Why A Hippo

Hello All,

Since this is my first blog posting, I will share with you why I call myself a hippo. A few months ago I was watching a Power Rangers movie with my toddler godsons. In the movie each of the rangers were turned into the animal that closest resembled their character and personality. My godsons and I started naming animals that would be good for them, like lion or tiger. Well that got me to thinking, what animal do I most remind myself of? I know that many fat people think they are or are called by others pigs, cows or elephants; but I put alot of thought into it for myself. I finally came up with a hippo. I have seen hippos on TV that are rearing up on two legs and that is exactly what my body reminds me of. Please don't think I am being funny, I am very serious. It is not a put-down about myself but in reality I remind myself of a hippo.

Anyway, I am a 30ish, single mother who is scheduled to have gastric bypass surgery in a few weeks. Currently I am 5'1" and I weigh between 375 and 380 pounds. My BMI is 66 which means that I am in the category of Morbidly Obese. No, I didn't just wake up one morning at this size, it took years of self-destruction, psychological problems, and yes food to get here. I am now preparing myself for my next stage in life - actually having a life!!!!

Over the next few weeks I will tell you the story of my past so that you will know how valuable and important my future is. Again, within the next 2 years I will need surgeries to remove the excess skin (and there will be alot of it) after I lose weight. Since these will be deemed as cosmetic by my insurance carrier, they will not cover it, so I am asking for any donation that you can provide. I have include a link to my paypal account. Thank you all in advance for your support.

Stay Blessed