Question:
Husband asked for a divorce

I have been married 18 years. I was a 185 pounds when I met my husband and over those 18 years grew to 350 pounds. He never made a negative comment about my weight but did express concern for my health. When I started checking out gastric bypass surgery at first he was against it saying that he was afraid I wouldn't make it through surgery. But after he spoke to several people who had the surgery he said he supported me 100%. He is active Navy and left for a 6 month deployment in October 2005. I had the surgery in January 2006. I was very excited to suprise him with the new me and be able to do so many new things together that we had been talking about. In March, 4 days before my birthday he called me from overseas and told me he wanted a divorce and that he met another woman and was going to be with her. I was devastated. I have taken a downhill slide with my health and he returned back to the states April 4 and has been saying very hurtful things to me. I have moved into my own apartment and have been going to counseling but I feel like my world has fallen apart. I am not sure if I will ever know why this happened.    — may31267 (posted on April 24, 2006)


April 24, 2006
Maryann my heart goes out to you. I realize how hard a divorce it as I have been through it myself and yes there was another women. You have done a fantastic thing for yourself by having this surgery and don't loose sight of you goal of loosing your weight. Your husband sounds like a real 'you know what'. You didn't say how much you have lost or if he has even seen you. Loose that weight; get skinny and show him big time what he gave up. That is what I am going to do to my ex. He does not know I have it done and our daughter (age 21) is getting married in two years so when real wedding plans start I plan to be done to my goal. I only need 30 lbs for my doctors goal and 55 lbs for my personal goal. You can do it even though it may feel hopeless and pointless at times please don't give up!! We are here for you. God Bless Laural HW-313 SW-292 CW-185 PGW-135
   — Laural D.

April 24, 2006
Update as of April 21 I have lost 70 pounds and now weigh 280. My husband saw me for the first time since October of last year to get copies of papers he wanted for his attorney. He did not even comment on my weight loss. He now tells me that the other woman is a prostitute from Thailand and that he is going to move to Thailand and spend his life with her. I am having trouble eating since I feel like a nervous wreck. I have been adding extra protein shakes since liquid stays down much better than solids right now. I have informed my surgeon and family doctor about this and they have put me on some stress and antidepressant medicines to help me cope.
   — may31267

April 24, 2006
hon been there myself it's hard ,two yrs after my ex left me for 1 that i thought was my friend i meet the man i'm with now he has showed me what a wonerful life with a man that loves you and treats u right is..i'm so glad that my ex left me for 1 time in my fat and sad life i'm so happy .god bless and good luck .Brenda in tx
   — brenda F.

April 24, 2006
Oh Baby girl I feel for you. You are so much more then he can ever be.I realize that he has ripped your world apart. I have caught so much crud from my husband since my surgery 3 years ago.After 20 years of marriage I have become numb about his bull.I have decided to move on with me and if he can not keep up with me that is his problem. Let him go he is not going to change. Mine is not going to change.I have not divorced because he works off and is gone most of the time. So I don't have to listen to except every once in a while.He has always been very controlling and has told me that I don't need to go to school that the job I have chose to go back to school for I can not handle mentally or physically. I don't need to work or go to school at my age (41) This way when he wants me to come visits I can drop everything and go,enough about me. YOU are better YOU can do better he is not worth your self worth.You are beautiful before and after.I belive some marriages do not survive such a big change in one person.This happen because he has low self esteem.This has nothing to do with You. My husband has a meeting he has to attend every year when we went before my liberation from my weight.He would walk off and leave me sitting for hours by myself and talk to his co workers.Now He is never more then 3 feet from hovering.The differance in him is madding.Now he comments on how good looking other women are and that I need to dress my age and not wear certain styles. It hurt when he would point out pretty girls and how great they are. But I realize I'am better then that I 'am worth so much more.I start school next fall to become a (EMT).I start my job soon so I can put up money for my plastic surgery. Yes I am using him for now. he makes great money so I can work and save for my other surgeries.He has told me for years I was only married to him because of the money. It did not use to be that way I did love him, but in the last year he can say that now and he is right. I do not feel anything now.Back to YOU I 'am proud of YOU I know YOU will do Great. Everbody has thier bad days but they will get better. It is time to do for YOURSELF. Good Luck Robin
   — madbird

