Question:
I am 450 lbs & can't walk very far. What do I do?

I CANT WALK VERY FAR. WHAT ABOUT DR'S APPTS BEFORE SURGERY? DO I GET A WHEELCHAIR & HAVE SOMEONE PUSH ME OR WHAT?    — BONNIE G. (posted on May 8, 2001)

May 8, 2001
Bonnie, if that is what it takes, then go for it. Do not be embarrassed to ask for help. You have made the biggest leap of faith in getting the Dr appt. And in a few months after surgery you can be the one helping others, or whatever you want to do. I know from my own experience your quality of life changes so drastically and so fast. I dreaded walking to my car 4 mnths ago, I started at 375, now I do not even think about it. I look forward to walking now! Hang it there, you are going to be great soon.
   — Sue B.

May 8, 2001
Bonnie, Please read my profile. I had surgery 4-17-00. I did no excercising until 4-4-01. That was my first day back to work after 4 years of disability. I am a nurse, so I walk and stand 8 hours a day. No foot pain, or leg pain. I'm amazed. I just want you to know that I became skinny and healthy without the exercise. I couldn't exercise because of complications. Good Luck, and God Bless --
   — CohenHeart

May 8, 2001
Bonnie, I was 494 when I had my surgery. I couldn't walk 25 feet without stopping to rest. I almost fell over walking to the support group in the hospital. What I did was walk in 25 foot segments, rest, then walk again until I got to where I was going. I had to find a very small grocery store because I couldn't walk the distances at a Kmart or such. I just planned for more time, got my mental self behind me and PUSHED. I weighed in excess of 500 pounds at one point, so I know what you are up against. Getting there is half the battle, but as one freedom fighter put it, "By any means necessary". You go, girl!
   — merri B.

May 9, 2001
I know how you feel. I weighed 532 pre op and have lost 122lbs so far. Before surgery, I could not walk far- the grocery store, going into work etc. I have a handicap placard and it helps a lot. Before surgery, I would go to work, it would take me 2 rest periods before I could make it into the workplace. I stopped at the bench on the edge of the parking lot, rest(if it was not raining), get to the inside of the building, rest in the lobby and then make it up to the floor. It was pathetic and did absolutely nothing for my self esteem. I now park farther pack in the parking lot and I can make it without stopping to rest. I can even make it to the cafeteria and pick up my daily salad. For someone average sized, this is no problem. For me, it is a major accomplishment compared to 7 months ago. If someone is driving you to the doctors appointment, have them drop you off as close to the door of the office building as possible and let them park and you find a chair to rest until they park and come in to the building. Also, look for the elevators in the meantime. Are you taking a taxi? Don't let them drop you off at their convience. Make them drop you off at the closest door possible. That is what you are paying the fare for. If you are going to a hospital for a doctors appointment, they should have a volenteer staff who help people get in and out of the car. Tell them you need a wheelchair and someone to take you up to your appointment. And most important, if you do not have a placard,get a handicap form from the DMV(they can mail you out one if necessary) and have your PCP fill it out. You can get one even if you don't have a car. It can be used for people driving you around. Hope that helps.
   — Jan M.

February 7, 2002
I am 620lbs. I can walk around a bit without issues, about two blocks. I am afraid that after my surgery on Feb 12th I will be almost bed riddin. I remember the days of running 25 miles a day 3 times a week. But just getting up out of bed is a chore now. Here is a Quote from My Doctore. "As long as you walk a few minutes every hour or 2 while you are awake you will build up you confidence about walking longer distances as you loose weight, and remember it help keep blood clots away."
   — Jeremy B.