Question:
DOES EVERYONE WHO IS OVERWEIGHT STRUGGLE WITH BEING SHORT OF BREATHE ALL THE TIME?

I HAVE NOTICED SINCE I HAVE PUT ON AN EXTRA 20 POUNDS THE LAST COUPLE MONTHS, BRINGING MY WEIGHT UP TO 312, THAT ANY TIME I EVEN WALK I GET SO OUT OF BREATHE I HAVE TO SIT DOWN AND REST. MY GOD, THIS IS AWFUL, SOMETIMES I STRUGGLE SO HARD TO BREATHE. I QUIT SMOKING 2 MONTHS AGO, AND SINCE THEN HAVE GOTTEN THIS. ANY REPLIES APPRECIATED.    — Gale G. (posted on May 15, 2002)

May 15, 2002
Hi, I actually had to start using inhalers. I was wheezing and the slightest bit of exertion caused me to be short of breath. It was frightening, but for me, a wake up call. It was the first real symptom of what my weight was doing to me. When I think that it was taking my breath away it really saddens me that it got to that point. I gather because you are on this site that you are contemplating surgery? Whether you are or you are not, please see a doctor just to make sure that your shortness of breath is not caused by something other than the excess weight alone. Best wishes to you, Regards,
   — Ann B.

May 15, 2002
I don't know about everybody, but I sure do. Just walking up the stairs to my apartment can be a workout. The thing that really gets to me though, is that I can be sitting still - say driving my car or surfing the net - and still feel like it is a struggle to get in enough air. I don't have asthma or anything. To tell you the truth, it feels like my skin just won't stretch enough to allow a deep breath... or like there is so much fat inside that there's not enough room left for air. I know I didn't give you any solution, but know you're definitely NOT alone.
   — K. Joyce Smith

May 15, 2002
Being short of breath was one of the worst feelings I had when I weighed over 300. My top weight that I know of was 318 (I am 5' 6") and at that size I was exhausted going anywhere, after a trip to Wally World I would literally have to go to bed. I had an open VBG Dec. 11, 2001 and am down 60+ lbs. but am no where near finished. I am never short of breath anymore and can shop for hrs. now. The only that that sends me home now is running out of money not air! :)
   — esthjb

May 15, 2002
I echo what everyone else has said. I just wanted to add, congratulations on quitting smoking! That is a very big deal and no matter how down you get, you should pat yourself on the back for that. I read your profile and it sounds like your doctors are well aware of your breathing problem and are trying to help you. Hang in there and good luck on your breathing test.
   — Amber L.