John J.
I have been overweight since the age of 7. We had made a trip to Floriday and upon coming back, I had gained about 8 pounds. It was all of the hamburgers & fries and stuff. My pants were tight and I was slowly packing it on. I was only chubby for a couple of years and then about the age of 10, I blew up.
Then kids started being mean. They called me all of the names, pointed fingers at me , made fun of me because I couldn't do certain things. I remember the first time I almost cried about being overweight. It hurt me a lot and I don't think I purposly spoke with anyone for about a year. I weighed 218 in 8th Grade.
Then, I had bought a weight set, I lost about 50 pounds one summer and looked great ! I could run and lift weights every other day. I felt great. Then when I graduated, I was slowly gaining weight again. Once I got into college, I dropped down to 174 pounds.. I was wearing pants I wore in 6th grade. I was so skinny. Then it happened, I hurt my back.
I was carrying a computer when my body filled with pain and I dropped to my knees. I threw my back out and I was in horrible pain. It took about 2 years for it to improve and has never fully recovered. Because of this injury, I quickly gained weight as I was very inactive.
I was fairly stable for years at about 235 and then in about 1991 I got in a car accident. After 10 months of therapy, I was well enough to get back to work I weighed about 260. I quickly lost weight and was down to about 220.
THEN I GAINED WEIGHT:
Where I gained my current poundage was after a divorce. In 2004, I broke my ankle, went through a divorce, lost my business, was a victim of identity theft, became a father, became homeless and had every dollar I had earned stolen from me. I opened a new business and it was struggling. I was so depressed. Then my father went into alcohol treatment and I was doing every thing I could to support my family of 4. I was a wreck. Within a short period of time, I quickly ballooned up to my current weight of 321. I have tachycardia (rapid heart beat), high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and lots of aches and pains. I am miserable.
So, I am now researching the options, its time for permanent change. I am now 37 and I have been overweight for 30 years. I am ready.....
