Being fat is hard work!
jetsamflotsam
Posts: 170 Member
Tonight my 12 yo son said, "Mom, you know we love you the way you are, right? You don't have to lose weight if you don't want to..." Sweetest kid reward goes to him for sure!
I explained I'm not worried about them not loving me, but I want him to imagine going to Home Depot and buying three fifty pound sacks of cement and attaching them to his body, then trying to go for a walk... Walking up the flight of stairs to our house is a massive ordeal for my body, because I'm carrying that much excess weight. My whole body aches all the time and everything I do, even a few minutes of walking slowly through a grocery store, leaves my back and hip muscles seizing up and spasming, and my joints aching. I'm not okay living like this. I'm tired of being an observer to life, I want to be a participant again!! It's been about 8 years since I was able to go with them on a 6 km walk around the lake.... Enough is enough.
Someone asked me in another thread what motivates me to lose weight. Well, today I sat in my little red kayak (or at least tried to) for the first time in ten years. I'm 87 lbs heavier now, and I'm too fat to fit my *kitten* in the seat now. It was so tight on my hips that I couldn't move, and I was unable to maneuver myself to step back out... I had to flip myself over the edge, thankfully I was on land and only my ego was bruised... My goal is to lose enough weight to be able to fit comfortably in my kayak and go kayaking with my guys again... We rented a kayak rack in the marina for the summer, and they have their kayaks there now... They went for their first paddle of the season today while I stood on the dock watching. Not happy about being left behind.
I explained I'm not worried about them not loving me, but I want him to imagine going to Home Depot and buying three fifty pound sacks of cement and attaching them to his body, then trying to go for a walk... Walking up the flight of stairs to our house is a massive ordeal for my body, because I'm carrying that much excess weight. My whole body aches all the time and everything I do, even a few minutes of walking slowly through a grocery store, leaves my back and hip muscles seizing up and spasming, and my joints aching. I'm not okay living like this. I'm tired of being an observer to life, I want to be a participant again!! It's been about 8 years since I was able to go with them on a 6 km walk around the lake.... Enough is enough.
Someone asked me in another thread what motivates me to lose weight. Well, today I sat in my little red kayak (or at least tried to) for the first time in ten years. I'm 87 lbs heavier now, and I'm too fat to fit my *kitten* in the seat now. It was so tight on my hips that I couldn't move, and I was unable to maneuver myself to step back out... I had to flip myself over the edge, thankfully I was on land and only my ego was bruised... My goal is to lose enough weight to be able to fit comfortably in my kayak and go kayaking with my guys again... We rented a kayak rack in the marina for the summer, and they have their kayaks there now... They went for their first paddle of the season today while I stood on the dock watching. Not happy about being left behind.
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Replies
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You'll get there. kcko!0
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Hugs! Next summer you're going to paddle circles around them.2
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What a great goal...I'm with you! You can do it.1
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I echo your sentiments. I've been an "observer" of life in many respects for years and years. I too want to be an active participant. You can do it! I've lost 80 lbs in the past seven months and I am already beginning to reap the rewards. Last week I flew to Toronto for the day (only a 50 minute flight) on a small commuter plane that I've avoided like the plague for the past decade or more. In the past I would drive the 5 hours instead of taking the plane. I had no problem fitting in the seats.
A better example is that my wife and I are about to take a trip to Ireland just the two of us. It will be the first time we've ever flown together one our own (25 yrs). I have no anxiety about the trip. This is HUGE for me and so I say again, if I can do this, you can too. I wish you well and keep it up!7 -
Oh, and thank you for you off handed comment about marinas and kayaks. This is an activity that I want take up but I living in a condo I have no where to store a kayak. I never even thought of the Marina option.3
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One day at a time becomes weeks of success! I am excited for you, because I was there too! Movement becomes sooooo much easier! Life becomes easier in so many ways! One member described his ability to walk into a crowded waiting room, and not feel intimidated by his, potential, inability to sit comfortably after years of this challenge! Being overweight is tough on the body, and mind!
Don't forget that you are deserving of every benefit of this woe! Every joy will be created because of the choices you have made that makes them happen! We can't change our past, but our future is affected by what we do today!
Hang in there! We will celebrate every success with you! And we will be here through the struggles too! Congratulations on your commitment to yourself, and your health!
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Oh, aren't our children wonderful! The unconditional love they provide us is awesome!3
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A) You have such a sweet son! Your lesson to him was also a great one. I applaud parents who find inventive ways to teach their kids life lessons.
