Question:
When did you finally say enough was enough and you had to really do something about
weight. I was discussing this with a friend and she ask me when did I really started to look into wls and I told her I knew my weight was out of control when I had to stand up to wipe my butt (sorry for being to blunt) What was your breaking point — shae7755 (posted on October 6, 2003)
October 6, 2003
When no matter what I did the scale keep moving up higher and higher. I've
been on so many diets and with each diet I gained more weight. I've also
start to experience problems with my knees and lower back and I know it is
all steming from the extra weight that I am carrying around.
— [Deactivated Member]
October 6, 2003
I started considering surgery when I was diagnosed with high blood pressure
and put on medication. The final straw was when I was diagnosed with severe
obstructive sleep apnea and had to start using a c-pap machine. I did not
want to have to live my life like that. I wasted most of my adult life (2's
and 30's) being fat - I didn't want to waste my 40's and beyond too! BTW,
both the sleep apnea and high blood pressure are completely gone now :)
— Barbara C.
October 6, 2003
One of the things that made me decide to do this was, like you said, having
trouble wiping myself. Other things made me decide to do this like, not
being able to tie my shoes without getting winded, not being able to play
with my kids without getting short of breath, back pain after just walking
a few feet, not being able to get clothes that fit at the store, not being
able to fit in the movie theater seats. Oh boy I could go on and on. Hope
this works out for you. You will feel so much better! Iam almost nine
months out and have lost 124 lbs so far! Good Luck!
— Kris T.
October 6, 2003
Three things told me I had no choice: 1. my size 28s were getting too snug;
the thought of buying clothes with a size that started with a 3 was more
than I was ready for, 2. I was turning down social invitations because I
was too embarrassed about my size, and the inability to find appropriate
clothing, and 3. most importantly, the weight kept creeping up, and my high
blood pressure was getting worse, and my diabetes was getting worse,
despite real efforts to control it. I knew that if I didn't get my weight
under control, and soon, I'd be looking at an early, and ugly, death.
— Vespa R.
October 6, 2003
When I gained back the last 100 lbs I lost... FOR THE 5TH TIME!! It was so
disheartening, discouraging and disappointing to me. I just want to grab
and shake people now when I see them buying diet gimmicks that are going to
suck the life out of them eventually and do nothing more than rob their
pocket book.
— Happy I.
October 6, 2003
<font color="007000" face="tahoma">I started
seriously thinking about WLS when I was in a serious relationship and we
started talking about having kids some day. I knew that 1) it was not
healthy for myself or a baby to be pregnant at 300+ pounds; 2) with PCOS
and my weight, I might never get pregnant; 3) I want to live to be a
Grandmother, and at 300+ pounds (and gaining over the years) I might not
make it.
<P>This surgery was for me to become healthy to live a long happy
life! I am no longer in that serious relationship, but I should be ready
(physically) to have a family when the time comes!
<br>Good Luck on your Journey! <I>~~Wendy D, 4/23/03 RNY,
-102lbs~~</I></font>
— Wendy D P.
October 6, 2003
The pictures from my cousin's wedding. I took various pictures, scanned
them and made them into a montage/video to music. It came out great but I
had to look at my overweight face/body every day for three weeks on a
computer monitor. Thank god I created that video or I'd still be on that
downward spiral!
— mrsmyranow
October 6, 2003
When I losed my jod of 10 yr,s and I gained 30 lb. in 4 yr,s
— charanewme
October 6, 2003
You know it's time when either death or a good surgery outcome is a win win
situation.
