SpecialEmy
I have been overweight most of my adult life. Food wasn't too much of an issue growing up, but my parents preferred to always have a good home cooked meal so we hardly ever went out to eat at restaurants or fast food places, unless it was a family event or party. After graduating high school I became obsesseed with eating fast food and would plan my day on going to a favorite or new fast food place when I was in college. I had eating buddies where we would make a food run, eat in the car or in a secluded area, and then plan the next food outing. I became a closet eater, a bathroom eater, an in the car eater, or just eating by myself somewhere before I got home so I wouldn't eat that much in front of my family. But I was still criticized because of all the continued weight gain. Eventually into adulthood my body started to ache. I was having trouble walking, breathing, and going up stairs. I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, have osteoarthritis and sleep apnea, and dealt with bodily pain. Being on insulin and taking numerous medications became a norm. I was absolutely miserable and felt like no one really understood what I was going through or feeling. I hated to park far from anything and would ask to be dropped off at a front door before the car was parked. I couldn't play with my daughter the way I wish I could have and I was always feeling tired. I ended up having arthritis in both my left knee and shoulder, and the pain was terrible. A visit to my Orthopedic specialist ended up with him strongly suggesting that I had to lose weight, and that surgery would be a last resort. He told me that for every pound that I am overweight that it is an additional four pounds on my joints. What I learned that day bothered me a lot and had me in tears. I've tried so many kinds of diets and in the end I just couldn't do it on my own.
The VSG weight loss surgery I had through Kaiser Permanente was a blessing. I was 326 lbs at my heaviest and in 2012 I eventually dropped 127 lbs by the end of the year. I have however, gained some weight since then, but I really have not felt this good in a very long time. I have no regrets in making that surgery decision. I was ready to feel better, be healthier, and breathe better. My goal is to lose the weight I've gained, but I know I am in a much better place than I was when I was much heavier.
September 2024 was 5th time attending the Obesity Help/Bariatric Connect Conference and I am very much looking forward to going to future conferences. I hope to make new friends and enjoy learning about others and their journeys as well. Peace and blessings to all!
