half ton man
 

ok, folks. i finally broke down and watched this last not on TLC. it was extremely interesting. Patrick [his name] had lost more than half his weight, and considering he started at about 1070 pounds, that was no small feat! at the time of the show, he was a little under 500. still dangerously overweight, but quite an improvement. he had an open gastric bypass.

a few things struck me.

first, it would seem to be about time for some interim skin reduction surgery. his pannus is REALLY making it hard for him to move.

second, his wife made a couple of very interesting comments about food being such an expression of love for Patrick. And the way to show love for him was to feed him what he asked for.

and third, he was shown, at the end, eating his 'protein snack.' it looked like a small pack of cheese, with a small bag of potato chips. hmmmm. and he was eating this lying down, flat on his back. i wondered if he was going to choke! eating in bed. hmmmm

have any of you seen it? what do you think?

I sooooo wanted to watch that last night, but I had to go to the grocery store. I will have to catch it next time.

I love seeing shows about people loosing weight and seeing before and after pictures I think it really keeps me motivated.

Has anyone ever watched honey we are killing our kids? What a wake up call that is! I have been eating so much better but I really haven't tried getting anyone else at home to join me. Yes my kids are eating more fruits and multi grain stuff but that is because that is what I am buying. I am also still buying all that processed sugar crap. What am I doing?

Crazy crazy, I guess I just don't think sometimes. haha!

I watched this show last night, too. Some comments made me snort (not a very kind thing I know), like...."he's not keeping down water so I buy him Sprite" (how about diet sprite?) and "He's sticking to a low-fat, low-sodium diet" when there was a package of chips next to him on the bed. His denial about the calories he must have been consuming and his remark that he would "rip someone to shreds" if they told him what he could or could not do (or eat).

I really felt for the man from New York who had lost all that weight and then gained it back. He wanted one hot dog, which turned into 4, with fries with cheese...and then he gained hundreds of pounds back.

I am not an expert and I most certainly don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, but when it gets to a point where your loved one is eating himself or herself to death, do you say, "No more!" I know it is not that simple...I guess I just don't understand. If my husband was killing himself with a habit I would intervene...but that is based on the fact that he would not "rip me to shreds" and I would never live with someone who would behave that way. But then my DH has always been very kind about my own weight issues, never critical but always supportive...are there degrees of obesity that scream for intervention? Can I be so judgmental because my own wt loss goal is 40-50 lbs and not 400-500 lbs?

It was very eye-opening.

And I want to add that I just have a boatload of respect for Richard Simmons. What fantastic support and interventions he has done....

I missed the show but boy it sounds rough. I don't know what I would do being in their shoes. If my DH couldn't get out of bed I don't think I'd be bringing home sprite and chips... maybe diet sprite and baked chips as a treat. I know, its easier said than done but I would try.

I'm not in their shoes and I shouldn't pass judgement so I'll say a prayer for them instead.

I love Richard Simmons....always have. He seems to be the one person in the diet industry that seems like he really does care about people deep down.

The one thing that stuck out the most was that he really didn't seem like he wanted to lose the weight. I say this because he still openly chose to eat junk, and refused to listen (or even consider listening) to someone teach him a better way to eat (and live!). His attitude will be his downfall I think, and that's sad because he's come a long ways already.

I know that the show is only one small portion of his life, but I can't help but think that he's going to regain much of the weight with his habits. His wife isn't helping any - she's an enabler. It sucks being in her position too, I'm sure, but at what point do you say enough is enough?

I did, however, really enjoy watching the show(s) with the two ladies who also had open RNY and who really started changing their lifestyles. That's what it should be about IMO.

From what I remember (I watched this a few months back) he did finally have the surgery to remove some of the excess skin back in Feb. or March (I know it was originally scheduled for January but he caught a cold or came down with the flu and they postponed it). As of March he was down below 400. I haven't seen anything recently though.

