I am admitting for the first time - weight does effect overall health

[provenzee 262]

I am really beginning to notice how much of a difference being 272lbs compared to weighing 222lbs is. Most of my life I hovered around 220-230 but after multiple failed diet attempts and switching from a job that requires constant movement to a desk job, I gained weight. I always told everyone being heavy did not effect the ability to do things, and that even at my weight I was still able to run, walk for hours, and live my life without issues. Now at 272lbs, I am embarrassed to admit that it does effect me in so many ways. I dread walking up stairs, I can't walk a mile without my back and feet killing me, and I get out of breath doing the most simple tasks. I long for the days I can go somewhere without worrying that I physically won't be able to do it. This is a terrible feeling. So grateful that I will be having this surgery and giving me a second chance at getting my life back.

[Babbs 14,681]

That's why it drives me nuts when people say "I'm fat, but I'm healthy" or "I'm fat but fit".

No, no you're not.

Now don't get me wrong. I'm all for accepting yourself, no matter what your size. I've seen some confident, beautiful obese women. I think all women are beautiful, no matter the size. Especially if they ooze confidence.

But PLEASE stop saying you're healthy or fit. It's not possible when you have to carry around so much extra weight. It puts a strain on the body that sometimes can't even be reversed. Your organs are literally being CRUSHED by the extra weight.

I can't imagine running even a mile at 235 pounds. Now I run 3.