Non-scale goals are great! I had a picnic yesterday, and to ensure I didn't give in and eat that piece of cake, I went through all my shorts and jeans that were getting tight on me before and tried them on admired how well they fit now. Goal accomplished. I have a skirt I bought like 5 years ago that has been sitting in my closet that never really fit me, that's my goal to fit into before the end of summer. 4 -
What a wonderful son u have. Lots of hugs to u but ur gonna get there and we r gonna celebrate when u do. Good on u. I'm with u I have 4 stone to lose roughly 56 lbs so let's do this xx3
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Awesome goal, OP! The NSVs of weight loss and "fitting" are endless. My "wow" moment occurred one day driving down the street in my car when I realized how much "room" was now available in my compact vehicle. Also looking down at my legs one day while sitting and realizing they were much smaller... and they were MINE! Always remember why you started and never give up.4
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I was just thinking about the struggles of being heavy on Sat. I was at a store in the checkout line and saw a very heavy man in front of me struggle (because of his size) to take a couple steps and open the cooler with sodas. I remember thinking to myself how I'm sure the guy was struggling with the heat even more than most of us because of his weight, so I really understood the desire to get a cold drink. But I also remember noticing that he was buying a bottle of regular soda when he could have chosen to get a non-calorie drink like a diet soda, unsweetened tea, or water. I guess he was content with struggling to move... something I couldn't put up with. To each their own, I guess.3
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OP you made me remember the time I waited in line well over 2 hours to ride a new roller coaster at Six Flags. When I finally got on the ride I was too fat to close the safety bar and had to get off. I was humiliated, depressed and miserable the rest of the day.0
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Dear OP, many of us have been in your shoes. You're not alone. You'll never, ever regret the work you put in over the next couple years learning, asking questions, and discovering how to overcome some obstacles.
The worst thing you can do right now is give up. If you falter one day, accept it, log it, learn from it, move on. Everything you do right now will help you. Any walking, any reduction in intake. You can't go wrong right now. Ask any questions and people here will eagerly help you, because we see ourselves or our loved ones in you.4 -
midwesterner85 wrote: »I was just thinking about the struggles of being heavy on Sat. I was at a store in the checkout line and saw a very heavy man in front of me struggle (because of his size) to take a couple steps and open the cooler with sodas. I remember thinking to myself how I'm sure the guy was struggling with the heat even more than most of us because of his weight, so I really understood the desire to get a cold drink. But I also remember noticing that he was buying a bottle of regular soda when he could have chosen to get a non-calorie drink like a diet soda, unsweetened tea, or water. I guess he was content with struggling to move... something I couldn't put up with. To each their own, I guess.
Maybe he already has been working at his weight and that was a once a month treat? Or buying for someone at home? Or maybe not but ya never know.2 -
While I don't know your expect feeling on this, I do know how tired I felt when I was at my heaviest many years ago. (Just barely over 200 lbs at 5'4"). While I could've done more things, I never felt like it. I'm not even a particularly active person now! Lol
Your head is in the right place! Just the fact that you shared this story here and the obvious reason you're making changes for yourself and not for others lets me know that come next summer, we will likely be hearing about your kayaking adventures! I can't wait to celebrate all of your successes with you along your journey!2 -
treehugnmama wrote: »midwesterner85 wrote: »I was just thinking about the struggles of being heavy on Sat. I was at a store in the checkout line and saw a very heavy man in front of me struggle (because of his size) to take a couple steps and open the cooler with sodas. I remember thinking to myself how I'm sure the guy was struggling with the heat even more than most of us because of his weight, so I really understood the desire to get a cold drink. But I also remember noticing that he was buying a bottle of regular soda when he could have chosen to get a non-calorie drink like a diet soda, unsweetened tea, or water. I guess he was content with struggling to move... something I couldn't put up with. To each their own, I guess.
Maybe he already has been working at his weight and that was a once a month treat? Or buying for someone at home? Or maybe not but ya never know.
I did see him take a drink out of the bottle, so I don't think it was for someone at home. But sure, it could be a rare treat for him. I didn't say anything, and there was enough space and people between us that I'm not sure he even realized I was there, much less that I had noticed (and I wasn't giving any faces that would indicate my thoughts on the matter).
I really don't know his situation, and I know I shouldn't judge. At the same time, I was buying a candy bar and some might have judged me for that. What they wouldn't have realized unless they had a lot of training and were very focused (too many distractions in the store, so this doesn't seem likely) is that I have type 1 diabetes, my BG was low, and it was still dropping. To everyone else, I still looked normal, but without treating it soon, I would be wandering around confused and acting like I was very drunk until I passed out or had a seizure (or both).
To an extent, though, there seems to be an instinct to judge someone. There may be an explanation, such as that it was a rare treat or that BG is low. That instinct to judge still exists, though. It might be that I've put so much effort into losing weight and I'm envious of those who don't feel that need. I'm not sure, as the reason is subconscious, but I'll acknowledge that it is more likely about me and the challenges I've faced than it is about him.3 -
@MimiOfTheLusciousLawn
+1 for your awesome user photo! (Smile's great in both snaps.)3 -
Loved reading all the success stories. So glad there are so many here who can relate and aren't judging me, but instead offering support and encouragement.3
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Why thank you @ralflott, that's such a great compliment!
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Ha... merely observing the obvious!0
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@midwesterner85 - Always appreciate your insights and perspectives.1
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