What 435 Pounds Looks Like :)

Jewlz280 · October 2013

WOW! That is just amazing. Keep up the great work! I know you said that people only want to see the pretty ones, but it just isn't always true. I want to hear about ALL success simply because you never know when you are going to meet someone who says it's impossible and you need to say nope. If so and so can do it, so can YOU. Right now, right this very minute, I know a man who needs to see this -- he was turned down for weight loss surgery. And I know he feels a bit hopeless and isn't sure he can do it. But you, you might change his mind. Every life, every goal, serves a purpose even if we don't understand it or know it at the time. Thanks for posting!

heis4u2004 · October 2013

Keep up the good work. I am looking forward to your next 50 pound loss!

michelleraebaker · October 2013

Way to go! 50lbs. is a heck of an awesome milestone! Be proud of yourself, you are inspiring!!!!!

jennz81 · October 2013

Keep kicking *kitten*!

You are amazing!

Quasita · May 2016

It's almost 3 years after this posting, and I've returned to it because of some things we are currently doing to move my life forward.
It's crazy to me to think that just two weeks after I posted this, I was in the hospital dying. Actually, in the photograph, I was dying, and I just didn't know it yet. A month later, I had yet another surgery, and was on bedrest for 3 months, and restricted exercise for over 6 months.
Now, it's 3 months later, and my body looks a bit different, but I weigh about the same. After that last surgery, I gained back another chunk of weight and then had to lose it again... After a while, I got to the same 20lbs, down and up, down and up.
I still want to be an inspiration. I know that probably no one else is watching this post, and that's okay. I just thought I'd update it, before continuing on my way... I've been regularly logging in and mapping my progress as I can, but now planning on having weight loss surgery because we just have to push forward past this.

I did find out, however, that my official starting weight was more like 530lbs, so my loss to date is more like 100lbs. I struggle with the shame and failure of having surgery after losing so much on my own, but I feel like being open and honest is the best way to know that I am so much more than that.
To all those that commented 3 years ago, your comments still warmed my struggling heart all this time later. Thank you again

barbara3213 · May 2016

WLS is not failure. It's a tool. And don't let anyone tell you it's the easy way to lose weight. You're doing great and we are here to support you on your continued journey. I had WLS 14 years ago. I'd be happy to answer any questions you have.

Quasita · May 2016

barbara3213 wrote: »

WLS is not failure. It's a tool. And don't let anyone tell you it's the easy way to lose weight. You're doing great and we are here to support you on your continued journey. I had WLS 14 years ago. I'd be happy to answer any questions you have.

Thank you

I definitely appreciate that. I know it's not an easy out, it's a weird mix of emotions that I have about it but ultimately I think I'm in the best place I could be for it. Ever appreciative of insight.

benevempress · May 2016

I want to tell you that you inspire me. Every time life tries to knock you down, you get back up to fight another day. You are dealing with different challenges than I am, but I have days when I cry and ask "Why did God give me this situation? Why can't I figure out how to make it better?" I'm going to remember you the next time those tears come and push on to the next day, doing the best I can.

I am glad for you that WLS is an option for you. I don't know a lot about it, but I doubt it is a magic bullet that will solve everything and you won't need to put in any more hard work. I think it is a helping hand that you need to get going in the healthier direction for your life that you desire. Please don't be ashamed or think you have failed by using the available help. I'm sure there will still be struggles even after that is done but I hope that your overall health will improve and it will make taking the next step in your journey toward better health just a bit easier.

ilex70 · May 2016

Quasita wrote: »

It's almost 3 years after this posting, and I've returned to it because of some things we are currently doing to move my life forward.
It's crazy to me to think that just two weeks after I posted this, I was in the hospital dying. Actually, in the photograph, I was dying, and I just didn't know it yet. A month later, I had yet another surgery, and was on bedrest for 3 months, and restricted exercise for over 6 months.
Now, it's 3 months later, and my body looks a bit different, but I weigh about the same. After that last surgery, I gained back another chunk of weight and then had to lose it again... After a while, I got to the same 20lbs, down and up, down and up.
I still want to be an inspiration. I know that probably no one else is watching this post, and that's okay. I just thought I'd update it, before continuing on my way... I've been regularly logging in and mapping my progress as I can, but now planning on having weight loss surgery because we just have to push forward past this.

I did find out, however, that my official starting weight was more like 530lbs, so my loss to date is more like 100lbs. I struggle with the shame and failure of having surgery after losing so much on my own, but I feel like being open and honest is the best way to know that I am so much more than that.
To all those that commented 3 years ago, your comments still warmed my struggling heart all this time later. Thank you again

No shame at all. It is a tool to help you succeed in improving your health, not a cheat or a shortcut. From your history here I'm sure you are crystal clear on that. I hope you have a good surgical team, an easy recovery with no complications, and that you are able to make great progress.

Dana_E · May 2016

Sorry to hear you got the rug pulled out from under you again. Best wishes on your journey toward health!

StacyChrz · May 2016

50# is a terrific goal and a huge success. Keep up the good work and I wish you the best of luck!!

rebeccaEsmith · May 2016

One day at a time you can do this

60to35 · May 2016

Rooting for you.

sandrachis · May 2016

Absolutely inspiring. We all struggle with these negative feelings. You can do this. For me acceptance of myself and others is the key. I also lower my expectations of myself and others. Little tiny baby steps. It all sounds so trite but it works. Best wishes.