— lessofme170
October 6, 2003
Hi, I started seriously thinking about this surgery this past January. I
have arthritis in my feet, ankles, knees, and low back, and this past
winter was HE** on me because of the pain. I got to the point where I
would rather die than live the rest of my life in this kind of pain. I
know that sounds pretty drastic, but I was at the point where I had to use
a wheelchair more and more when I went out to the store. I'm only 33 years
old, and I was feeling 83. I felt surgery was the only option for me
because of the arthritis causing so much pain I couldn't exercise, and I
knew that no matter how much calorie counting I did, I can't lose weight
without exercise. I've been blessed to have a very supportive family and
workplace, and I'm down 35 lbs at 7 weeks out. My joints are all thanking
me right now!! On Friday, I walked around our local mall not once, but
TWICE! Before it was all I could do to walk from one end to the other
without being in tears from the pain, and our mall is NOT that big. I'm so
glad I took this chance for myself.
— Moysa B.
October 6, 2003
I began to seriously consider surgery when I failed at yet another diet. I
decided this was my choice: be fat the rest of my life, and probably get
fatter, and suffer the health consequences (heart disease, diabetes, etc.)
and learn to live with it. Or look into surgery. "Well, duh." I
said to myself. I found obesityhelp.com - information and hope!
— koogy
October 6, 2003
The day I went to the Doctor, complaining of knee pain and he said to me
"Kim, if you don't lose weight, You'll be walking with a cane soon,
your knees simply can't take anymore" THAT was the day I KNEW I had
to do something.
— WABBIT F.
October 6, 2003
I decided absolutely, no turning back for sure I wanted surgery in November
while I watched my mother slowly die from complications of diabeties and
being overweight. She struggled for 3 weeks in intensive care with the
last week not even knowing who she was. She had been in and out of the
hospital for months before. She was like I am. She just couldn't say no
to food. She ate sweets even though she was diabetic, because she couldn't
control herself. I knew I was headed for the same path. I already had
high blood pressure, high cholestrol, acid reflux, sleep apena and border
line diabetic. I was just 2 years younger than she was when she was first
was diagonised with diabeties. I couldn't put my family through that. I
had surgery 1-03-03. I have beat all my health problems. I know my mother
would be so proud of me. I only wish she had the opportunity for the
surgery when she was my age.
— june22
October 6, 2003
It was several things, not just one. 1. Years ago, I broke and trained
barrel racing horses, ran a 9 mile race and played tennis with my brothers.
Today, I cannot walk across the parking garage without SEVERE back pain
and gasping for breath. 2. Accidentally seeng myself in a mirror and not
recognizing the bloated, miserable person looking back at me 3. Closing my
eyes tightly and literally gritting my teeth when my husband (who has never
said ONE word about my weight) makes love to me. I cannot stand to have my
body (that I'm so disgusted by) touched anymore, even by my husband - and I
used to enjoy sex. It's also awkward and uncomfortable. Pitiful, huh? I
avoid everyone (except immediate family) and everything. My life is
passing me by and I WANT IT BACK! Anyone else?
— Carly H.
October 6, 2003
My final point was when I hit 300 pounds. I also was having a hard time
driving because my stomach was hitting the sterring wheel. I knew I was
not going to be able to keep my current lifestlye and current weight.
There were lots of other reasons, but that one made it a definate.
— Heather M.
October 6, 2003
Good post.. mines was blood pressure with way too high,edema, wt of course,
and my daddy died of M.O.w/heart attack at 48...My doctor told me I will
not be around to see my finish High school...
— Ruschell
October 6, 2003
Man...My tpyin skills sux.... SON graduate from H.S. He's only 8!
— Ruschell
October 6, 2003
Read the first entry in my profile. I saw the writing on the wall, as far
as health problems, could not walk a block without pain, and I think the
most humiliating thing of all was when I took my son to a church carnival
and nearly cried with pain when the attendant forced the safety bar down
on me. I think that was the last straw. I figured that whatever
sacrifices I would have to make post op could not be as bad as my
limitations increasing as my life as a MO person went on.
