Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

What Was Your Final "straw That Broke The Camels Back"



Recommended Posts

It was very hard to make the decision, like other people have said it felt like I was

giving up - and "taking the easy route" - but truthfully I can honestly say that I have been "on a diet" or "dieting" - since I was in grade three - I have a huge wealth of information about what I am suppose to eat. And yet, here I am after dieting for fifty years! I think I have dieted enough. I am doing the sleeve to save what is left of my life. I have missed out on so much due to size issues - and I need to be here for the second half. I don't have my date yet - and I won't find out until July 9th - but anyone who thinks this is the easy - think again, the pre-op stuff alone is pretty tough! - but I am so excited to start my life again. So, Sue - write me back, I probably could have dieted for the next fifty years, but health issue caught up with me and I am done feeling, tired, sick, and shaky from diabetes!

The easy way out is to do, nothing!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had many experiences that pushed me in the direction of surgery, like seeing 300lbs on the scale, a number I never thought I would see, but I wasn't seriously considering it. The straw that broke the camel's back might seem kind of silly though. It was the TV show, My 600lb Life! The first time I watched it, a woman who was totally disabled by her weight and who lived a life that terrified me started talking about her struggles with food, and I realized I could say the exact same things about my struggles. That was a huge reality check for me. I realized that woman was where I was at one point too, and now she had doubled her weight. It really scared the crap out of me. I am only a week post-surgery so I am in the beginning of my journey, but I feel like I am in the process of saving my life.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The debilitating pain in my back. I have uneven hips, and issues with my spine, my weight exarcerbated the issue so badly that standing at the sink washing dishes after 5 minutes was extremely painful. I went on a cruise with my boyfriend July last year and we couldn't do the parasailing excursion because my weight put our combined weights over the limit. I also want to skydive, and I figured starting this new lifestyle in my 20s was the best thing I could do for myself.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@amoreno. I too went on my first diet when I was about 6, so had been dieting for 55 years when I had the surgery. There was no real straw that broke the camel's back for me. It wasn't one thing, it was everything. Sick and tired of feeling sick and tired! Wanted my outsides to match my inside personality - young, energetic -- someone who participates. To all of you on the fence or in the tough early stages of pre-op or post op, it does get better! I am down about 91 lbs in about 9.5 months. I work at it every single day. I'm dieting for sure, but I wish there was another word for it. I am mindfully eating. I am eating with a purpose -- to fuel my wonderful "machine" which goes to the gym 5 times a week, that I now have stopped fighting with it and am working with it instead. It has been a total perspective change for me.

For me, the decision to have surgery flipped the switch. I think making the commitment and taking the risk of surgery (all surgeries have a risk factor) made if different than any regular diet I had ever been on. So the sleeve is a really helpful tool and for me was absolutely necessary because I never made the mindset changes without it when I dieted in the past.

Ellen

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had many experiences that pushed me in the direction of surgery, like seeing 300lbs on the scale, a number I never thought I would see, but I wasn't seriously considering it. The straw that broke the camel's back might seem kind of silly though. It was the TV show, My 600lb Life! The first time I watched it, a woman who was totally disabled by her weight and who lived a life that terrified me started talking about her struggles with food, and I realized I could say the exact same things about my struggles. That was a huge reality check for me. I realized that woman was where I was at one point too, and now she had doubled her weight. It really scared the crap out of me. I am only a week post-surgery so I am in the beginning of my journey, but I feel like I am in the process of saving my life.

Congratulations to you and good luck through the healing process. Glad you you the decision to make a change that causes one to evaluate the self and push away the ego. God Bless you on this new journey that you are embarking on.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I went on the Yankee Cannonball at Canobie Lake Park. The guy pushed down so hard on the bar and told me that if it didn't click I couldn't ride. So I let him smash me under the bar because I wasn't going to get out! It clicked and we survived the ride. However I had a large purple bruise across my mind section for about three weeks. Also for all the people I have had to apologise to for being too fat. Also to make amends for the seatbelt extension that I stole in 1984, because I didn't want to ever have to ask another stewardess for one.

