RichSeales
So, in trying to figure out something original to put here I keep coming back to the popular sentiment that we all kinda have the same story. Our motivations are all a little different, but I bet for the most part, we're all very similar.
I have been fat my whole life. Almost always the fattest guy in any group. I never let that get to me and so I became more athletic than folks normally expect. That has always helped me to feel healthy and retain some mobility, but as I get older, that is all changing. I can feel pain in my knee every day. There's no need to discuss that with a doctor until I can lose weight. I have chronic sleep apnea. Although I have a CPAP machine that keeps me straight, I'm totally limited in my ability to camp out, sleep over a t friends houses, etc. In fact, if I do sleep over somewhere or get caught with my machine ina hotel, it invariably requires and explanation of sleep apnea and how the machine works. I think it also makes people think less of me. I bet we all know that feeling to some extent. I finally decided to get my blood pressure checked and under control. Although my latest readings are downright impressive, I'm still bound to daily medication. This is my first experience with that. I've also been thinking more and more about the daily limitations I experience, and they are my motivations. I want to go on roller coaster rides with my kids. I want to take a canoe trip. I'd like to sit in booths at restaurants when my boys want to --without the embarrassment. I want to fly in airplanes without scrutiny, and maybe even comfortably. I'd like to take flying lessons and be able to fly in small airplanes. I'd like to be able to skate well and play some hockey. I'd like to be able to run or bike for extended distances so I can play with the kids without looking like a failure. I'd like to be able to buy clothes and sports gear without having to research weight capacities in detail. I'd like to be able to find cross country skis that can hold me, or downhill bindings.
For all these readons and more -- which I'm sure I'll share over time -- I entered the bariatric surgery program at Albany Medical Center. My hope is that I can use this tool to get to a normal weight and an active and athletic life with my boys and my friends. I have been reading everyone's posts for the past two years, I find all of you informational and motivational. You are why I'm here now. I hope to find the happimesses that many of you have found, and the new life that you talk about. I also hope to share a positive story to help others that are thinking like me. So.... ....here we go.
