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

What is your why?



Recommended Posts

15 hours ago, Lane McCormack said:

I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in December. For me it was the straw. I suffer from PCOS so my weight has always been an issue. I am also going to be a grandmother in April which was my secondary reason. I knew if I didn't do something, I would not be here long term and my health would decline.

I'm proud of you for taking back control of your health and your life. They thought I had PCOS for a while because my periods were so irregular but it turned out it was just because of my weight.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

14 hours ago, LoveSimcha said:

I couldn't play with my kids and I realized my inability to move was affecting their weight as well - I want to be here for the day they announce they are getting married. To address my health issues - diabetes, high blood pressure and severe bank pain

I suffer from arthritis so I understand the pain especially. I'm actually on disability and have been for 2 years for pain in my feet and my back and my hips and it unfortunately still continues. But after losing 238 lb the pain is a lot less than it was at 420 lb

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

14 hours ago, LoveSimcha said:

I couldn't play with my kids and I realized my inability to move was affecting their weight as well - I want to be here for the day they announce they are getting married. To address my health issues - diabetes, high blood pressure and severe bank pain

I applaud you for addressing the issue and taking control and taking care of it for you and for your family. That's a huge step and I commend you

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

12 hours ago, chiquitatummy said:

To prevent future disease and illness. I was obese and generally healthy but knew I was on the path (like many of my family members) to diabetes and high blood pressure. Watching my mom suffer with her health now is a big motivator for me to do something to prevent being in the place she is in another 15-20 years. Realizing that my weight put me at high risk for Covid was another wake-up call for me.

I was also tired of feeling physically uncomfortable in my body (achy back, feet, hips, etc) and having no energy. I missed doing the things I used to do like hiking, rollerblading, and bike riding. I'd stopped doing them when I got heavy enough that it was painful and physically uncomfortable to be active. I'm only two weeks and a couple days out from surgery and already I can walk without discomfort around my neighborhood. My energy may still be low, but my back and feet don't hurt! It feels amazing!!! I'm remembering how much I used to enjoy being physically active.

I understand that completely I used to walk everywhere but after I gained so much weight it was painful for me to walk. I had arthritis in my feet my hips my back and my knees and I'm only 26 years old at the time. I was always tired and napping most of the day away and very depressed and was even suicidal at one point. It can take a severe toll on your mental health as well. I'm proud of you for breaking the cycle and doing what you need to do for you and your family. Congratulations

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

10 hours ago, Creekimp13 said:

I did NOT want diabetes and my A1C was creeping up with my fasting glucose. Three years prediabetic and the numbers just kept getting worse.

My A1C is 5.0% now. Well into normal. I am so glad I dodged diabetes. Two brothers have it.

My legs were starting to swell with pitted edema...bad. Tops of my feet started to swell up, too. My physical endurance was awful.

My back hurt so bad just doing a regular shopping trip that I had to find a place to sit down halfway through.

I felt old and disabled.

I'm riding horses huntseat and jumping again. I can walk several miles with no issues. I'm riding my bike with my dog again.

At almost 49...I feel younger than I have since I was 30:)

What an amazing story I'm so happy for you. My fiance suffer with cellulitis and gout and it can be very painful. He would get the edema with that as well. He was also diabetic. he passed away in November of 2019 from complications of his weight loss surgery unfortunately. But when he died his diabetes and his CPAP prescription numbers were down to a healthy amount. ironically enough when he died he was the healthiest he'd ever been and he had lost 140 lb in 4 months.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

10 hours ago, SummerTimeGirl said:

Finally decided to get it done due to...........High BP, borderline Type 2 Diabetic for years now, tired of being out of breath, my lower back hurting, not being able to do certain activities because I am worried about weight limits, etc. Of course it will be nice to be able to shop in normal stores for clothes again and wear normal clothes as well. So yeah, hoping a lot of positive things come of this.

one of my biggest things was horseback riding I always wanted to go horseback riding but there's a weight limit on the horses and I was always too heavy to go with horseback riding and that took a huge toll on my mental health to not be able to do certain things that I wanted to do. I can totally relate to the back pain I have arthritis in my hips my back my knees and my ankles so I completely understand. Unfortunately some of it has continued after surgery but it has improved tremendously since surgery. I am proud of you for doing what you need to do for your health and to be happy and live your life congratulations.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, victoriaciminelli111 said:

ironically enough when he died he was the healthiest he'd ever been and he had lost 140 lb in 4 months.

So sorry for your loss. 💗

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I fly every week for work (at least prior to COVID) and I love to fly for fun and it was super uncomfortable at my size and I am just generally achy and had developed asthma from being so sedentary during the pandemic. I haven't had surgery yet, just going through all the pre-op insurance hoops still, but I've already lost 18 lbs and my asthma is gone, but I'm now more achy from doing more exercise.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, angeleyesdalton said:

I have high blood pressure and I’m tired of taking meds also I’m going to be a empty nester in a few months I know it’s time to get healthy and travel and do more things with my hubby

Congratulations and welcome to the club

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

2 minutes ago, lizonaplane said:

I fly every week for work (at least prior to COVID) and I love to fly for fun and it was super uncomfortable at my size and I am just generally achy and had developed asthma from being so sedentary during the pandemic. I haven't had surgery yet, just going through all the pre-op insurance hoops still, but I've already lost 18 lbs and my asthma is gone, but I'm now more achy from doing more exercise.

I'm proud of you I couldn't imagine going through all this during a pandemic

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Was the heaviest I had ever been. Got to the point when I’d bend over to tie laces felt like I couldn’t breathe. Plus outweighed my husband by a lot. He is a normal weight. So I could have squished him lol. My heaviest was 238. I’m only 5’4 3/4. Now I’m 138. Best decision I ever made. Only regret was that I should have done this sooner!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

35 minutes ago, Kris77 said:

Got to the point when I’d bend over to tie laces felt like I couldn’t breathe.

Mine is similar...I wanted to be able to put sunscreen on my feet without contorting myself.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My why is pretty complex. I’ve been overweight since I was about 9. At 11 years old I was diagnosed with hashimotos disease and hypothyroidism. I was bullied physically, verbally, and emotionally for years in school due to my weight. As I entered my 20s my cholesterol and blood pressure were creeping up to borderline needing medication. I suffer from horrible depression and anxiety and my poor self image doesn’t help with that at all. Last summer, I reached my highest weight ever of 235 despite regular exercise and attempts to eat healthier. I have just had it with my weight and decided I needed surgical intervention.

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

    • 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. 💜
      · 1 reply
      1. Phil Penn

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

    • 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. 💜

    • 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.

  • 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

    ×