I hope you ladies don't mind . . .

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-10-2003
I hope you ladies don't mind . . .
7
Thu, 06-09-2005 - 7:20pm

I came across this message board while researching ways that I can help my mother improve her health. I was reading some of your posts and I must say, you ladies are phenomenal!!!! I have been posting on other message boards here and there, but I have never, ever seen such a supportive group. I just had to "de-lurk" to tell you!

FYI- Obesity runs in my family, but it seems to hit in later years. I myself am trying to eat healthier, but I don't really need to lose weight. My concern is my mothers health. She is the sweetest lady in the world, but her health is terrible. She is not even 5'0 and needs to lose over 100lbs. She has diabetes, sleep apnea, depression and a hoard of other problems. After her last doctor appointment, she was told either lose the weight, or don't plan on seeing 65. That scared the H-E-double hockey sticks out of both of us. Unfortunately, that just made her depression worse, and she has been sitting in front of the tv even more.

I guess what I am wondering is what motiviated you to finally say, "I am going to do this!". Was it personal, or is there anything a concerned family member could possibly do?

I hope you don't mind me posting this. If you don't want to reply, I completely understand.

Again, congratulations. You are the most supportive bunch I have seen.

Becky


Bex -

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-09-2005
Thu, 06-09-2005 - 10:26pm
I have atleast 140 pounds to loose i have already lost 31 pounds over the 140 i still need to lose.. what motivated me was the point where I could hardly walk anymore.. I wouldnt go shopping my most favorite thing to do and getting in and out of our pool was torture.. I also want to live to see my grandbabie ranging in age from 9 to 2 weeks old grow up.. Im 46 and didnt want to spend my life house bound.. SInce losing that lil bit of weight has made a big difference i can shop go in the pool.. MY sleep apnea is still bad but hoping it will improve
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iVillage Member
Registered: 06-03-2005
Thu, 06-09-2005 - 11:04pm

Hi Becky!

I want to start out by saying, this is something that your mom has to want to do for herself! If she doesn't want it, it won't happen! The only thing I suggest you do, is sit down and have a real heart to heart with her. Let her know exactly what you are feeling. Let her know that there are other's in her position who just take things one day at a time. There will be good days and bad days. Have her get online and see these posts so she knows that she isn't alone in this struggle. We're all pulling for her as much as we do for each other and ourselves. The most important thing you can do, is when the time comes, yes WHEN, be there for her and support her.

Hope this helps you some!

~*Terri*~

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-31-2004
Fri, 06-10-2005 - 9:23am
Ahh I think its absolutely wonderful that you love your mom this much.
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-25-2005
Fri, 06-10-2005 - 11:09am

Thank you for popping in and telling us what you think!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-14-2005
Fri, 06-10-2005 - 3:09pm

Hi

I have been there . My mom was my best friend but stubborn as a mule. So I had to take the bull by the horns and give her tough love... My mother's problem was not obesity but cigarettes: she was going to die...I nagged and pleaded and reminded and coerced and complained and followed her to all her doctors and made sure I corrected her lies until she finally realized she had to do something, I was always in her face.She loved and hated the attention and gradually came out of her own depression and started to try and take charge of her life. She lasted for a few years more and died finally but I know without my perseverance I would have missed her last big outing.. She always loved to go to walmart and 2 days before she died she said to me " take me to walmart today" I am proud she asked me to take her. Keep at her, encourage her, help with menus, take her for baby walks, do all you can for your mom. I never regretted a moment of frustration I felt.

God Bless you, Claudette

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-10-2003
Fri, 06-10-2005 - 7:15pm

Thank you thank you thank you all for you kind words and support. Yes, I love my mother so much, and I will definately direct her to this board. Hopefully she will see all of your inspirational stories and want that for herself!

Thank you so much!

Becky


Bex -

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-14-2005
Sat, 06-11-2005 - 1:42pm

My mom was my angel and I know every ounce of energy you put in your struggles and work together and even knock heads is worth every single moment you have to share together.
Moms are so special to all of us here and to those of us who lost them too young, only have the memories, even the big fights when they would not listen even to help themselves,
laugh and rejoice at what WE did to help them livee better lives. It is a self-sacrifice
but you will always remember the face looking up at at you in your crib...Ange de mon Berceau

Take care of you and her