Re: Marla -- spectacular weight loss -- it's all relative

[Guest guest]

I second Jo's statement about everyone losing differently. I don't post my

weight loss specifics, because for me it is a relative issue. Most of you... if

you met me irl... might suggest that I consider having the DS! I, however, lost

approximately 130 (give or take depending upon the week). It is a grief to me

that I will never enjoy that feeling of being thin... or knowing that others

look at me... and think of me as a normal weight. It is not to be. Just

talking about it is enough to bring me to tears typing this.

However... the reality is... that the DS gave me literally a second chance at

life. When I was living in Denver, I weighed 370 pounds and at the age of 47

was told by three different doctors that they figured I had about 3 years to

live. As you know... I was on oxygen 24/7, CPAP, had diabetes, and was on a

myriad of medications.

On Friday, I turn 51. Oxygen is a nightmare of the past; I don't need CPAP; I

don't have diabetes; I take only vitamins/supplements... and NO medications. I

returned to work full-time... and then ended up taking a sabbatical from work

while I adopted 3 very special needs children! At 47 I could barely take care

of myself. Just a few minutes ago, I hoisted my tantruming 61 pound 8 year old

up into the air, placed him in a tight therapeutic hold with him and held him

while he kicked and screamed -- all without breaking a sweat... or actually,

without even needing to take a deep breath!

It is my reality that while previous to the DS, I was literally planning my

death.... post DS, I am living my life!

So... I balance these two... the exhilaration of the wonderful gift that I have

been given... and the grief that I will never be that girl I wish I was. Most

of the time, I focus on the first.... I don't post my beginning and ending

weights, because it reminds me of the portion where I am not successful. It

makes me feel that people will look and think of me as a failure. But... I am

not.

Yes, someone will say that I should post my weights, so that it will be helpful

to others. It probably would be... but I am not that altruistic

BTW... Marla... I think you are amazing! I think you are a terrific success....

and I think you will find yourself losing more. If you ever go for a panni... I

think you will be a raging success.

Elle **

DS 2-7-02

Pre DS wt 370

Post DS wt 240 (give or take

----- Original Message -----

From: tamarac42

I keep reading about these spectacular weightlosses since July and

wonder just how you people are doing it. 115 since July seems like a

lot. I am just 11 months out and have lost 116.5 pounds. ... once again,

here is a plea for

people to put their beginning and current weights or BMI's on their

signature line... -- Marla

DS: 2-9-05

290.5 to 174