— Fixnmyself
October 6, 2003
I had been reading about weight loss surgery since November 2002, and had
just found this website; I had a business trip to London, and had planned
on spending the weekend sightseeing. During the summer of 2002, I had
spent two weeks traveling in Europe with my teenaged son, and, while I had
not been in the best of shape, I usually outlasted my (wimpy) son's stamina
for sightseeing. Five months later, I was about 10 lbs. heavier, but
didn't think much of it -- until I went out the first day of that weekend
and walked for 3-1/2 hours shopping in Piccadilly -- and by the time I
limped back to the hotel, I was practically in tears from the pain in my
feet (and I was wearing very good walking shoes) -- even though I had
planned to visit the British Museum the next day, which was only 5 min.
from the hotel, I called the airline and changed my return to the next day.
I knew I could NOT walk around the museum the next day because my feet
hurt so badly. Add to that having to get a seatbelt extender and that the
tray table wouldn't go down on the plane, and I felt like I had crossed
some invisible line between "just fat" and "grotesque."
I made my appointment with the surgeon when I got home. Diana, DS with
Rabkin on August 5, 2003.
— [Deactivated Member]
October 6, 2003
When I had a panic attack in the middle of an airplane ride, 30,000 feet in
the air, cause my bootie was too big, and I was stuck in the middle seat.
Called the next day! Surgery in 6 days.
— Michelle J.
October 6, 2003
Hi Shun- I am pre-op waiting for surgery. There are 3 things making my MO
misery even more miserable tonight: 1) I had to go shopping for winter
clothes and bought three 5X sweaters and a 6X coat at Catherine's. If
those sizes aren't bad enough, Catherine's charges more for sizes above a
3X. 2) The rash under my roll of fat/inner thighs is flaring up again and
absolutely driving me crazy. (Sorry to be so gross but I know AMOS folks
will understand.) And 3) A very close childhood friend finally returned
from his military service in the Mideast. I will have to make an excuse as
to why I'm not attending his welcome home party, as I can't stand for
people who knew me as a teenager to see me now. No one who isn't MO could
possibly understand that. As you can probably tell, I'm pretty depressed
right now. The thought of WLS has given me new hope :o) Good Luck, Mea
— Mea A.
October 6, 2003
I knew it was time when I skipped out on my 30 yr high school reunion, when
the DOC increased my blood pressure medication again, when I found out I
snored so loud due to sleep apnea, when my size 22's were getting tight and
most of all when I wet my pants more than I didn't. 18 months and -122
pounds later, no blood pressure medication, no snoring,no incontinence and
a brand new lease on life in Size 4's and 6's.
— Connie M.
October 6, 2003
I knew I was reaching the end of my rope when I was depressed all the time,
disgusted with myself, too tired or unwilling to socialize. The last straw
(and ray of hope) was when I learned I was going to be a grandmother for
the first time. I knew I would never be able to play with that child or
see him grow if I didn't do something. Within 2 months I had my surgery.
My grandson will be 2 years old next month. We play together and love each
other very much.
I thank God every day for him and WLS.
— LLinderman
October 6, 2003
The day I heard insurance might pay for it! I knew someone back in 1976 who
had who-knows-which kind of surgery. She did very well, but we moved, so
did not see her longer term outcome. Then met someone 10 yrs later. VBG.
He vomited daily, could eat no normal foods, still about 60# too heavy, but
had lost 130#. I was willing to live like that to not live like I was. I
saw him often for 7 yrs, held the same wt, he learned to live on sugar
& milk only (which our doc - same doc) forbids. BUT, even so, the day
someone told me ins MIGHT pay and the doc was only 50 miles away, I was ON
THAT PHONE. Took me 11 months to get there, but I've not regretted a single
moment of 9 yrs & 1 day. If I'd known that it wasn't for the very rich,
I'd have done it long before organ damage had begun!
