I agree with those that say they would never do the gastric bypass surgery. I am over 300lbs., and find myself hideously disgusting. I'm also a mother of four: 3 daughters, and 1 late infant son. My weight has gone beyond destroying my confidence, it's controlling me not seeing my family and friends. Even though I would love to go to birthday parties or holiday events, I hope I come up with a good excuse, or at the very least actually become sick so I don't have to lie. I know what people are thinking when they look at me, and I can't handle it - because it is the truth.
I am going to school to become a forensic pathologist, even though there are a lot of people (family & others) who don't see it happening because I'm almost 30 and probably for millions of other reasons.
I'm sick of being like this, and want to change things about myself - healthwise and how I look. I want to be here for a very long, healthy life for my children, grandchildren, etc. I do not want to give up on becoming a forensic pathologist - not only because I want to help the deceased and their families, but also to be able to financially take care of my mother, mother-in-law, husband, and children.
I was sexually abused by my father when I was a child; stalked, harassed, and assaulted by my best friend's father from 11-16; and continually raped by the man I was supposed to marry the day after my 18th birthday. That man and I got pregnant when I was 17. I left for my daughter's safety when she was just a few months old, and moved far away from where I grew up. When I got to our new home, I started a job, and that's where I met my husband I was very lucky to find such a wonderful man, and even more lucky to end up with such an awesome family that's always been there for me (never made me feel like I wasn't family). Please don't take this as a look for pity. However, what my point is is that since I met my husband (1996), I have been pregnant almost continuously until 2002. It has taken a toll on my body. All my children made mansions in me. My children weighed the following at birth: 8lbs. 15oz.; 8lbs. 5oz.; 10lbs. 3oz; and 9lbs. 8oz.
I've been on the weight roller coaster since I can remember. I was lucky in the 7th grade and actually was thin. I pretty much kept it that way until I became pregnant at 17. I tried the bulemia thing, and the not eating thing. But, I sincerely want to do this for myself, and for all those I would love to be here for - for a very, very long time
So, in closing, if I am never contacted about participating in this awesome show, then I only hope people in similar shoes realize that they really aren't alone. Just hang in, and give all you have into getting yourself to a healthy state

I too, would like to be on the show and/ or go through something like this. I'm not sure of age here, but I am 17, 18 in September. I'm young I know but I've been over weight since I was five. I'm 5'1 and weigh 300 pounds, a weight I promised myself to never get to. I've tried a lot of things, exercise, eating right, diets, diet pills but there are always things and situations that get in the way. My life has always been hard because of the way I look and feel. I'm a very private, quiet girl because of my weight, my mom says I hide behind it. I know this surgery is hard, my mom went through it when she was in her twenties, but she too talks about me having it. I graduate this year and next fall I'm going to college. I really hope to get help by then.

I would love to be able to evaluated for the show. I am 46 years old and weigh almost 400 pounds. I have been obese all of my life and I feel bad all the time. I have high blood pressure, knee pain (probably osteoarthritis)hidradenitis supperative, constant back pain and of course I can't walk 20 feet without breathing heavily. I live about 2 hours from Houston. I am willing to do whatever it takes. I have tried every diet once probably twice...I have lost 75 pounds over and over and over but gain it back after awhile. I haven't been under 300 pounds since I was 15 years old! I need help! I am a professional person and have a decent job but NO health insurance...who will insure a morbidly obese person. I am desperate...

Maybe someone can help...

Thank you... I was glued to the TV while the show was on...I thought it was well done and that both doctors value people with obesity.

Thanks...

Susan

Hi, lilwriter17 & susanb1960

I know what you're going through. I have an idea, if you'd like to try it (you can always run it by your dr. if you're more comfortable): eat every 3-4 hours (meals are up to 60 carbohydrates, and snacks are up to 30). Try to stick to the most natural foods as possible, like fruits and vegetables. You get to subtract the fiber from the carbohydrates; it is true that the more fiber in your diet the you feel full longer (and it's better for your digestive tract). I have some good recipes, just tell me some fruits and vegetables and if you like chicken and or fish. Diabetis runs heavily in my family, so this is a great example diet for everyone to use.
All it comes down to is your willingness to stick to a healthy eating and exercising habit -which it obviously sounds like you have. You can treat yourself to a few exercise things at a WalMart or something like that, like: dumb bells, exercise ball (one of my favorites, etc.
This is something you have to stick with for the rest of your life. It does not mean that you can't treat yourself, either. I'll always remember what my grandmother (a cardiac ICU/ oncology nurse) used to say when I was a kid, "Everything in moderation." Very simple. And with all the millions of 'diet miracles' and these people selling you something you really don't need (even though they try to convince you that you do), it's true.
So if you decide to try this diet, and after some time, nothing budges, then I would talk to you dr. about testing your thyroid (can throw everything off as far as how your body's metabolism in processing food). I read that 3 tsp of coconut oil and 3 tsp of vinegar each day is supposed to balance your thyroid/ keep it balanced.
This is all stuff I've learned over time, and from reputable and well respected people. And again, please feel free to run anything I suggested by your dr. I'm just trying to help.
And lastly, let me know if you want to be 'pen-pals'? Maybe we can at least be each other's support?
Regardless, good luck! And good for you for going to college in the Fall! It was my plan, too, but I guess life had other plans for me - and now I'm glad. If things hadn't happened the way they had, I wouldn't be going to school to become a forensic pathologist. If I went to college right from high school, I would have become a teacher (something I still want to do). Life really does teach you a lot of lessons, and I've learned well.

