When I was a teen, I was very, very heavy. 5’2” and 205lbs. at my heaviest. My blood pressure was insane, even with meds. I’d come out of PE with my face purple, a screaming migraine and a BP of 250/110. I was sixteen.
Now, it wasn’t body weight. An autoimmune disorder caused renal insufficiency, which caused proteinuria and massive edema. 100lbs.’ worth. I lost more than one cubic foot of water (about 80lbs.). I lost the weight fast, in about a year, with about 80% of it over the first 6 months.
I would eat a bullet before going back to that size. I understand having self-confidence no matter one’s size, but pushing the idea that it is a sexually attractive and healthy ideal to reach for is bullsh¡t. Outside of a small niche, that isn’t hot. No. I’m bisexual and I’m not attracted to that. No. No way. Did I say, “No”?
I was on dialysis for six years, and many of the patients were this woman’s size. It was about 50/50 on my shift - bad luck with health in one half and morbid obesity with diabetes in the other. Dialysis isn’t something one wants to have to do, and if these women stay this size, it’s where they’re headed, either through diabetes or high blood pressure.
I’m glad you are healthier now
So you are no longer on diabetes? Congratulations. Did you regain kidney function, or just never lose any of that? I thought loss of kidney function was the reason for dialysis in the first place.
Good for you!
That is an uplifting story.