April 24, 2006
Sweetie, This is the hardest part of your new life. There is pain with rebirth and a new life and I am glad he has not wasted anymore of your life. I think what hurts the most are your expectations for the future were unceremoniously dumped. The funny part is what the he(( is this guy thinking? A prostitute? What a way to commit suicide. You may have gone into this at 350 but you will come out a butterfly. When this happened to me I had two kids instead of cats and I was sideswiped by his announcement only my ex wanted to stay married and have his secretary too. The only giggle I got out of it is dosing him with saltpeter and listening to him moan about not being able to get it up. Your whole life is before you and it will be what you make of it. Don't be scared and don't give him power by feeling miserable. He obviously did you a favor by taking his rusty b*tt out of your life. Hugs, Patricia S.
   — catcat

April 24, 2006
Mary Ann, my dear. I know that you are hurting badly right now. I wish I could reach out and hold you and make things feel better even for a little while. I will keep you in my prayers. If I could say one thing to you right now I would tell you that you need to care for yourself right now as much as you would care for the creep that left you. You are precious and lovable and you also need to continue with the protocol that the doctor has you on. Don't let the creep decide your fate or life from here on. You decided to have the surgery, and I guarantee you that you won't regret it if you stick to the program. You are worth it! God bless.
   — Carol M.

April 24, 2006
I'm so sorry this has happened during a time you should be celebrating a new start in life of sorts. If it helps any, just add him to the list of things you used to be able to have, and try and focus on the future...there is so much out there waiting for you. I understand, and when I too had problems I called a friend's (female) angel and asked her if relationship probs were normal after this and when she stopped laughing she said something like 80% of a group of girls she worked with (a group of 40 women) had either ended or were in the process of ending a long-term relationship post-op, because of the men. The men had either become controlling and jealous, or left for (this is a hot one)...a large lady! This is after some of us put up with years of them nearly driving off the road because they spied a little size 6 hottie! So, hold your head up, keep faith that all will happen as it should, and get on with life...it is OH SO SHORT :-) Hugs, Jo
   — PedalSteelGirl

April 24, 2006
Mary Ann, A prostitute?? Hopefully he catches something and his weany falls off!! For heaven's sake, don't sleep with him. Don't know what you'll catch! I have a different attitude about men. I didn't get married till I was 40 and had A LOT of boyfriends over the years. I'm in the same boat as J LO.. men come and go. Dogs are more loyal!! Just think, in another year, you're going to be slim and trim and he's going to have pencillin shots daily. Hang in there kiddo. Laurie
   — LaurieH

April 24, 2006
Mary Ann, A prostitute?? Hopefully he catches something and his weany falls off!! For heaven's sake, don't sleep with him. Don't know what you'll catch! I have a different attitude about men. I didn't get married till I was 40 and had A LOT of boyfriends over the years. I'm in the same boat as J LO.. men come and go. Dogs are more loyal!! Just think, in another year, you're going to be slim and trim and he's going to have pencillin shots daily. Hang in there kiddo. Laurie
   — LaurieH

April 24, 2006
Sorry for your situation. My brother is getting divorced his soon to be X wife was supposed to move out this weekend. I told him this and truly believe it sometimes things have to get worse to get better. WLS gave you a new life and your husband freed you of a couple hundred pounds of useless weight (him) Losing the weight was the most fun I have EVER had! Theres someone nice waiting out there for YOU!!!
   — bob-haller

April 24, 2006
Mary, Man that is horrible. I am too a military wife... and it is ashame that happened to you. It happens so much... and YOUR husband will be sooo sorry. You deserve so much better.. and be thankful you are rid of such a horrible person. It may not feel like it now, but you will see you are so much better off. Don't let him sabotage your weight loss. Keep thinking of you and let it drive you harder to do well!!!
   — MNEUMANN

