How long have you been contending with obesity?
For many, contending with obesity is a life-long battle. How long have you been living with it and what helps you cope best?
Since 1998, I was misdiagnosed and put on antidepressants that caused me to be constantly hungry. I was always skinny so I had no idea how to lose weight and failed at everything I tried. Finally, I learned about bariatric surgery and decided I was desperate to try it. I didn’t lose a major amount of weight like I saw others lose but found it very difficult to lose what I had put on. I did get to a place where I could feel good about myself. Then came breast cancer. I thought people with cancer lost weight? After surgery I was restricted from doing anything until the drain was removed. My husband made sure I complied! I had complications with serous fluid and ended up with an infection and was hospitalized for a few days, still with the drain. The doctor said that I had the drain longer than any patient he had ever had. It was replaced after the infection. Then came another surgery because they missed a cancerous lymph node, then a hematoma and on and on and on. Now it’s been 2 years of restrictions and I’ve gained so much weight and become so weak that I can’t stand it. I tried getting things like Ozempic but Medicare won’t approve it because I’m not diabetic. It’s well over $1,000.00 per month so I can’t afford it. Now I’m desperate, I have at least 2 more surgeries to look forward to and fearful of gaining another pound. I am desperate for hope but haven’t found any.
My heart goes out to you,
. So many doctors fail to stress the weight gain potential of certain medications, believing the trade-off is worth it, but I've always felt that was wrong. Patients should be given the opportunity to make that decision themselves. It's hard to know from simply reading the list of side effects when weight gain is a serious risk.
Have you reached out to manufacturers about discounts on weight loss medication for those with no insurance coverage? It would still be expensive, but it might be worth it for six months if the cost is semi-affordable.
Are you able to do any weightlifting for your overall health or maybe some pilates? Building muscle will make you stronger and increase your metabolism. That might be a small thing you can do while you wait for the remaining two surgeries.
Please keep us posted on both your weight loss journey and your cancer journey, if you don't mind. I'll be thinking of you. - Lori (Team Member)Thank You so much for caring! The manufacturers won't help anyone with Medicare, I don't know why except that it is a government agency. I've just been released from all the restrictions so I'm just starting to work on my strength. Last August I could walk to the gate at the airport but a few days ago, I wasn't able to make it and had to ask for a wheelchair. That doesn't even make sense to me that 6 months can make such a huge difference. So, I'm now working on walking more than a small distance. I am also just starting Tai Chi but had forgotten about pilates. I will certainly try! This site is certainly helping me to feel that I'm not alone! It's sad though to realize so many others have issues that stem from doctors prescribing bad medications! Thank You again and God bless!
I didn’t have a weight problem until I had to take prednisone for months for ITP! In the middle of that therapy I had thyroid cancer! I had it removed! I’m stuck with the weight and all the other diseases that have been diagnosed! It’s been 8 years since my surgery and I am not further ahead! But I have to admit I need to lose the weight because it is literally going to put me in my grave early then I want to be! I don’t have any self motivation! I am having some gut issues! I’m not sure what is going on but the food tends to linger and it makes me feel miserable. I don’t eat that much! I’m trying to get smaller portions of things but some days! I just do apple sauce.
Hi
. I think I responded to you in a different thread, but I really hope you see a doctor about your digestive issues and maybe see an your endocrinologist about your inability to lose weight. Did you have your thyroid removed or is it still functioning? If it is still functioning, maybe you need an adjustment in medication. It's worth investigating if you haven't already.
The slow-down in your digestive system might be something as simple as constipation, but it could also be symptomatic of something much more serious. So, I really hope you discuss that with your doctor, too. If all is well, maybe your doctor can refer you to a dietician for some help.
You've been through so much already. I hope you are able to embrace the person you are and live your life fully no matter your weight. Gentle hugs. - Lori (Team Member)I hear you! I feel like the doctor's instructions and medications that caused the weight gain are driving me to the grave as well. I also had gut issues and what helped me was fermenting beets to make kvass then, fermenting red cabbage with other veggies, like carrots and making sauerkraut. Those things have been very healing for my gut, I was amazed! A lady at a Farmer's Market told me all about them and i started by buying her kvass and taking a small amount daily. I don't know if it will help you but the gut is where our health lies! God bless you and I pray you get better day by day!
Trula
5 long years
Welcome to the community! Was there any single event or condition that triggered your weight gain? We are here for you whenever you need us. - Lori (Team Member)
I’ve been living with obesity for about three years, since my T2D diagnosis. Ozempic helps with appetite, and daily walks plus simple low-carb meals keep me on track.
I hope you start seeing both the blood sugar management and weight loss effects of Ozempic soon. Are you experiencing any negative side effects? I'm glad you are incorporating daily walks. Not only are helpful for achieving physical health goals, but walks can be so good for the soul as well. Best wishes. - Lori (Team Member)
