American in Paris

[chicadarina 0]

My story is a bit different than many people's as my weight gain was caused by something that typically causes people to lose weight. I have Addison's disease, which went undiagnosed for nearly 10 years. Addison's disease is sort of the opposite of thyroid disorders that many of my fellow sleevers have suffered... Essentially, people with Addison's don't produce enough cortisol, and this causes them to feel tired all the time. I started suffering from the symptoms around 18, but it did not become full-blown until I hit 20. Because I was tired all the time, I needed a way to stay awake, and resorted to eating in order to keep myself going. That's when the weight started coming. I gained more in particularly stressful periods when I needed more energy. I went from 127 lbs (and working as a promotional model during my freshman year of college) to 175 lbs, where I had leveled out at 23 for a few years. Then I moved to France, and ended up in a very stressful job where I mainly worked from home (less activity, more stress = more eating) and went up to 190. I was finally diagnosed with the Addison's last year, but unfortunately, the medicine (cortisol) inspired an additional weight gain last year that put me up to 230. It has been particularly hard for me in France because there are simply not many overweight people in this country and it is nearly impossible to find plus-sized clothing (I have to go over to London). It also did not help that a company which I had previously worked for in the US (and had an amazing track-record with including several sales awards) flat out refused to hire me because I "did not have the right look". Plus, with last year's rapid weight gain, I couldn't even recognize my own face in the mirror anymore. Nothing was helping to lose the weight either (not 2 hours of gym per day or the strict organic diet I had been following for 3 years)- I was just gaining without stopping. I stopped wanting to meet people or see my friends because I became so ashamed of my weight, and tired of everyone I met asking me when the baby was due. I also started to have a lot of pain in my feet (I have long, thin bones), and could no longer ski or iceskate or even walk long distances.

So the doctors decided that sleeve surgery was my only option as diet and exercise alone were not working and because if I kept gaining, I would no longer be able to walk at 30 years old... The decision to do the surgery gave me hope that weightloss was an option for the first time in a long time. I went through with the surgery on 21 March 2011 at the American Hospital of Paris with Dr. Hobieka. I have lost 8 kg (which is almost 18 lbs) in the first 2 weeks, and am now stalled out in week 3. I'm excited to see the results and to get back to 135 (which I have not been since 19). Here's to wishing everyone else luck with their sleeves... :-)

[Rev Me Up! 75]

Wow! what a story - we all perceive that maybe our weight affects our profession, but they came right out and told you!!!

Holy moly, that's rough.

Good luck on your journey to the sleeve. Paris is one of my favorite places in the world, but I can see how being overweight there would be a challenge. You are still a good person, no matter how much you weigh!!

Lara

[swizzly 901]

Hi there, I'm just nextdoor en Suisse. I can totally relate to your fat person amongst the hordes of skinny people feeling. Sorta sucks, though after all these years, I was mostly used to it. I did finally decide to do WLS for other reasons, but I know that pressure. I also used to go to London to get clothes that would fit (or to the US), love to hit M&S.

Here's to skinny Americans in Europe!

[crosswind 134]

I can totally relate to not wanting to see anybody anymore. There gets to be a threshold where there's just no point..

Good luck to you, congrats on your loss, bon sante

[jdedeyan 6]

I can relate too. I'm in Paris wondering if you still are? Lets get in touch.

[swizzly 901]

I'm still just nextdoor in case you decide to meet up in Paris -- let me know.

[jdedeyan 6]

Hi there, We should meet up in Paris. I work in the 7th...let me know when you area around and available.

Thanks,

Jodi

[swizzly 901]

I stay in the 15th when I'm there -- and I was just trying to convince a friend in London that we need to meet in Paris for the weekend again soon. So whenever that happens, I will let you know.

[jdedeyan 6]

Excellent! My operation is March 28th.

Jodi

[jdedeyan 6]

Can you tell me about your surgery experience?

[Sleeved in Seattle 280]

I know this topic is an older one, but I'm leaving for a few weeks in Paris next week and I'll still be on "mushy" food at that point. So I'm a bit concerned about living on no bread, no wine, just eggs/cheese. What did you guys eat at the beginning of your post-surgical times?

TIA,

Lisa

[jdedeyan 6]

Hi there,

I'm still in Paris. ;0) Wow its hard to remember now lol I stuck with Soup alot. I added Protein shakes for a meal and applesauce. I can check my sheet the dr gave me and see what they had me on here in Paris. I really wasnt on it long, if much at all. They move you to regular food quickly.

Bisous,

Jodi

[Sleeved in Seattle 280]

Merci beaucoup Jodi!

Where did you buy Protein powder in Paris? I'd love not to carry have to multiple homemade packets of mysterious white powder in my luggage.

Lisa