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

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



Recommended Posts

Yes. Surgery date was on September 30th. I am down 55 lbs.

Woohoo!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have had surgery on my right knee 4 yrs back. I started to steadily gain weight and I was feeling it. Then I started to avoid pictures because of how awful I looked. I couldn't hike with my husband or do alot of playing with ny kids. I hated being out of breathe all the time. Not being able to find clothes that fit. So many things added up and I couldn't do it anymore. I could go on with more but I think you got the point ;)

Edited by jboys83

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have just started walking this path. I have tried a couple diets but stopped them after a couple months. The thought of after I lose this weight what is to keep me from gaining it all back kept me from being able to do them with any amount of success.

I'm 6'1" and my current weight is around 360. I take a pill for blood pressure and one to get my good cholesterol up. 2014 I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Not high enough to warrant meds, the doctor asked me to cut my sugar intake and come back in 6 months. I cut the sugar but missed the appointment. A year later did the same blood test and the sugar was low enough that the diagnosis was no longer needed.

Overall I'm doing well. However; my right ankle and Knee both give me problems. The ligaments around my ankle are so week that I can turn / twist my ankle walking across a smooth surface. It just gives out. By extension, this is now causing problems with my knee. I know at some point I will need replacement surgery on either or both, but my current weight is not helping either.

But ultimately there were a few things that have influence my decision.

1. A very close friend of mine, through high school and college died of a heart attack about 2 or 3 years ago. He was in the army, was healthy and very fit. Did all the things your supposed to do to be healthy. He was in OTC and died of a massive heart attack. The doctors on base where never able to determine the cause.

2. Another friend of mine, pretty much the opposite of the previous (more like me) was driving home one night, had a heart attack and lost control of his car. Crashed and died instantly.

3. My step son got married last year. There where photos of course. I knew I was a big guy, but did not realize how big until I saw the photos after the wedding. I realized then that I needed to do something or I would end up in a much worse situation or dead.

During the last year or so I've also been going through a divorce. Not nasty by any means, but my EX would not sign off on the paperwork; unlike others I know that have gone through similar situations, I ate more and gained weight because of the anxiety of getting this done with.

I'll be seeing my Doctor next month for refills on my meds and I plan on bringing up the Sleeve with him while I am there. I need help and I need to loose weight and I can't do it on my own. My Ex had the RNY done 4 years ago, so I am a little more prepared for some of what may happen after the surgery.

I'm ready to start this new journey, i just hope I can get the go ahead from my doctor. I'm ready for a better future.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

There are lots of "straws" but the final STRAW THAT BROKE THE CAMELS BACK? My husband died unexpectedly at the young age of 56. He wasn't sick, no high blood pressure, good blood work that I know of. He had sleep apnea and was overweight, and we always talked about both needing to do something about our weight. But we didn't "do something: quick enough - and he died of a massive heart attack. I am heartbroken at losing him. and I feel panicked that I, too, might miss out on watching my precious granddaughters grow up. They are 2 and 4 years old, and I am determined to get healthier. I need help, though, so am working on approval for the sleeve.

This has been a good thread; thanks for posting that question, and for all the responses. I am inspired, and encouraged about my decision.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@@ssguthrie Sorry for your loss. Good for you for becoming more determined and motivated, rather than wallowing in self-pity. I know very well that, after the death of a loved one, it can be hard to find the strength and will to go on at all, much less try to make improvements in your life. So it is awesome and inspiring that you are determined to better yourself and be there for you grandkids.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

When I got the insulin pump. I hated it. My doctor said only way he knew to get the pump off was to lose weight. He said 80 to a 100 pounds. I thought how can that be possible with no thyroid and 53 years old. He said the WLS. I am 7 weeks out and still have the pump but instead of 200 units I am at 24 to 40 units a day. I hope the pump comes off soon.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Airplane ride where a lady asked if she could be moved because "I was too fat, and she could not but the arm rest down" though she did not ask me to put it down I would have. But I cried all the way to Canada from Chicago.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Man, people suck.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My knee gave out, I fell and cracked some ribs. I couldn't get up, it was at a party, I was so embarrassed, it took 2 big guys to get me up. That was my last straw.. But I've been looking into surgery for the last 2 years, sick of fat pictures, sick of not being able to walk far before out of breath, sick of clothes shopping in plus sizes, just plain sick of looking and feeling fat and tired.. Sleeved on 11/30 very excited about my changes so far ????

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My last straw was falling down at my brother-in-law's funeral. It was the first time I'd worn heels (short ones, at that) since gaining more weight, and I couldn't keep my balance on the grass. I fell down, and even with two people helping me, I could not get up. I spent the entire graveside service sitting on the ground. Afterward, I had to get on all fours in my dress and stand up like a toddler. It was humiliating, and I felt horrible for causing a scene for my husband and family.

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

    • 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!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • 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

    ×