SweetTee

OMG yes beanzilla! I tried all last year to find a pair of knee high boots that looked great on me and failed. I'm def gonna get a pair and I also want a one shoulder dress and the high heels to match. I so love shopping for shoes but when you're overweight it's like having balls and chains wearing you down while you walk, your off balance and the heels dig into the ground.

I want to run! I want to wear cute clothes, shop at "normal" clothing stores, wear a dress or skirt, wear shorts, go to the beach, go anywhere I want and not worry about whether or not I will fit in the seating, ride a bike, and wear high heels again. I miss wearing high heels! Ooh ooh and knee high boots! I want to wear knee high boots. I also want to plant a huge, beautiful flower garden and a little vegetable garden, and do all the work myself, because I can.

Maybe these were mentioned already...I want to fit comfortably in college desks, so I can enjoy learning without having to worry about feeling self conscience or squashed, I want to go to six flags and fit on rides without a shadow of doubt, I want to go shopping in a store that sells "normal" sizes and not have to compromise fashion because I'm plus sized, I want to walk up a flight of stairs without losing my breath, I want to take my dogs for a walk and run...because they deserve it as much as I do, I don't ever want to worry about walking into a room full of people and feeling like all their eyes are on me (for the wrong reason), I want to go to the beach without feeling judged, I want to go out to eat without feeling judged, I want to sit on a chair or couch that won't squeak and complain because of my size, I want to parade around in sexy lingerie for my fiance, because he can't understand why I don't feel comfortable wearing it, I want to buy clothes with normal prices and not have to pay extra for bigger sizes, I want to ride a horse, pedal on a bicycle, not fear being judged, walk without my legs hurting, not miss another family outing because I'm uncomfortable, have the energy to live and make friends, find a job a lot easier since despite what anyone says...weight is always a factor in everything...and just breathe a bit easier...both physically and of course, mentally. Most of all, I just want to live.

I agree cantwaittolose, I know I've become very antisocial and often I shy away from family events and social occasions. My husband always wants to go out to various places and I feel so uncomfortable in all my clothes and like you said not to mention the chairs. When I'm in class I dread having to sit in the small desk or the ones with the fold down desktops. It's so embarrassing. People can tell you your not that big or you carry your weight ok but how you feel about yourself is what really counts.

I want to ride bikes with my kids, bend down easily to tie my shoes, tuck in my shirt and put on a belt without feeling self conscious. Run, jump and enjoy life to the fullest!

Dr Almanza was highly recommended by a friend of mine. She along with 4 coworkers went to him, all with positive results. I guess the idea about a strip mall type of facility can be somewhat nerve wrecking when making such a huge decision. I can say that all of the individuals that went with him were Registered Nurses employed at a major hospital. They spoke highly of the condition of the clinic. They said it was extremely clean and had all of the proper equipment one would expect. Nothing fancy, but definitely efficient. They also spoke highly of the staff and from what I've researched most all of his patients have felt the same way. Any surgery comes with risk and individuals with other complications and higher BMI's are at the greatest risk for complications. I can tell you that my friend had hers performed by Dr Almanza and at the same time her coworker had one performed by a surgeon in the US. Well my friend who works in the school system was back to work in two days upon returning back to the states whereas her coworker suffered complications and was out the entire school year having to undergo surgery twice more due to complications. I guess you just never know.

I understand what you ladies are saying, but for me, I've always been heavy, not necessarily this heavy but definitely well over "normal". Also, I do have health issues that have caused me to not be able to lose weight like I should or wanted. So I think I see it from a little different perspective. I guess I'm lucky because I already have a husband who looks at me, the way I am, and wants to be with me. Where the "spark" has been lost is within myself, which definitely affects our relationship. There are many benefits that will come from having this surgery, but ultimately it's for my health. Wasn't trying to ruffle feathers, just saying if you had a husband who doesn't love you for you, no matter what, thats sad to me.

Well as said before my husband and I have been together for 20 years, we have a marriage built on our love for God and each other. We have been through "for better or worse" and we still stand. Now don't misunderstand me Stein when I say I'm doing this for him, my children, and me. As much as we've discussed exercise it has always been about wanting to see me healthier. I complain about my back, knees, etc....and for those of us who carry around this excess weight because of what We've done to ourselves, I know you can relate. I have no doubt because he tells me everyday "I love you no matter what", but I'm not loving me. Me feeling sexy, healthy, with more stamina will improve our marriage, quality of time we spend together as a whole family, and our intimate moments. So this benefits my physical, psychological and social health. This makes it about more than just me. This is an all inclusive move! Whether he realizes it or not, this will put as big a smile on his face as mine, lol.

Well as said before my husband and I have been together for 20 years, we have a marriage built on our love for God and each other. We have been through "for better or worse" and we still stand. Now don't misunderstand me Stein when I say I'm doing this for him, my children, and me. As much as we've discussed exercise it has always been about wanting to see me healthier. I complain about my back, knees, etc....and for those of us who carry around this excess weight because of what We've done to ourselves, I know you can relate. I have no doubt because he tells me everyday "I love you no matter what", but I'm not loving me. Me feeling sexy, healthy, with more stamina will improve our marriage, quality of time we spend together as a whole family, and our intimate moments. So this benefits my physical, psychological and social health. This makes it about more than just me. This is an all inclusive move! Whether he realizes it or not, this will put as big a smile on his face as mine, lol.

I totally agree with Wheetsin. My husband is so much of an advocate in exercise and he works out with the endurance of a jackrabbit! I would try bike riding, jogging, or whatever with him but just as she says afterwards I find myself eating like crazy defeating the purpose. He can consume truckloads of food and never gain a pound. We have been together for twenty years so he knew me at 115lbs and slowly I've skyrocketed to a whopping 232 lbs on this 5"1 frame. Although he says he loves me, I know this is not the kind of woman he's attracted to. He has also made comments about me going down this road. Sometimes I think he thinks a change in me is for attraction of attention elsewhere. It's so strange that he thinks that, but I can tell by his comments that he does. The truth is I want my active life back. I want to be able to keep up with him and not to mention our 4 kids. Being overweight impacts your intimacy, endurance, and overall perception of self. I don't think they really understand. It's not just about us, it's a choice for our entire family.

NuStartInTx i think i have those same fears and anxiety as you. I guess you always ponder the what if's, I personally know that's why it has taken me so long to decide on doing it. My surgery won't be until November so the good thing about that is I get to have some motivation from others before me while I wait. I agree with Toni Day though, we do owe it to ourselves to be healthy and happy. I don't think anyone would say that they don't mind having difficulty with simply tasks such as lacing their shoes or picking up something from the floor. I will keep you in prayer. Think positive thoughts and imagine a more healthier and vibriant life.