Who was I? Who am I?


Prior to my weight loss surgery the only way I would go into
Manhattan was by car. I would have to park in a parking lot near
wherever I would have to go. If I had to park more than one block
away I would need someone to drop me off since I could barely walk.
Yesterday was the first time I traveled by railroad into Manhattan.
Wow, no longer trapped to the confines of my car. Things have sure
changed since the last time I traveled by railroad into the city. I
needed help with the ticket machine and so forth. I asked the person
how do I purchase a ticket since I never traveled by railroad in many
years. They assisted me in purchasing a ticket and I was off on my
way. I felt like a child for the first time traveling my railroad.
Walking is no longer a problem since I can now walk six miles. When I
arrived at Penn station I felt like a tourist. I walked around
looked at the stores and was part of the hustle and bustle of the
city.

While sitting on the train I observed many obese people huffing and
puffing and I said to myself, I want like to tell you a story about a
man.

Who was I? (Prior to May 5, 2003)
I weighed more than a quarter of a ton.
I hated my life.
I was trapped within my own body.
I lived to eat.
Food controlled my life.
I worried how obesity has affected my children.
I looked like a freak.
I was depressed and lived on Zoloft.
Breathing and walking was very difficult.
I cannot take care of myself.
I cannot take care of my loved ones.
Friends, family, loved ones and business associates worried about my
health.
My seventy year old parents can walk further than me.
I never go to the movies, museums, or concerts.
I was becoming a shut-in.
When I go out to dinner people gape at me.
I do not go on vacation.
I need more than one seat on a plane.
I cannot walk through a store without being exhausted.
I need a wagon to lean on when I go food shopping.
I have sleep apnea.
I cannot sleep.
I wake up exhausted.
I have frequent infections in his legs.
I never want to be seen with people.
I avoid social situations.
I will not participate in family functions.
I do not have pictures taken of me.
I can lose seventy pounds and gain back more.


Who am I now? (Post May 5, 2003)
I am no longer depressed.
I stopped taking Zoloft May 4, 2003
I enjoy my life.
I can walk six miles. I walk at least three times a week for
exercise.
I can take care of myself.
I can take care of my family.
Friends, family, loved ones and business associates no longer are
concerned about my health.
I am always ready and willing to help other obese people.
I am now a son to my parents, and I am no longer worried if my
children are embarrassed about my appearance.
I go to movies, museums and concerts.
I go on vacation and I have no physical barriers.
I only need one seat on a plane.
I no longer have sleep apnea.
I sleep through the night and I am thankful for each new day.
I no longer have infections in my legs.
I am always looking to go out with friends.
I never miss a family function.
I have lost 230 pounds from heaviest weight.
I am now the son, father, husband, brother and uncle that I want to
be.
I am not sitting on the side lines of life and I have made a
difference.


My name is Lenny Mandel I am fifty-two years old and I live in
Bayside New York.
Apri15@... apri15@...
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Queensmetrowls/

Copyright August 11, 2004