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?
I have lived with obesity my entire life. At age 60 I was creeping up to over 350 lbs. I started taking ozempic and later switched to Mounjaro. I know that is not the only answer , losing weight and keeping not off takes other changes also. So far I have lost 100 lbs and hope to lose more. Life has been difficult through health issues-diabetic, high blood pressure. Afib, lymphedema and Lipedema, thyroid issues, and lung cancer. Most of the long term health issues have not improved through weight loss which has been extremely disappointing. I was hoping to be able to decrease the number of medications I take and overall feel better. While I can fit in a chair now it’s still difficult to walk very far and dreams of hikes and kayaking are fading. Mostly I’m tired.
Hi
. Congratulations on the weight loss! I can understand why you feel so fatigued. This has clearly been a long and difficult journey for you, and it must have been very disappointing to not see the overall health impact you'd hoped for. Even if weight loss doesn't resolve your other health issues, I hope you can still see it as a victory. You are likely preventing your conditions from worsening or progressing faster. I hope you continue to lose weight and that you eventually see more changes for the better. Know that we're here for you whenever you need us. Gentle hugs. - Lori (Team Member)
Not fun, back pains, heavy breathing, hard to walk long distances. Elevated cholesterol and not being able to enjoy outings or traveling as much
Frustrating that I cannot enjoy being as active as I used to be.
I think many in this community can relate to that frustration. Have you tried doing any modified activities lately, liking going for a short stroll after dinner or anything like that? Warm wishes. - Lori (Team Member) Oh yes! I get in as many as I can and for that I am grateful!!
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.
You've got this,
! I once wrote an article based on a study from The Cooper Institute about age and muscle mass. The study determined that healthy people in their 80s are biological able to build the same muscle mass as people in their 20s. The greatest obstacles are sociological. You have a lot of health issues to contend with, but I've no doubt you can build strength if you are careful and slow about it. I look forward to hearing more about your progress! - Lori (Team Member) Bless you Lori!
