Helen O.
Just your average fat-all-her-life type story. I was a "thick" youngster, a fat tween, an obese teenager, and now a morbidly obese young adult. At my heaviest, I weighed 410 lbs. (circa February 2009.)
In spite of this huge number, I've always been pretty active. I was in athletics in junior high school, and I was a lifeguard through high school... I'm very out-doorsy and sporty which always confused people. I mean really-- who takes a 300 pound lifeguard seriously? Hey, at least I don't sink. *grin* But that was me-- and is me. I'm not the type who fears exercising in front of other people. I won't say that I "don't care" what other people think of me, because no matter who you are, it's never a good thing to be stared at and labeled by your size.. I'm just saying that I understand the fear and questions that others might have. And well... I make myself open to answering their curiosities.
I'm fortunately pretty positive about who I am as a person, which helps me in facing the world and has helped me emensely in the decision to have WLS.
Some basic information stuff-- I'm 24. Large frame and build, 5'9" -- I'm pretty sure my skeleton is a size 12. I have a BA in Psychology and a Masters in Counseling. Currently working on my Ph.D. in Counselor Education. I am married to a wonderful man who is also morbidly obese-- a point I bring up to make another point about enabling. Hubby and I are terrible about enabling each other to stay fat. In both our cases, food is the big problem. We are both emotional eaters and comfort eaters... and every other kind of eater you can think of. Portion control and generally maintaining a measured level os self-control over food is my number one issue with weight loss. Number one. That's the main reason why I believe WLS is the best option for me to lose weight and have a step in the right direction for long-term maintenance.
Other than that, I have few co-morbidities. None diagnosed-- just the normal plate of problems that comes with an obesity entree-- back pain, joint pain, shortness of breath, and infertility. Infertility in that 150 lbs ago, my period was like clockwork, and now it's so erratic that I have no idea where I'm at in my cycle at any given time. While I don't have diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure or anything like that, all of those things do tend to run in my family... a secondary reason for me to handle my weight problem *now* instead of later.
So, that's my story. Thank you for reading. Feel free to comment or add me as a friend.
helen
