Andover Village: A Story of Severe Morbid Obesity and Beautiful People
April 19, 2008 by Terry
Filed under Terry's Rambles
Today while channel surfing I was blessed when I came across a program on Discovery Health that was titled Super Obese. As I viewed the program my emotions ran all over the place. Being allowed to intrude into the lives of these extremely obese individuals I felt privileged. Here were people some that had been previously diagnosed terminally obese. These individuals were experiencing problems that ranged from breathing, coronary heart disease, diabetes, severe hypertension, severe sleep apnea, diabetes and more. These people facing so many day-to-day life-threatening challenges were allowing us to trespass on their private lives as they openly shared their stories.So many of us that are perhaps a few pounds or a 100 plus pounds overweight have experienced how those extra pounds can make walking or doing light exercise a challenge. Many extremely obese individuals are unable to walk at all or perhaps only a few feet. Many such as some of the patients at Andover have been confined to their beds for months or even years due to their weight. What a vivid reminder this is of what can happen when we allow our weight to get totally out of control.
As I listened to these patients speak I was reminded of how we so often discriminate against others. Discrimination because the person is different than us and in this case severely obese. Regardless of the discrimination, if a person wanted to find beauty they really need to look no further than Andover Village. This facility located in Andover, Ohio is the home to 50 super obese men and women, some of who are nearly a thousand pounds in weight. While I have never been to the facility or spoken with anyone that has it must be a wonderful place with a loving and dedicated staff.
The patients sharing their stories were large in size and in spirit, even though they had surely been through much psychological and physical pain. These people demonstrated positive attitudes that many others regardless of weight need to develop. These patients had learned or were learning to set positive goals as they worked toward weight loss and reestablishing their lives. Day by day they were working towards their goals of loosing weight and becoming stronger so that they could once again maintain more “normal” lives.
An attractive and personable lady told how she had weighed over 700 pounds including a mass growing on one of her legs estimated to be 200 pounds. She mentioned that she is a grazer. While she would eat small portions she was eating all day long so that she was taking in a large amount of food. For those of us listening to her story that believes we are not big eaters for we are grazers we need to take heed. As a grazer we may eat small amounts we may also be eating much more than we believe that we do.
One patient that had weighed over 600 pounds mentioned how he had loved food since he was a child and as a result always been a very large eater. This patient a member of the clergy has lost nearly 200 pounds. Through weight loss and increased activity his mobility had improved. Upon his release he still had a long ways to go to meet his weight and health goals though he was able to drive himself home.
Another patient weighed 849 pounds truly believed to be terminally obese upon arrival to the facility. This young man, unable to walk due to his weight had been given 6 months to live. He had experienced more than one heart attack and his state of health was dreadful. When this program was filmed he was down about 200 pounds in weight and was now able to walk over 500 feet and was increasing his distance each day. This man had a wonderfully positive attitude and had developed an improved out look on life. An attitude that should help him reach his goal of living a normal life.
Yes you wonderful Andover patients, I thank each of you for sharing your story. I wish each of you the very best as you work toward achieving your goals. As we go through our day-to-day lives, let each of us remember that beauty is only “skin deep”. Let us be kind and treat others with respect even though in some way they appear different from us. In Gods eyes we are all the same.
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Thank you, Terry, for such a beautiful posting about the show, “Super Obese”. I am the Robin that was chronicled in the show and since its first airing in May, 2005, I have read thousands of postings, many so negative that I wondered if sharing so much was right or not. Your posting has reassured me that by revealing such intimate details has and will continue to help so many people that suffer from obesity or are close to someone who does.
Thank you Robin it is a true blessing to have you respond. I hope that all is going well for you and the others. By participating in the show each of you played a very important role towards helping others. I am truly sorry that you have experienced so many negative posts since doing the show.
I admire those that maintain a positive attitude with a smile on their face as they face challenges that most of us will never have to experience. Loving, caring people such as you Robin are the true heroes. As I listened to you and the others speak I knew that each of you was a person that could look negativity in the face and say, “I can do it” and you do. Unfortunately some people thrive by being negative and while some of them may have a “pretty” body, in my eyes they have a weak mind.
I hope you will visit regularly and if you and others reading this have stories or helpful suggestions you would like to share please feel free to email me. With your help we can make Terminal Obesity and enjoyable place to visit and a site that will help millions of people.
Terry
Terry@TerminalObesity.com
Good point of view, but still, I can’t agree
Dear Robin,
I have watched the show Super Obese, and have to tell you that I admire you for what you have done for yourself and many other people around the world. I would really like to chat with you through emails…keep up the good work…hoping to hear from you..
