Hello. I'm Rhea and I need help. I've always been "big boned" (haha). And nobody ever thinks I really weigh what I do. But I'm finally in a place that I know I can't do this anymore.

I was about 240lbs 4 years ago. I was doing good and losing weight. Then the most wonderful thing happened....I got pregnant! I gained 60 pounds that time around. *eek* Without fully losing all the baby weight, less than one year later, I was pregnant again. This time twins! Somehow, I only managed to gain 24 pounds this time. But I was nearly 300 pounds at delivery and I was mortified! I lost a bit and was busy with the kids. Then I decided I wanted to be a surrogate. Before the twins 1st birthday, I was pregnant again. This time triplets! So if you have kept track and done the math, I delivered 6 babies in 3 years 2 months.

So hear I sit, way too close to 300 pounds for my comfort. I told myself it was just baby weight...but it's not going anywhere and only going higher. In addition to this, I have plantar faciatis in my feet. I have been told to "stay off your feet." That doesn't go well with my doctors other instructions of "exercise to lose weight." I mean really? How am I supposed to stay off my feet AND exercise?? *sigh*

I am seriously considering WLS. I am very interested in a lapband. My doctor was less than encouraging, but did ultimately refer me to a surgeon (for my hernia) that happens to also do lapbands. I have an appointment coming up and I am hopeful that this might be an option for me. (On a sidenote - does anyone know if Cigna covers WLS?? )

So that is me in a nutshell. Mommy to 3 boys age 3 and under. I just want to be able to run and play with them. I want to go on roller coasters with them. I want to go horseback riding with them. Right now, I can't do anything but watch them play. Thanks for listening. Sorry this got so long.

. . . so glad you found us . . .

Coming to 3FC is a great place to start.

There is a whole board here just focusing on WLS. It's not something I am considering for myself so I don't visit those threads but I'm willing to bet you will find a lot of answers there (including whether your insurance might cover the procedure) from people who've actually had it done or are preparing to.

You might want to ask them to give you a list of questions they would suggest you discuss with the surgeon before you make the final decision.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

Hi!!

I feel like i cant do it either, but i have to! So i know that you can too! Keep reading here for support! It will happen, one day at a time! We can do it together and i have much more to lose than you do!! Don't give up!

I have identical twins, but mine are 31! And I have recently controlled my plantar fascitis. First, my orthopedic specialist says the plantar fascitis is NOT caused by your weight. It's associated with standing long hours on hard surfaces and wearing shoes that don't support your feet correctly...flip-flops (which I love), cute little flats and sexy heels (which I also love). I'm a teacher, so twenty years of concrete classroom floors, hardwood floors at hoome have done their work.

If you haven't already, see an orthopedist immediately. Just staying off your feet (which isn't likely with your little boys to take care of) isn't going to work. I had two shots, five or six weeks of physical therapy (which was great!) twice a week, a special boot to sleep in, and exercises to do before I even got out of bed. And the pain is gone unless I wear flip-flops, go barefooted, or run around in heels for very long. So, I understand your desire to work on your weight (why else would I be on this site?), but don't beat yourself up about being so large you've given yourself plantar fascitis. And you can fix that pretty fast. See a specialist!

Thanks for that info. My doctor told me there was nothing to do for it and that it would "just go away." He said he could refer me to a podiatrist but that they would just tell me the same thing. He was very discouraging. This was my first visit with him....it might be my last. I do love my flip flops!! I hate tennis shoes! Oh well....thx!

Unless you absolutely adore your doctor, I might consider changing doctors! Plantar Fascitis hurts. There really are some good, fast treatments for it, and an orthopedist is what you want. I hate tennis shoes too - gross clunky shoes. But I wear them most of the time. I wear Ecco shoes - the sneaks are awesome. They even have lots of styles that are good-looking and offer good support. The bad news: they're ridiculously expensive, but I pay so I can walk. When you buy sneakers, get TWO pair so you can alternate and give the "give" in the sneaks time to recover before you wear them again. Google Ecco to look at them. Dillard's carries them here, but only a few styles.

I guess cruise around in my big, clunky blue and white sneaks and pretend I'm athletic. I wear my cute shoes when I'm going out to dinner or to the movies or someplace I won't be walking.