The Morbid Me
One of the most disturbing moments in my life, was when I was introduced to the word Morbid Obesity. I just couldn't realize how a Human Being can be considered Morbid, it is such an ubly word. (By definition: Of, relating to, or caused by disease; pathological or diseased.) But, if you look further on your dictionary, you will also find the definition as "Gruesome; grisly"
Well, I am Morbid Obese, that is I have a severe obesity in which my BMI is over 40, way over that !
During the past 20 years, obesity among adults has risen significantly in the United States. The latest data from the National Center for Health Statistics show that 30 percent of U.S. adults 20 years of age and older - over 60 million people are obese.
This increase is not limited to adults. The percentage of young people who are overweight has more than tripled since 1980. Among children and teens aged 6–19 years, 16 percent (over 9 million young people) are considered overweight.
These increasing rates raise concern because of their implications for Americans’ health. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of many diseases and health conditions, including the following:
- Hypertension
- Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Coronary heart disease
- Stroke
- Gallbladder disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
- Some cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)
Although one of the national health objectives for the year 2010 is to reduce the prevalence of obesity among adults to less than 15%, current data indicate that the situation is worsening rather than improving.
As you can see from my picture, I am part of the statistics. Sleep Apnea was part of my life for many years, and my buddy the CPAP has always been my guardian at night.
Well... here you will find my Real Life experience as a Living Morbid Obese. And NO, it is not always our fault.
I am looking into getting it done. i am 23 yr woman.
Posted by: sara | April 05, 2006 at 02:15 PM
I can't thank you enough for devoting all the time you did to your blog. I am 33, 6'1", 350lbs (46.2 BMI) and have been considering having Roux-en-Y bypass done for a couple years now. I had so many questions and/or concerns that I was either A) too embarrassed to ask about, or B) didn't know exactly what to ask. Your blog has answered everything...and then some. I'll be the first to admit that I love to eat, and I'm lazy...bad combo. My wife gave birth to our first child (a son) a month ago and it changed my entire thought process on the procedure. I'm now 100% towards wanting to have it done...and soon. I'd like to be around to enjoy my son, you know?
From me to you...Thank You. Your time spent collecting all the data contained here has helped at least one person so far...me. Now all I have to do is get up the courage to talk to a physician about having it done.
-Brian
Posted by: Brian | April 23, 2006 at 09:01 AM
i was a kid when a doctor diagnosed me as morbidly obese ... i recall feeling like i'd just been told i was going to die ... in fact i was my doctor at the time told me i wouldn't live to see my 16th birthday ... i left feeling very angry and never went back ... it's an awful word to hear ...
Posted by: Marilyn | April 23, 2006 at 02:09 PM
I have just found a link to your blog and have been reading most of the day, I just wanted to say thank you for putting together such an informative blog. I had the RNY back in October 2004 in the UK. I wish you lots of sucess with your weight loss journey and shall be a daily reader of your blog!
Take care
Ann
Posted by: Ann | May 20, 2006 at 01:56 PM
Dear Ann,
Thanks so much for your comment.. I am really very excited with my blog, I am getting a lot of good feedback and also, a lot of help from some doctors that are contributing to it! Thanks!
Posted by: The Morbid Me | May 23, 2006 at 11:04 AM
I am 34 years old. I am on several different medications for the complications of obesity. Two are Byetta and Metformin for my type 2 diabetes, one is Simvastatin for my high tyglicerides, Ovacon for my polycystic ovarian syndrome, and the others for my asthma and depression. I am talking to my nurse practiconer about the gastric simulator and she is in the process of talking to my psycharitist and writing a letter to the insurance company to get them to cover it. All though I have lost nearly 30 lbs., I am still losing and have a long way to go.
Posted by: Stephanie Schell | October 05, 2007 at 05:32 PM