Thank you,
angel
Hi Robin,
I’d like to also say that I too watch the t.v. show Super Obese and am totally impressed with your personality and find you to be such a beautiful person! There aren’t enough people like you in this world and I would love and appreciate you as my friend. Please email me anytime!!You’re doing a great job and God Bless!!
Misty
Hello Robin,
I watched the show “super obese” tonight and was truly inspired with your story. I think you are a remarkable woman to have endured so much. I think your weight loss is exceptional and I just want to say that you are not only a beautiful person but an extremely pretty woman.I live in Scotland and although I am thousands of miles away I would be honoured if I could offer you the smallest piece of support. YOU ARE AMAZING! and dont ever forget it! Email me any time!
Avril
xx
Dear Robin,
I have also watched the TV program and I have great admiration for all those who have the courage to allow their story to be aired. We are indeed priviledged that you have all shared your story with the world. I hope that you continue to progress through your journey.
Best wishes
Chiara
Dear Robyn
I live in Australia and saw the documentary the other day. Both my husband and I wished we could know you. We thought you were beautiful in EVERY way ! I admire your heart,your courage,your soul, your warmth ,your bright and creative mind and your inspirational spirit…and yes *You* .just as you are ! If I met you I would take your hand and thank you. I wish I could personally email you. If you would like that ask admin here to provide it ! I thought you were an amazing person.The way you exposed that secret sensitive side you have was so admirable. In regards to any negative material you received understand this :those people are truly ugly. I am sad for them that they can not recognise beauty when they see it. *HUG*
a faraway friend
Cassandra
(Message number 2) .My last post was for Robyn because I thought she was really special and I was moved in particular by her honesty and bravery and sweet spirit BUT I found everyone in Andover beautiful and worthy and special and I would like to offer my support and heart-felt warm wishes to them all.
take care everyone X X
Cassandra
I found your blog via Google while searching for obesity articles and your post regarding er Village: A Story of Severe Morbid Obesity and Beautiful People looks very interesting to me. I was impressed by your site and offerings. I was looking at some of the articles and it really impressed me. All I can say is congratulations on creating this site and what took you so long? I look forward to returning.
Thank you very much I really do appreciate these nice comments.
Terry
To Robin……I have watched your story, and have followed your progress…..though my weight isn’t as much as your struggle was….it is a struggle non the less……I was wondering if there is a way to contact you…..maybe buddy up with you…..you inspire me to finally take charge of my life…….and the extra support would be great…..once again thank you for touching and changing so many lives, by opening up your life to us…….you are truly a phenomenal woman……..
Hi Robin and guys,
I live in Andover in England and just watched your show and cried and cried and cried not out of pity but because you are all such amazing beautiful people. Robin you are an inspiration to me I have been overweight all my life and am currently 12 stones overweight (168lbs) which I know isn’t much but it’s spiralling out of control and I am alone. My doc just rolls her eyes when I show up and my family just think ‘its easy’.
Anyway I’d love it if you need someone to talk to as, boy oh boy, I really do and I think you are amazing.
Attitudes here are still in the stone age.
Anyway take care Robin, hope this note finds you well.
Sam
Robin
I just watched your story on TV – WOW you are amazing and should be so proud of yourself & your accomlishments. Jackie also. I am originally from Youngstown Ohio, now living in Las Vegas, NV. It appears that the story took place a couple years ago, correct ? Where are you now with your journey to health ? You & Jackie are a true inspiration to me. I have gained about 65 lbs over the past 15 years (which seems trivial to what you’ve gone through) But, I feel terrible and I’m 47 years old, knowing that my back pain, leg pain and lethargy is not going to get better on its own. Thank you for permitting the film , you are an inspiration.
Hello Robin my Name is Rebecca Newman and I worked at Andover when you were there and watched you do everything they asked you to do. I am very proud to have been able to see you go and do what you needed to even when you were in pain you succeeded. You were an inspiration to me because after you left to go home for good I took ill with hydrocepholus(which is water on the brain) I used some of the bible versus that you gave to me to make through. I have 3 beautiful boys that need me and I thank-God for someone like you.You are beautiful inside and out. I continue to pray for you and always will. I hope everything is well.
Robin My email is becky1272003@yahoo.com
Terry,
Thank you for a wonderfull website for all overweight people. I am morbidly obiese at 6′1 and 835lb and you touch on peoples feelings and to us they are so important. Thank you again for a wonderfull website.
will
Dear robin,
Hope this note finds u well. I have seen your show several times and im so proud of u. I cant imagine how difficult it is to leave your family and to go to Andover. But some times we must take control of our lives Im attemping to take control of mine but it is difficult. Thanks for being on that show and letting us into a little peace of your life. Thank you.
will
Will,
That is very nice of you to say. I wish you the very best as you fight against obesity. My own story and struggles have been like a pinhead when compared to so many others. If at any time you and this goes for others reading this too, have information that you would like to share or would like to share your story with others please email me. Fighting obesity alone is very difficult. As we tell our stories, our struggles and successes it helps each other. I really do enjoy hearing from each of you as do so many others that may be too shy or afraid of more rejection to talk and remain quietly hidden behind their computer monitor.