April 24, 2006
Mary Ann, It sounds like you're the strong one of the two. Possibly he found someone else because he can't handle having a wife that is slim and attractive. Its easier to "not come home" than it is to learn to live with the "new" relationship you two would have as you change. I've read a lot about the risks to a marriage when we have this surgery and change so dramatically. Especially when our spouses married us when we were "overweight". My surgery is scheduled for May 9 2006 and while I hope my marriage lasts (be 12 years on May 7) it surely won't if my health fails. You must look at the good you're doing for yourself. Don't let it get you down and use your strength to get past this, lose your weight, and make a new life. Good luck
   — dinky

April 24, 2006
Oh, honey. I'm so sorry. What is he thinking? Let's review: You were fairly slim when you married, and gained weight. Unhappy with this, you decided to take action to lose the weight. DH, armed with this news, goes overseas and contacts you from there with the bombshell that he's moving to Thailand to live with a prostitute. This indicates to me a man unequipped to live with a strong, self-loving woman who makes her own decisions and effects change in her life. You've been through a devastating shock, and you need to take care of yourself, but please don't let this derail you health-wise. I don't believe this will keep you down long. You have my support, and, from the looks of it, the support of everybody here.
   — Jeanie

April 25, 2006
What a total idiot. Good, he needs to leave the country. We have enough fools here. Remember, God works in mysterious ways and this may be a blessing in disguise. You are worth so much more than he is. Denise
   — niecey

April 25, 2006
I have a friend that went on Weight Watchers and lost 130 pounds. I told her how good she looked and her husband told me to not tell her that. I told him if he didn't tell her himself he was going to lose her. He just could not take it. They divorced and she remarried. She told him she was not going to be alone. They had 4 beautiful girls and 20 years of marriage. He just could not handle her being attractive. He survived, he did remarrie but it didn't last. so my advice is: don't worry about him. There are many fish in the sea and a lot of them are still good even after 40... lol Take good care of yourself, set goals that you can meet and have lots of loving friends around you. We are here for you! Phyllis
   — Phyllis_Lee

April 25, 2006
Well, it sounds like his weinie has already fallen off!! You know where they say most men's brains are! This hooker is marrying him for a free ticket back to the states and he fell for it! Sure, they'll live there for a while, have a few kids and then he'll get homesick. She get's a free ticket to the good old USA compliments of "d--kless" exDH! Then she'll divorce him and the kids. I'm ex-military and saw it all the time! (please no flaming) Continue the counseling and learn to love yourself. Go out and have a good time. Take up a hobby you can enjoy. Make new friends or look up old ones! This is not the time to give up. You've been given the freedom of new body, take advantage of it. We're all here to support you. Email me anytime. [email protected] Becca
   — Lilkonza

April 25, 2006
MaryAnn, you are in my prayers. . .it is a very difficult time for you. I am in Franklin, VA and if you are interested, I would be happy to meet to talk or just hang out. I had surgery in October 2005 and completely understand the difficulties. I don't have extended family here e-mail me directly if you are interested, [email protected]. Cathy Davison
   — cdavison

April 26, 2006
I know it is probably too soon for you to feel this way, but "good riddance to bad rubbish". Maybe having a prostitute wife will teach him a thing or two........ Be like the woman in that new country song, "She let herself go.........." (to Las Vegas, Honolulu, NYC, had the timeof her life!) Our mates don't make us.......we make us.......live, love and laugh without him. Sounds like you are better off!
   — LauraA

April 26, 2006
Maryann, you started a new era on your life a new person is born with that in mind keep your head up and walk proad, you gave him 18 years of your life it is not easy for you and I know it will not be easy for him. He is living now a world of fantasy. dont let this get you down and most of all dont let this effect your health I have been in that road if you wish I would be more than happy to talk to you any time you need some one to talk to. I also have a son who is active in the Navy aswell and he is going through similar situations. I will keep you in my prayers. My number and e-mail is 908-494-0931 my e-mail is [email protected] please dont hesitate to call or e-mail life is to precious and you deserve to life it to the fullest and if he is giving you grief than he doen't deserve to be with you. god bless you..
   — evienicole