I also say this but it was some time ago. The part that sticks out most in my mind is when the person doing the interview is talking to the wife about her husbands eating habits and whether his obesity was due to simply over eating. He over heard from the bed room (from the cheese, chips, soda) and he came out stating ( very defensively I might add ) his obesity was genetic. During this minor tirade the camera pans to the trash can over flowing with empty food packages. All I can remember is thinking..."Riiiight, genetics". But it was a while ago.

I am confused... is this a "regular" TV show??? Or what?

No, it's a special that's on Discovery Health or TLC every once in a while. It's about a man who eventually got up to over 1,070 pounds and couldn't move at all. In order to save his life, he underwent GBP. It shows how he had to slowly start losing weight, and eventually shows him back at home, "adapting" to his new lifestyle.

Thanks.... I don't think I have that channel... I only have limited basic cable

I saw this Sunday Night it was like watching a train wreck!
How many people can say they were brought back from death. . .this guy was and he didn't seem to care! I saw the overflowing trashcan filled with Diet Dr Pepper and Pepsi it seemed like he didn't want to live if he couldn't have chips. When the wife was getting interviewed about his eating he became Irate.
This show made me angry on 2 fronts
1. people who are considering surgery are going to think they can eat fried chicken and chips (he left a fried chicken leg for his protien snack later)
2 this also reinforces the stereotype that surgery's not work to lose
I wish they would have shown him having a negative side effect or trying to do something on plan
ugh sorry for the vent!
Kierie

oh kier- don't apologise! i think your comments are right on. and i have so many like that!

here's one - there's no doubt that this couple has major relationship issues - and they're showing up in the FOOD and the feeding behavior. yet, there was not one word about psychological support or counseling or behavior modification going on here! it was all about food=love.

Food = Love ??? wow, what a concept LOL

Thats my life story Jiffy.... my first love was food, and the relationship is a ***** to break off.

When the pharmaceutical industry comes up with a drug on how to survive relationship breakups... I WANT THAT ONE !!!

;)

Oh, I saw this show. My partner and I watched it. For me, it really empnasized how food is an addiction for some of us. It would be like me living under a bridge, killing myself with crack and my loved ones bringing me crack because they love me, because i would 'rip them to shreds,' etc. Denial is also key in his addiction. Very sad. His wife is a key enabler and has no clue.

I saw this show a couple months back. I couldn't help but think the wife was afraid to put her foot down. She was very much an enabler and he was a master at manipulation. Personally, I'd leave his fat butt and if he had to walk to go get that junk at least he'd get some exercise. Sorry for my opinion, but he treated her like crap.

I watched that show and it made me sick. Did you see all the pizza boxes all over the house? I believe if my husband were giving the option of losing weight or die in 3-4 weeks and I had stood by his side during surgery and all them difficult times, he should treat me better than that. And for her to contribute to his disease, she must either be afraid of him or have a huge life insurance policy out on him.
At least I am left with a horrible mental picture in my mind. Every time I want to binge I think of him and I lose my appetite.
Terrie

I watched on Sunday and I have to agree with the comments here. He is a very bitter, spiteful, manipulative man. My hope for them is to BOTH get some counseling. The main thing I was struck with watching that show was the complete contrast between the attitudes of this man and that elegant, lovely lady whose story was also told - the one that had the complications with surgery. She was such a gentle soul who so genuinely appreciated all the help she was getting from everyone. I chose to think of her and her journey as it is truely inspiring.

Kel

Ms Spotdog, are you talking about Jackie?(600+lbs) She absolutely rocks. Poor thing nearly dies...a couple of times. I just watched the "reunion" show with her and Robin (almost 800lbs) It made me cry. She looks so sweet and pretty.

Ahhhhh I found an article about him by googling. He blames his weight on genetics... yah right!! Sadly it said his care will cost millions of dollars, most of which will have to be absorbed by the hospital

I remember seeing this now, he came out of his bedroom with an oxygen tube in his nose screaming at the reporter while he was talking to his wife? I only watched a wee bit of it months ago but remember thinking.... that man is an ***!!! and fat b/c he's addicted to food (just like me). OY

He's lucky to have a wife that takes that crap.

