It took me a few weeks to decide to write this blog. I still am having a hard time dealing. May 4th 2010 I lost my mother at the age of 48 unexpectedly. She was my only parent since she raised us alone. She was an amazing woman and taught me so much. I am sure many of you might understand where I am coming from when I write this. My mother was great but she was a mother who feed us. food meant love. I come from a family of big people and its always just been normal to be large. This past year I decided to make a change in my life. A change that I hoped would inspire others to do the same. The number one goal was to help my mother see that if I could do it she could too. Although the reason she died suddenly did not revolve entirely around her weight I know that it had it's part. The doctor at the hospital told me people rarely live past 50 at her size. It is a horrible feeling to know it could have been prevented. To know that she will never meet my children or be able to give me one of those never ending hugs she was so good at. Even in the few months I have been working to loose weight my mother was so happy for me. She visited me this fall and was shocked at how much time I was spending at the gym. I only wish she could she when I reach my goal. I have toyed with the idea of becoming a personal trainer recently but I really feel I must now. I am giving myself six months to continue with my hard work and start the classes to become certified. My mother always taught me that anything was possible for me. I never thought that meant being slim and fit but now I know anything is anything I set my mind to. I want to make her proud. I want to live to a ripe old age and die happy expecting the sun to set on my life. I want to live the life my mom should have had. She did so much for me I owe it to her.

If you or someone you know is dealing with obesity please do something about it. For me I have learned baby steps are best and to use whatever tools are available. Whatever it takes for you. If you do nothing you to could die and that is a pain your love ones have to endure for the rest of their lives.

p.s. I have attached a picture of my beautiful mother. She had the most amazing smile which luckily I inherited. I love you mom!

May God watch over you in this most difficult time. Lost my father 19 years ago and we still miss him and speak of him regularly.

p.s. your Mom does have a great smile.

Chatty, my sincere sympathies over the loss of your mom. I cannot even imagine how hard this is for you.

I am so proud of you for taking control of your weight, and for knowing that change beings with one person. You are that one person for your family, and I wish you nothing but success, health, and happiness.

I know your mom is with you.

What a wonderful mother you had and what great daughter she had! Follow your dream!!

Cheri

I am so sorry for your loss Chatty.. reading this brought tears to my eyes. I have 2 lovely daughters in their 20's, and a wonderful 5 year old granddaughter who is with me most days while her Mom is completing her education. My Dad passed away at age 100 in January, God bless him, and left me a small inheritance.

My first thoughts were to use it to help my daughters, or even make a down-payment on a small house. Save for the future! I have been scraping by for years and not taking care of myself very well. My daughter's tell me there is nothing "material" that would make up for my health declining further, and the possibility of me dying young. Everybody has been supportive of my decision, even though self-pay is a huge expense and there are no guarantees. So now I am committed to do this for myself, as well as them.

Edited May 25, 201016 yr by Sooz

I am so sorry for your loss Chatty.. reading this brought tears to my eyes. I have 2 lovely daughters in their 20's, and a wonderful 5 year old granddaughter who is with me most days while her Mom is completing her education. My Dad passed away at age 100 in January, God bless him, and left me a small inheritance.

My first thoughts were to use it to help my daughters, or even make a down-payment on a small house. Save for the future! I have been scraping by for years and not taking care of myself very well. My daughter's tell me there is nothing "material" that would make up for my health declining further, and the possibility of me dying young. Everybody has been supportive of my decision, even though self-pay is a huge expense and there are no guarantees. So now I am committed to do this for myself, as well as them.

Sooz I am soo very very proud of you. It takes a lot of guts to do something for yourself when you have so many people relying on you. Please fill me in on your journey. I am sure your daughters are so happy I am and I just met you.

To everyone else posting. Thank you so much. Today I went jogging and when Id get tired or want to call it quits too soon I though of my mom and what a hard worker she was. I miss her lots but I know shes without pain now. Again thanks!!

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us! I just found out today that I was approved by my insurance for the lap band procedure. I sat at my desk at work after the call with my insurance company experiencing as much fear as joy. Your testimony about your beautiful mother and the example you have been suddenly reminded me why I began this journey in the first place.

My beautiful daughter is 9 years old...and skinny as a rail. She hasn't experienced the food issues that I have, and I want to be a better example for her. Someday I want to walk her down the aisle at her wedding, but at the rate I was going I won't be able to walk...if I am here at all.

Again, thank you for sharing your story and hers. It is a tragedy that she is not here, but sharing her story has given me strength for my journey- thank you!!

Hi Chatty,

What a beautiful post. My heartfelt condolences to you.

I lost my father when I was young - he had serious weight issues which contributed to his death at the age of 50. My Grandparents raised me after that, but they passed away three weeks apart just a couple of months ago. I too am trying to make a change in my life. People like you are really inspiring. Keep up the great work, stay strong, stay positive, and know your mother would be so proud!

I'm so sorry you lost your Mother. Your post was very touching and I'm sure she IS proud of you and smiling that pretty smile down on you. That you are inspired to help others is wonderful. You may help someone to live longer with your help and they might help someone and the chain of help will go on.

Thank you for this post. We should all be thankful for what we have and tell our loved ones we love them.

I am so sorry for you loss.

I am getting my band done on July 3 so you are inspiring me

Thanks everyone. For those of you wanting to be fitter for your families and for those who have lost others due to battles with obesity. We all have our own journeys but the same goal!!!

You are a very strong person. I loss my mom last year the week before mothers day. I was the opposite of you. I have gained almost 100 pounds and been extremely depressed. I have just recently decided to do something for myself and try to snap out of it. It's really hard to lose a parent. I lost both of mine. Good luck and best wishes.