The title just says it all, doesn't it? My dad is a major motivator behind my exercise obsession. When he got out of the navy during vietnam (he was drafted army, but joined the navy before his ship date so he wouldn't get his ass shot off in the jungle) he weighed about 180, and gained weight, eventually up to about 300, with gusts varying between 280 and 320.

Or as the saying goes, he's been digging his grave with a fork and spoon for the last 30 years or so. A year or so back, he was in with a mild heart attack, no permanent damage, a week or so ago, same thing. Today, I found out from my mom, (they're seperated since I was three) who'd gotten it from my brother that my dad was in the hospital again today.

Seems he went in for tests, and he had a heart rate of 160 or so. But he said not to worry, it was only the top part...........sigh. He had semi-arrythmatic heart flutter, supposed to be treatable with medicine. However, I'm worried, if he lost the weight, he'd be good for another twenty, thirty years. I've been lucky so far, but I don't want to lose my first close family member now. (My grandparents are mostly gone now, but I didn't really know them that well......)

I also fear ending up in a similar situation someday. That side of my family is huge, and I worry about genetics. So I run and I run and I run............

Comments
on Nov 18, 2004
SPC: I'm sorry to hear this. If you don't mind, I will be praying for your father.

I, too have obesity in my family, and it's something I know I have to watch out for. My mom is extremely heavy, and it worries me very much. She's been lucky with her health so far, but I know that it will catch up with her.

I hope you'll keep us posted on how your dad is doing.
on Nov 18, 2004
Please keep us posted as we will all be praying for your family and especially your father.

Good for you for being proactive and keep up the good work!
on Nov 19, 2004
This situation is also one of the reasons he worries about me so much. I did really well when we were in Monterey, worked hard and watched what I ate and lost quite a bit of weight. Then he went to Korea and I was alone for a year. I've got to get it taken care of for him, not because he loves me any less for being this way, but because neither one of us wants him to be alone in another few years....................
on Nov 19, 2004
Hope your dad gets better soon, Nobody Special.

I have to start watching my diet and get to exercising regularly myself. I have the genes to getting large, high blood pressure and heart problems from both mum and dad side of the family.
on Nov 20, 2004
Sorry about your Dad, Spc NS. Keep up the exercise. One side of my family has heavy genes. I have lost more weight than a scale can measure... and then gained it back...and lost ...and gained...until the last three years. I have lost 60 lbs and I am keeping it off by jogging on my mini rebounder every day for at least 20 minutes keeping my average heart beat up to nearly its maximum health rate for my age and present weight. I like the rebounder because I can exercise without fail no matter what the weather. Also I can do it in the privacy of my home. Also hitting the vegetables rather than meats has helped keep the weight off. Sweets are eaten only for special occasions like birthdays! :} Have many, many more for yourself and also your Dad.