Born2lbfat

My life with Lipedema & Lymphedema...destined to be fat.

Archives for November 5, 2013

Sarah for President!

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day5

National Health Blog Post Month – Day 5: Election Day!

 

Votes are in-you won! If you got elected President, what are the 3 changes you would make to healthcare?

  1. I would create a single payer, government based system of healthcare. The best healthcare coverage I ever had was Medicaid. Seniors love their Medicare. Our health should not be profit based.
  2. I would increase funding for genetic and stem cell research to improve disease prevention and treatment. Lipedema is a congenital condition for which the gene has yet to be identified.
  3. I would mandate all adults to have a Living Will, at age 18 require the advisement of rights and assistance in creating a Living Will of end of life wishes. Can be reviewed and changed as needed, complete renewal at retirement age.

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I might not be able to enact those healthcare changes but I will continue to advocate for the passage of the Lymphedema Treatment Act and the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act.

The Bias Among Us – Success?

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This blog topic is LONG overdue, and actually I have so much to say on the topic I feel the need to make it a series of posts. A couple months  ago I wrote about the fat shaming I’ve experienced from strangers, however even more troubling is the weight bias I have experienced within the weight loss surgery community. Let me reiterate I’m not calling any person biased, I’m labeling the actions and comments as biased. I know intentions are often to “help others” but as the person on the receiving end of the comments and actions, I feel it’s my duty to let you know they hurt far more often than help.

The picture of SUCCESS!

redcarpet

Last month I attended the ObesityHelp #OH2013 Conference in Anaheim, CA, I was a member of the event staff and as so I posted this picture to the ObesityHelp Facebook wall in order to promote the evening’s event. Under the picture I posted “Sarahlicious is warming up the Red Carpet! Are you ready to celebrate your success?” The theme of that evening’s party was “Celebrate Your Success”, I never actually called myself a success, I asked if others were ready to celebrate THEIR SUCCESS. A fellow WLS (weight loss surgery) patient commented on my picture with “success????????????????????????”.

This picture represents MY SUCCESS in several ways. “What? How? You’re still fat????”

  • I am a success because I am alive after surviving a deep vein thrombosis, mini-stroke, and patent foraman ovale (hole in my heart).
  • I am a success because I have maintained 100lbs weight loss for 10 years, was it more, sure…did I regain, yes! But 100lbs loss is still a success in my book!
  • I am a success because I have completed two bachelor degrees and I’m pursing my Masters in Health Law.
  • I am a success because I no longer have sleep apnea or high blood pressure, all other health vital are and have been normal.
  • I am a success because I love myself, and others love me for who I am.
  • I am a success because I share my story to advocate for and help others.
  • I am a success because I stand up against weight stigma and bias.
  • I am a success because I am winning the battle against disfiguring lymphedema and lipedema.

Success is a personal accomplishment, and since pictures are more powerful than words…

legsbefore

legsafter

However, I should not have to list my accomplishments or pull out my phone to show others pictures to PROVE I am a success. As a community we need to stop judging ourselves and others based on the scale. We need to stop judging, PERIOD.