TLC seems to be running a slew of show like "The Half Ton Man" and "The 675 lb Woman" lately. I think they are our generation's equivalent of the circus side-show of old.
Anyways, I too thought that the half-ton man was a very angry and bitter man, especially when he essentially freaked out on the reporter when she asked his wife what he ate when he was so big. He said that "it doesn't WORK that way" and that his problem was genetic, while wading through a house full of empty soda cans, old take-out food cartons, and junk food. Maybe he has a genetic spasm that makes his hand reach for food and put it in his mouth! Sorry, but I get irritated when I see people on these shows refuse to own their problem. I was 243 lbs, and I got there because I ATE TOO MUCH. Yes, I have medical issues that make it harder for me to lose weight (medications are a KILLER), and issues from growing up too, but I ATE TOO MUCH. Period! Now, I am working very hard to become healthy. I may never be an ideal weight, but I own my problem and I own my solution!!!
There, my rant is over. I feel better now...
I can hardly wait for TLC to rebroadcast "The Man Whose Arms Exploded" (seriously, it is about a guy who wanted to have the largest biceps in the world...)

Funny, I have the same genetics! ;) Hmmmmm what are all these cheesecake boxes, ice cream cartons, pizza boxes, candy wrappers, soda cans, etc. DOING all over my apartment and how did they GET there? :) :m: :cbg: It's certainly not MY fault I am fat!!! :nono:

This genetic stuff is really hard to deal with!!! :dizzy: :o

Misti your comment cracked me up and i could immediately visualized my kitchen cabinet and it's contents!!! I am thinking my cabinets have the genetic problem too! Is there a cure? Let me know. :rofl: :rofl:

Leenie~ this is off this topic but I love your avatar! :love: I am a long time fan of that show and watch the DVDs almost every weekend. The spin off too..."Are you being served...Again". Mrs Slocombe in the country setting is just too funny. They always make a bad day good!:sunny:

RE: 1/2 ton man~ I couldn't watch this whole show as I thought this man very unworthy of all the support. I wandered in and out of the room and finally turned it off. They need counciling more than anything or this will never work for either of them. I feel sorry for them but I have enough troubles of my own without borrowing more from my cable tv! :rofl:
We used to have The Health Channel and they had some fine motivational shows on....I miss the more positive outlook.

LOL yes there is a cure, but it can be a painful one...

Step 1: Purchase a box of large size heavy duty black garbage bags..... :)

One BIG difference between us (at least me) and these people who get on TV is that I don't have any friends who would be willing to drag in zillions of pounds of junk food for me. :)

:coffee: :T: :ink: :hb: :moo: :hat: :cbg: :chef: :cookie: :m: :jeno: :cheese: :burger: :chockiss: :corn: :cheers: :stir: :hungry: :cofdate: :mcd: :eating2: :coffee2: :drool: :beach: :xcheer: :candy: :drinkup:

WHY oh WHY oh WHY can't I lose this weight??? :dunno: :rofl: :stress: :tantrum: :barf: :shrug:

I do think this is a very sad situation. Admittedly, he could have a genetic predisposition to obesity and once he got overweight, got into the cycle of losing, gaining, etc. until he got so huge and depressed that the only comfort was food. At that weight, you can't even walk, let alone go to the movies, have a normal job, etc. It's an extremely vicious cycle that can be amazingly easy for someone to fall into. I remember as a young woman seeing a very obese lady and scornfully thinking, "That'll never be me!" Those words have now haunted me for more than 30 years. I only saw a small part of that show because I found it too depressing to watch. I can barely imagine his level of suffering.

OMG, I watched the first 5 minutes of that and decided that I would get sick if I watched anymore - I'm a wimp when it comes to things like that. I also thought the guy probably qualified for "The Darwin Award", but I guess that's beside the point. :dizzy:


Count me as another "Are You Being Served" fan. My entire family, actually. My kids can quote almost entire episodes. For our anniversay this year, I bought the 15 volume DVD set for my husband, so I finally got to see the Punch and Judy episode that I've never seen, even after being a fan for 16 years.