I have two beautiful daughters I want to be alive to dance at their weddings and sing to my grandchildren.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well I'm 22 single parent with a 1 year old daughter and for me it was just wanting better for myself. My self esteem had decreased incredibly , my child's father basically told me to lose weight which really hurt. Now I'm happy even though its been 5 days since being sleeved I just want to work on myself and be the hot mama I dream of

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My own mother told me that I would never find a husband because I was fat. At 35 years old and at my highest weight (almost) I got married to the love of my life. It took us almost 2 years to conceive our daughter due to PCOS and polyps. I was worried my entire pregnancy that I would lose her because of the higher risks associated with my weight, PCOS, and age. During that time my husband and I decided we needed to make a change. He got diagnosed with high blood pressure and high cholesterol so we started the surgery process. He had it when our daughter was 3 weeks old and I had it when she was 7 weeks old. If we are lucky enough to have another baby I want to at least be fit.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Dear AnA92212

You are so lucky - I wanted to have a child of my own so badly and I was the problem! Too fat! At the time I was in Nicaragua and there was no help for me. Fortunately I was able to adopt the most beautiful little girl (she is 15 now) so every time I look at her I thank God that she will not have the genetic makeup of my obesity that has been passed down through the generations of my family. I am getting the sleeve so that I will be able to live longer and enjoy every moment I can with her. I know that your daughter will grow up beautiful too, her parents will introduce her to activity that I wasn't able to do and healthy food. You are so wise and so lucky! Congratulations!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Amoreno,

I do consider myself lucky. I had a very easy pregnancy especially being so overweight and old. I worked with an amazing Reproductive Endo and OBGYN and their staff. We ended up conceiving naturally so that was another blessing. I was 3 weeks PP when I had my psych evaluation for the surgery. I was holding my daughter in my arms and the psychologist asked me how having a child would affect the way my husband and I eat. I said that I was going to ensure she had a healthy relationship with food unlike me. I wanted to teach her about how to treat her body. I made many mistakes in my life due to low self esteem and with each mistake I felt worse about myself. I don't want her to have to go through that. It does hurt my heart that she might have PCOS like me but I will be proactive about her health.

With that being said, your daughter has a wonderful mother that is taking charge of her health. I will tell you that you have to be a bit selfish when it comes to your healthy which is hard for a mom to do. You have to take the time out to shop for the right foods, take your time when eating, and take time to work out. I struggle with this, but this is an investment in your future with her. Good luck on your journey! She will be so thankful you did this when she is walking across the stage to graduate, or walking down the aisle, or looking down at her own child, or just when she needs to talk to mom.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Dear Ana2212 - There is nothing more beautiful than a baby - I have a picture of the first time we met and she was just as wonderful as she is now. I am soooooooooooooo lucky! And I am doing a happy dance for you and your little one - I think we are both blessed! I look forward to my surgery and from hearing from you again! :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My knees are shot to hell thanks to my years as a figure skater - BUT they are much worse now due to the excess weight on them.

Climbing stairs is a chore.

Being out of breath doing simple things.

Sweating while doing groceries

I do not want to embarrass my son at his college graduation next year

I want to be here for grandkids (many years from now my sons are 21 & 24)

Feeling better about myself

I NEED TO BE HEALTHY!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@@Healthy2015 where did you have your surgery? I am from your area. Have not been on a ride at Canobie in a few years thanks to my weight :(

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Dear UsedtobeaSkater!

I haven't had my surgery yet - I meet with the surgeon on July9th! I am hoping to have it this summer, however! I am going through the Bariatric Center of Lowell General Hospital. Even as skinny as a rail, I would avoid the Yankee Cannonball! Go for the Boston Tea Party!!! It is much more fun! (and no bruising!)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Having a positive test for diabetes (T2) and doc wanting to put me on Metformin, catching a glimpse in the mirror and looking 6 months pregnant when I am not, getting back boobs ;)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×