Later
uglyjamie
p.s. - I have a goal for this Fall, too, in loosing the weight: I might get married on my 11th anniversary with my boyfriend (11/10), and my (I cringe to say this) 30th birthday. I still feel like I'm just out of high school

Hi everyone!! I just wanted to say that I feel your pain, I'm walking in your shoes, and at a very young age. I'm only 24yrs. old and weigh 346lbs. I have tried a lot of diets and none have worked. I'm married and have one child, with whom I can't ever take outside to play with because I'm always tired!! I haven't been working for the past six months!! I have high blood presure, and my legs are always tired!! If you think it's bad being 30 or 40 something and weighing what you weigh, think how bad I feel? I can't even fit into the seats of airplanes, or ride the ferris wheel at the fair with my son!
I am very interested in going to the show, or finding a sponsor for my operation. My husband is blind and we don't recieve a disability check because he just recentally became a U.S Resident. I'm a U.S Citizen, can anyone help me?
Diana

I would really like to go on the show too. Maybe even just get a sponcer. Does anyone know how??? I have a pretty bad story as well. Do the producers of the show ever look at these posting? Mj

I would love to be on the show as well. I'd like to know how to get a sponsor, if thats possible. I'd tell my story, but everyones got a sad story to tell, so I'll spare you all this time.

I am 25 years old and I weigh over 450 pounds. I've been morbidly obese all of my life. I've been dieting on and off since I was 8 and my family shipped me off to fat camp halfway across the country. In 2002 I lost 202 pounds by eating right and excersizing. Since then I've gained it all back plus some and I am the biggest I've ever been. I suffer from depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, arthritis... and everything else under the sun. I worked with young children for 5 years or so until my multiple disabilities made it impossible for me to work. I really feel like bariatric surgery may very well be my last hope.

I would also love to be on this show. I am 32 years old and weigh about 600lbs. I have hypertension,diabetes,arthritis,back pain,failed back surgery,left leg numb,complete foot drop,severe edema,sleep apnea and I am on 24 hour oxygen. I was hospitalized in November and I almost died due to my lung problems. The doctor's took about 100lbs of fluid out of my body in the first 2 days I was there. I need this surgery so bad or I feel like I am not going to survive the next 5 years.

I would do anything also. I am 22 years old and I have been obese since I was 12. I have two children and I could husband. I have been on every diet you can think of. I am currently on Weight Watchers and stuck after only loosing 14 pounds. I watch what I eat and try to excersice. I am so Tired of being the fat girl I want to be normal. I want to beable to play with my kids. My son is 5 and he ask me why I'm fat, that bothers me more than anything. Kids are so inacent and truthfull it hurts. My little girl is 16 months and I can't even run here around the house after her. I want to change so bad.....

Hello everyone, I'm new here, trying to figure out how to navigate the boards.
We all appear to be in the same boat as far as weight goes. I'm too at a weight that I said I would never, ever get to: 300! How does it happen? God only knows the real reason. I would love to be on the show too. My closet friend is heavier than I am and younger too, she's about 500lbs and we both sure need help.

Hi Jamie, I've just finished reading your post, and I'm sorry for all that you went thru in your lifetime....funny, it seems that it's only you when it's happening, but believe me, it happens to more of us than you know. I was molested as a child by my male cousins and raped as a teenager...which made me feel worthless and ugly...it's taken me many years to get to the point to almost feel okay. I hope you will too.

Hi

I apologize for not writing back sooner, 'fattypooh'. I'm trying to help my sister-in-law through her separation from her *%#@! of a husband, and haven't had a chance to get to the computer.
I, too, am sorry for all you've gone throuh I truly appreciate your support. It does help to have friends who really understand.Thanks
Please feel free to e-mail mejols6508@verizon.net anytime, and I promise to check in on a more regular basis

Very interesting---I do know that the fat is not just fat. It represents something. We are fat for a reason, people! I do know and willingly admit to all that I am a Food Addict. I am a person who uses food to self-medicate from the stresses and trials of life.

Like many of you, I was sexually molested as a child, and raped later on in my teenage years. I do think that I used the weight as a barrier to keep men away, and to make me 'less attractive' in their eyes and therefore less likely to be a target for rape or sexual attention.

I have started intensive therapy these past few weeks and am preparing myself. God willing, the producers would look at this forum and help people if at all possible!

Hi, ilove2read2

I am so sorry for everything you've had to go through. I am glad to hear that you're in therapy. It will be hard, and I'm sure by the time your done, you'll feel like you've battled a thousand battles - but come out on top Good luck, and let me know how it goes. Take Care. Maybe instead of using food to buffer the stress, etc., maybe a really nice bubble bath?