— vitalady
October 6, 2003
My breaking point was when I got to 296 and my blood pressure continued to
go up. I swore I would never go over 300 lbs and getting that close scared
me. I'm already on a diabetic med for my PCOS and didn't want to add yet
another medicine to my growing list. Plus my feet, back, and hips hurt all
the time to the point that all I manage to do is sit around. I would watch
my sons and husband outside playing and feel like the world was happening
all around me but I wasn't a part of it.
— Renee A.
October 6, 2003
When I realized I probably wasn't too far from being wheelchair and/or
homebound and on disability. This is not to put anyone down who is in thie
situation, but for me it was not a life I wanted to live with from being
too big. Totally different if it happens from some other situation. I
realized I would rather be dead than have anyone take care of my EVERY need
because I could not wipe my butt etc.
<p>I also knew I had lost about 200 lbs on my own before and did not
keep it off. I knew if I lost that kind of weight again I could not
mentally go through regaining that all. I needed something to help me keep
it in control. It will be a struggle at times in my life but if I rely on
my tool it will help me to work through the rough times. That and
continuing counseling will go a long ways to finally maintaining a
reasonably healthy life.
— zoedogcbr
October 6, 2003
I see so much of myself in each and every one of the answers from y'all.
The pain, bad health, anti-social, shame. ect... I worried about the
surgery outcome but when I told myself that death would be better than
"living" like I was, it was a no brainer. WLS was for me.
~Sidney~ Open RNY 10-23-02 down 115+ and counting
— Siddy I.
October 6, 2003
1) My boss thought it would be a great idea to get company shirts for our
department. I would have been mortified to tell our size 2 secretary to
order me a size 4X. 2) I couldn't go to a black tie holiday party because I
couldn't find an appropriate dress that fit. 3) I went to lunch one day and
tried squeezing by someone's pizza tray and booths. You guessed it - my
butt knocked down the pizza in this packed restaurant. 4) I wouldn't go to
the doctor for fear of him mentioning my weight. 5) Overpaying for clothes
at specialty stores. 6) Not socializing at all.
— Yolanda J.
October 6, 2003
I am still pre-op but I made my decision to persue WLS when my 46 year old
father had a heart attack. I take after him in almost every health aspect,
except mine are worse, and I did not want to be in his shoes.
— Mini Gadget
October 7, 2003
When my husband of 24 years told my best friend that he was worried he was
going to lose me. He asked how he could "slow down" my eating.
Being a true friend she came to me and bluntly asked me was I trying to
kill myself! Even after a heartattack, high BP, and sleep apnea (not to
mention other problems) I still could not see what I was doing to myself
but the thought of my husband loving me enough to go to my friend and ask
for help was the attention getter. He said he loved me too much to tell me
no when I ate everything in sight but I told him that untimately if was my
responsibility for me. I never would have wanted him to carry the guilt of
my death from overeating and I realized I had to start to love myself
enough to change in order to "share" a life with the ones that I
love. Funny how we don't see what we are losing out on till it hits us in
the face. I love this man and he has been with me every step of the way.
His pain at my indulgences woke me up. NOw "we" live life and I
do not have to watch my family and friends live life around me.
— Oldsoul
October 7, 2003
When I failed at yet another diet (using Meridia), realized that I had
tried EVERYTHING else out there unsuccessfully, and knew that I would be
needing a wheel chair within the year due to the joint pain.
— mom2jtx3
October 7, 2003
I finally said enough when me and my family was watching an old home movie
the kids found. And I seen myself and could not believe I let myself turn
into the fat girl (no offense). I remember as a teenager I use to tell my
friend and ex-husband if you ever see me getting bigger tell me. All they
while he was telling me I couldn't see it. And my cousins didn't think I
was big either until they watched a movie. But i literally felt ill to my
stomach and had to run to the bathroom because I was sick. And I still
hate to watch that movie to this day. I still see myself as that big girl.