April 26, 2006
My heart aches for you! I, too, went through this 5 years ago after 20+ years with my ex. My advice to you is to PUT YOURSELF FIRST! Do NOT lose weight to "make him see". He is a selfish person who is not deserving of your love. Only YOU have the power to control what makes you happy. Don't EVER forget that! Sit down, evaluate your life. Figure out what you want and/or need in your life. Figure out how YOU can achieve that. NEVER give your control to another! You have to be your own best friend, which is very hard to do (speaking from experience!). I am finding out that my ex leaving was the best thing that ever happened to me. He was holding me back. I have completed my Bachelor's and am now working on my MBA. I've been promoted a couple of times. I've raised a great son and am raising a wonderful daughter. The most important lesson I am teaching them is SELF RELIANCE! NEVER, NEVER, NEVER rely on another for your happiness, for if and when you do you are sure to be disappointed. Stay strong! You'll be ok. It's hard, but you can do it!
   — treasureme1st

April 26, 2006
How awful! Girl - keep your head up and whatever you don't DONT REGRET IT....him being gone is a BLESSING IN DISGUISE!!! First off - the woman he now loves is a prostitute ...what goes around WILL come around - trust me! Second...GET A LAWYER! Don't give him anything...make him fight for it! Go for alimony if you can! Girl...stick it to him and make him WISH you were his again....then go get yourself a young stud and move on with your life!!! :)
   — vampyrekiss

April 26, 2006
Hey MaryAnn, I know this is a terrible time for you and for that I am so sorry. You just keep your head up and do what is right for you. Keeping yourself healthy is the most important thing. There is simply no excuse for what your husband has done. My ex-husband was also in the military and when he was separated he was in Twenty-nine Palms CA. Well, I had been living with my mom and had a 24 foot U Haul and three kids packed and ready to leave for Texas, which was home. Well, early in the morning on the day we were to leave, I received a call. It was around 4:00 in the morning. The voice on the other end of the line said "Hi, this is ******'s girlfriend. I was shocked beyond belief. I had stuck with this man through everything, and he did this to me. I know how much it hurts, especially when you are totally NOT expecting it. Well, I decided then and there that nobody is worth that kind of hurt, and I stayed where I was. Gurly, you WILL survive this. Someone who would do this is not worth losing your health over. It is hard to know why these things happen to us, but if you are a faithful person, then you must know that it is for a reason, even if you can't understand at this point. Ignore the hateful comments-he is just trying to make himself feel better. There is a lot of support here if you need it! Take care of Yourself, Sue
   — suzi s

April 26, 2006
Like SOOO many others have already told you...don't let this pain you're experiencing right now keep YOU from your goal!!! I was a military wife once and I'm so glad my husband left me when I was just beginning to gain weight. You would think I weighed 1,000 lbs. the way he acted towards me. He left with another woman and I continued to gain until I became obese...In the meantime, after raising two daughters on my own, an old friend reentered my life and we've been happily married ever since. I'm SO thankful that the first was obsessed with weight!!! Hang in there; you WILL be ok and you will find someone else, or he'll find you, some day! Don't give up now!!! Patricia in Tirana
   — zoeysgrami

April 28, 2006
UPDATE:APRIL 28,2006. I wanted everyone to know how much I appreciate all the responses I received. It has really helped me to move on. I am doing much better now and have been going out with coworkers to movies, bowling and have begun to have a social life. My husband has been calling and leaving messages since I refuse to return his calls. It appears that he has not yet filed for separation papers but actually expects me to file them. He also has left messages complaining that he can't get into the barracks because he is an E6 and hasn't filed for separation and now he has to continue to pay all the bills at our old address where he is staying. He blames me for this because I moved out into my own place. I think this is ironic since he is the one that made it clear that is was over between us and I moved into a cheaper place that I could afford and now he is upset. I told my counselor that part of me will always care about him but I will never be able to trust him again or have a relationship with him. I have made up my mind to move on and take care of me and my health and my two cats who love me unconditionally. Once again, thank you all very much for your support, I really needed it and wish all the best for all of you in your futures. Mary Ann Youngbloom
   — may31267




Click Here to Return
×