Hoarding and Morbid Obesity

[Boo 3]

Did anyone watch the special on ABC Wednesday evening on hoarding and M.O.?? It was excellent!! They even showed a body lift surgery.

[Fauxnaif 1]

Tivoed it but haven't watched it. It sounded interesting!

[maudeispam 2]

That was a very good episode. I was channel surfing and found it. Quite interesting on both aspects!

[HamuChan 0]

I didn't see it or hear of it. How are hoarding and M.O. related?

[Boo 3]

The show brought up a link to OCD.

They took brain scans of hoarders while they decided whether to throw away old papers or not. They also took brain scans of MO's while they were tempted with their favorite foods. Both scans showed unusual activity relating to dopamine.

The show seemed to take the POV that there are genetic, physiological, AND psychological reasons why people overeat and hoard. It went much deeper, scientifically than I can possibly explain. There might be something on ABC's website.

One man that was featured had to be cut out of his house to get to the hospital. He had gastric bypass surgery, but then gained it back. He is now living in an assisted living/rehabilitation facility for MO.

If ANYONE else saw it and can comment, thank you!!

[Fauxnaif 1]

I finally watched it. It was good but these poor guys-they were more than morbidly obese. I was morbidly obese at 300 pounds.

The show didn't talk enough about psychological issues which I think are HUGE in almost everyone with severe weight issues. Myself included. I thought they leaned too far in the way of genetics. At least it didn't blame the overweight people but still, it seemed out of kilter to me.

[prbrooksie 1]

The show brought up a link to OCD.

They took brain scans of hoarders while they decided whether to throw away old papers or not. They also took brain scans of MO's while they were tempted with their favorite foods. Both scans showed unusual activity relating to dopamine.

The show seemed to take the POV that there are genetic, physiological, AND psychological reasons why people overeat and hoard. It went much deeper, scientifically than I can possibly explain. There might be something on ABC's website.

One man that was featured had to be cut out of his house to get to the hospital. He had gastric bypass surgery, but then gained it back. He is now living in an assisted living/rehabilitation facility for MO.

If ANYONE else saw it and can comment, thank you!!

I don't believe he had the gastric bypass surgery. He lost it on his own. I'll check into to it though.

[prbrooksie 1]

New Yorker Michael Hebranko poses another medical mystery. Twenty years ago, at 1,100 pounds, he was considered the fattest man in the world.

"I could eat two dozen eggs," Hebranko said. "Thirty-six pork chops, 24 frankfurters. I've eaten two dozen Bagels at one time with two packages of cream cheese. I'm never full. I'm never, never, ever full."

Then, in the late 1980s, with the help of celebrity dieter and exercise coach Richard Simmons, Hebranko miraculously dropped from 1,100 pounds to 200 pounds — in only 19 months.

He became an overnight success, appearing on a Simmons workout video and becoming a motivational speaker to the super obese.

[TamifromAL 1]

I finally watched it. It was good but these poor guys-they were more than morbidly obese. I was morbidly obese at 300 pounds.

The show didn't talk enough about psychological issues which I think are HUGE in almost everyone with severe weight issues. Myself included. I thought they leaned too far in the way of genetics. At least it didn't blame the overweight people but still, it seemed out of kilter to me.

The people on the show would more accurately be described as "super mobidly obese".

At one point, the doctor at the facility where Hbrinko lives said that every patient at the facility has had some kind of psychological trauma in their lives (abuse, loss, etc.). Then the topic was dropped! I was curious, too, why they didn't go into the psychological aspects of obesity further.

One thing that struck me from the show was the fact that the current "heaviest person in the world", the guy from Mexico, apparently has none of the typical weight-related medical issues that so many people suffer from at a much, much lower weight. No high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart issues. *That* is extremely mysterious to me.

Tami

[maudeispam 2]

One thing that struck me from the show was the fact that the current "heaviest person in the world", the guy from Mexico, apparently has none of the typical weight-related medical issues that so many people suffer from at a much, much lower weight. No high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart issues. *That* is extremely mysterious to me.

Tami

I have been MO all my life and never had "weight related side effects" until my early 30's. I was a medical mystery! As far as medical tests I should have been an athlete and size 2. LOL!

[Boo 3]

Maudeispam,

That is great news! You are healthy! Even though I was ALMOST MO, I have never had high blood pressure, bad cholesterol, or pre-diabetes. I have always been able to exercise and function well. Just prior to my surgery, I had a heart scan and a treadmill test. The technicians and the doctor were shocked at what I could do, given my size. The cardiologist said my heart was close to what he had seen in marathon runners.

My MIL has been MO her entire life and has never had any medical problems either. She has high energy and amazes me!

The people featured in this story were in an entirely different category. There should be another level above MO.

I was just curious about the idea of hoarding. Since this surgery, I am trying to let go more. I don't have the lifestyle of those featured on the show, but I am too sentimental and need to discard of "stuff" from my life. I am trying to simplify and give away. Also, I am trying to let go of old hurts and experiences that harmed me.

Just wondered if anyone else has a tendency to hold on to other negative things in addition to food.