(Body Image Problems). God Bless
— Chris9672
October 7, 2003
So many things: when I found out insurance would pay for it. And when my
mother told me she thought I would die from being fat. And when I saw my
wedding pictures at 300 lbs. And when I couldn't fit into a size 28. And
when I developed high BP, insulin resistance, sleep apnea within the last 5
years. And when I realized that I would rather be dead than live the rest
of my life at my pre-op (and probably higher) weight.
— lizinPA
October 7, 2003
Eating 5 pieces of pizza for supper and going back for more an hour later
when no one was watching. Next morning husband saying 'where's all the
pizza?' Watching my husband take our 6 yr old son ice skating for the
first time and I couldn't be on the ice with them. Feeling too fat to get
a job. Spending the whole summer sweating all the time but too fat to go
into a pool. Buying size 4x tops and knowing there was only 1 more size
larger at the'fat lady' store. Feeling the steering wheel rub my stomach
as I got a burger and fries at the drive-thru. Ugly naked body. 'Routine
sex'. Skin folds. Not feeling fresh very long after a long thorough
shower. Staying home way too much to avoid life. Huge booths that were too
small for me. Chairs with arms. I once had feelings of confidance, self
esteem, sex appeal, can-do attitude. Those feelings were gone and I missed
them more than I can even describe.
— mary ann T.
October 7, 2003
Oh yes I forgot the biggie- dying of morbid obesity and not being able to
fit in a coffin. Pretty sad eh?
— mary ann T.
October 7, 2003
I can totally relate to all the previous poster, although I am still
pre-op, I decided to make a change when I realized that I was turning 30
and if I felt old in my 20s I was going to feel worse in my 30s. I think
about all the times that I would go out with my skinny sister and cousins
and guys would always go up to them and I would be the fat girl everyone
brings with them when they go out and I HATED that. I think that makes you
feel very low about yourself. I know that I am very pretty but most guys
don't see past your size, so part of the reason I also decided to do this
is so people would not stereotype me and know the real me.
— Tanya F.
October 7, 2003
When I found a photo of my daughter and her friend wearing a pair of my
shorts one standing in one leg and the other in the other. It hurt my
feelins so bad that she would be making fun of me like that but then it hit
me that I was as big as two people and it was time!
— laurie M.
October 7, 2003
I decided to have surgery when I realized that I was purposely avoiding
people I used to know when I was a normal weight. My alumni committee
contacted me about coming to our 10-year reunion and I made up a bunch of
excuses and didn't go. I was really disappointed to realize that I wanted
to see many of my old friends, but was really embarrassed at the way I've
been treating my body.
— Kimberly S.
October 8, 2003
wow ... one of my best friends (since high school) had this surgery in
1997. Everytime she called she'd say stuff like, "you wouldn't
recognize me if you saw me" (we didn't see each other often ... she
lives in another state). Anyway, at the time, she just seemed to push to
much, that I pushed her away (haven't talked to her since) ... yet somehow,
she had somehow still been in my mind somewhere, as after YEARS of
contemplation, I finally decided to have the surgery. My top 2 reasons:
1) my health was starting to take minor turns into what could become major
problems ... and being healthy all my life (despite being overweight), that
scared me ... and 2) after being married for 3 or 4 years (when I was about
36), my husband decided he didn't want to have kids (and I still did/do)
... he did mention once that if I lost 100 pounds, he'd think about it.
Well, I just had surgery in June, I'm 41 years old, down 65 pounds and you
better believe I will bring up his "condition" for having kids in
the near future. :-) LAP RNY 06/18/03 -65
— Karyn B
October 8, 2003
When a clerk at 7-11 asked me when my baby was due. I wasn't pregnant.
When my feet ached after standing for less than 5 minutes. The look in my
normal weighted husband's eyes and the arguments over my weight. Huffing
and puffing going up one flight of stairs. Pictures of me at a wedding
standing next to my normal weighted husband. Knowing that I was close to
growing out of the top size at Dress Barn. Going for job interviews and
knowing I would not get the job due to my weight. Should I go on?
— Cindy R.
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