I saw a news report where the "guy whose arms exploded" was being led away in handcuffs after his arrest for selling steriods. For all of you who don't know, the program was about a guy who has made it his life's ambition to have the world's largest biceps. He spent the last 5 years or so injecting steriods directly into his biceps and triceps, and wound up with 27 inch biceps. His waist also measures 27 inches (he is only 5 foot 5!). You can see his picture at http://www.t-nation.com/findArticle.do?article=211hate
I think the show could have been called "The Man Whose Brain Deserted Him", or "The Man With a Body Image Disorder"...

It's hard to believe anyone could actually find that appealing or attractive

I haven't seen this particular show but I've seen a few of the other shows TLC has had. One thing I'd say about genetics is it may make it easier to gain weight, it may make it harder to lose weight and it even may add 30, 40, 50 lbs to you, but it won't make you gain an extra 400 lbs.

I would agree with the eating too much. I know (oh trust me I know) that it doesn't seem fair that some people can eat more without gaining weight so that someone may not think they are eating too much. I have come to the realization that if you are gaining weight, then you are eating too much for you. It is a very individual thing and can't be judged by others.

I got very annoyed recently when I switched out my BCP pills and gained 10 lbs. I realized that I needed to get rid of those lbs and it was a slow process. Those lbs are gone, as are an additional 10 lbs on top of that. I know I have hormonal issues, I know I have eating issues, I know I have genetic issues, but those don't stop me from losing weight, they just slow me down.

Anyway, I'm very happy today about my current weight. I weigh less than I did when I started and ended high school. In a few more lbs, I'll be at my lowest remembered weight (when I lost 30 lbs in high school but gained it back).

Nelie, I can't take BCP. If you already have hormonal issues why do you take them? I was emotional out of control on several different scrips...I ended up using a diaphram then the hormone free IUD. They did the trick...til I wanted my Baby! Oh...BTW all, The show is on again this Sun @ 10pm eastern.

Stevi (not to change the subject), BCP control my hormones. With PCOS, you need something that regulates your hormones and BCP are usually what you are prescribed first. I've tried many myself and the reason I switched to my current BCP was because I was having TOM for 2 weeks with my other one (not good). The unfortunate side effect of my current BCP is it causes you to gain weight initially. Other than that, everything has been pretty good.

I haven't been watching tv lately so I haven't had a chance to search out the show and I'm heading to Canada on Saturday so I won't be able to see it Sunday. I'll try though, I think I've seen every other show TLC has had on the subject.

A little late, but just wanted to add that I think before he storms out of the bedroom, when she is in the kitchen cooking on the stovetop and the reporter says, so what kind of eating plan is he on, and she says low cal/low fat or something like that. She is making him eggs maybe, and reporter says, so how many cals/fat are in what you are making? An innocent question, it would have been a good example for the viewers, but instead, she says, "I have no idea." What a flipping idiot!! Please, if you married this miserable man, you had no self esteem or no direction yourself and now they are trapped together.

On the show with the lady who had all the work done at Duke and the lovely lady Robin who had the billowing ankles problem.... there is a f/u show where Duke lady and Robin finally meet. Robin is in a new assisted living facility and finds LOVE!! I'll leave it at that, but you get to follow their relationship, and it's definitely a nice story. Make sure to catch this reunion story is you find it on. There are some old clips in it, so you may think it's the original show, but watch and see if it's the new one. Robin looks great - what a sweetheart and a woman with class.

What about the lady from the UK who comes over to America for all her excess skin removal surgeries? Another good one.

Tammy & Melody, I agree "are you being served" is so funny, I really love all the BBC show's we get here. I love Mrs. Bucket ;) and last of the summer wine. One show we don't get anymore is Benny Hill, oh well.

Okay the biggest muscles........... GROSS. IMHO that is a sickness just like being addicted to food and being over weight.

As far as the big man, he needs a big attitude adjustment. I can't imagine why his wife is still with him seeing how he treats her in public. If my DH was that rude to me, I'd hang donuts from the ceiling and make him jump to get them (exercise ;) ) that'll teach em to treat me like dodo in public.