!!  and when you only lose a pound a week and sometimes not at all it is so frustrating.  The quick loss in the beginning is what has enabled me the strength to see this through.  It has let me know that this is really possible, not hopeless as I felt before.  I would never (even right after surgery as you said) been able to fathom the idea that I would have 29 pounds to reach my surgeon's goal.

I too see a girl at work that is as obese as I was and she tries to get the most stylish clothes in her size like I used to.  But I can tell she looks miserable as she walks across the courtyard in the cafeteria at work - she looks as if she is hurting to just walk as I did.  My heart breaks for her.  I wish everyone could feel as I feel with the renewed hope.

I need to save and print this post when I'm feeling down and out and hard on myself for eating a little something I shouldn't have or because the scale didn't move one week.    Anyway, good post sorry for the long reply!!!

Tracy B
on 8/1/07 7:46 pm - Erie, PA

Denise, thank you for your thoughtful reply. I just wanted to take minute to say Congratulations to you on all of your success!!!!! You have done such a fantastic job and I know you will make it to your goal before you know it!!!! Wishing you continued success and happiness!!!!!!!!

~*~Tracy B~*~

328/160 *** 5'9"
start/current

Hambear
on 8/1/07 11:27 am - Millsboro, DE

Tracy, Great post !!! I think we all have been there. I keep cards on me at all times and when the time is right I give it to people if I see their interest.  I can't keep my mouth shut so I would of told him I had the surgery . I will never forget going back to work after hernia repair surgery and a new coworker came up to me and said " I heard you had that surgery" At first I kinda took it personal for I thought he made it sound like a disease when he said " That Surgery ". Well it is a year later and he is having Gastric bypass next month.  I talk to him and others all the time about it. See you lighter. Joanne

Torrey
on 8/1/07 9:00 pm - Houston, TX
No good deed goes unpunished.  I learned quickly not to share unless asked.  Because of my personal experience I wouldn't recommend the surgery to others, but there are so many options out there to share about. Torrey
Torrey (281/177/160)
bobw215
on 8/1/07 9:43 pm - levittown, PA
Traci,I know how you feel,you do not know to tell someone what they can and shoulkd be doing.We have been told all our lives what we should be doing.We do not being told unless we decide to make changes. If this guy was talking about having WLS,I would go and tell him that I had WLS and not only the weight lost but the health benefits. You are so helpfull,I read your post.There is so much mis information out there.We can help to change that one WLS patient at a time. Keep up the good work. bob
omadoula
on 8/2/07 3:29 am - University Place, WA

I have watched my oldest daughter go from 'standard' size for her height to significantly overweight since she got remarried about 6 years ago.  I have always worried about her weight gain, but never said anything to her about it, nor about surgery.  When we are fat, we know it - we don't need anyone to tell us about it.

Well, she finally decided to have surgery and I am so excited for her!  She is having the lap band, which is a step in the right direction.

Unless our opinion is solicited, no matter how badly we want to help, I agree that we each have to come to the realization in our own time. I have gained back a few pounds, and feel like everyone is looking at me like I weigh 300 pounds again!  

 

 

Most Active
Recent Topics
×