Terry
Dear Terry, Angel, Avril, Chiara, Cassandra, Daynah, Sam, Carol, Rebecca,and Will…
First off, I apologize for taking so very long to read and respond to these posts. I sincerely do appreciate all the wonderful compliments and well wishes. Many have asked for an update, so let me do that now. (I’ll try to keep it brief, but I write like I talk, on and on and on…)
In the beginning of June, 2006 I broke off my engagement with Bob (he ws the man I met at Andover and was in the second show with me). Unfortuantely, he was going one way and I was going another way. He left Andover at the end of June. After about a year I contacted him after having a disturbing dream. We remain friends and speak once in awhile.
I began struggling with my weight loss the last few months at Andover and by the time I left at the end of 2 1/2 years (end of September, 2006), I had gained about 25 pounds. I went home (still with no driver’s license or vehicle) and after only 3 weeks I came down with cellulitis in my right leg. I became housebound again and depressed. My old demons came calling hard and within 13 months I had regained 240 pounds and had neglected my leg treatments. My legs filled with lymph fluid so badly that again I couldn’t leave, wear shoes, or do much. I felt like a complete failure in everything. My health deteriorated, my heart rate was increased, my blood pressure was up, and I had MRSA in a leg wound. I was probably near congestive heart failure because I felt filled with water to my eyeballs. I finally swallowed my pride and tried to find another treatment facility. I didn’t want to go back to Andover for two reasons, 1) I felt like a complete failure and 2) I knew I was a food addict and needed a program that really dealt with that issue.
In November I found that the administrator that was at Andover during the first 18 months of my stay was now at a facility near Clevleand and was in the process of starting a bariatric program similar to the one at Andover, but with with a high concentration of food addiction therapy. I called her and she asked for my help as I asked for hers. On November 13, 2007 I came to Aristocrat Berea in Berea, Ohio. I went to Andover at 766 pounds and left at about 425 pounds. I weighed in at Aristocrat Berea at 666 pounds. After 10 months I am down to 406 pounds, but am struggling again.
The program here was great, but unfortunately, it could not be sustained for several reasons. Since the bariatric program was shut down in July, I have been visited by my old food demons. I have regained about 30 pounds. I really know, now, that I need structure to be successful. I have been searching for support groups and am waiting to get a bus pass so I can go to these meetings.
I am also waiting for insurance approval to begin more lymphedema debulking surgeries on my legs. We hope to get one surgery done before the end of the year. New masses have developed and it looks like I may need as many as 5 or 7 more surgeries. I am sure I’ll be at this facility all of 2009, but I really want to be “fixed” before I try to go home again…and this includes having my driver’s license again and a vehicle.
There is a new man in my life, David. He is also a resident here and has MS. He is waiting for approval for a handicap accessible apartment in the building next door.
I hope that fills everyone in for now. I welcome any emails, so please feel free to write. RRMoran2004@yahoo.com I would love to offer my help and support and, in all honesty, I could use support myself. If I could I would give you all hugs of love and encouragement. I look forward to hearing from you.
Love and best wishes,
Robin
Dear Robin,
You are a terrific lady and a fighter and I thank you for sharing. Any of us that have ever had a weight problem can appreciate that the fight can be a life long struggle. You are a courageous lady to share with us how much of a struggle it can be. After gaining weight back many people quit. You picked up the pieces and started losing the weight again. You are a fighter for if you were a quitter you would have just rolled over and died. Thank God you are a fighter and we need a lot more people like you.
Though most of us that come to Terminal Obesity including myself have never had the opportunity to meet you in person – I can tell that you have lots of admirers here and I count myself among them. Please stick around and continue to share with us the successes that you are surely going to continue and make.
Congratulations on your new relationship with David.
Terry
This may be late notice, but, Discovery Health is showing ” We Lost 800 LBS” tonight at 9 EDT. This is the follow up show about Robin Moran and Jackie Findley. It will also be rebroadcast at 1am.
Linda, Thanks for getting the message out and I hope that a number of people had the opportunity to see the show. Keep us posted if you hear of another broadcasting of it coming up.
Terry
Dear Robin,
I have seen your story a couple of times and am moved each time, you are an Awesome inspiration, KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK! Let me give you a word of encouragement – I was obese all my life, now 59yrs old but in 1982 I went ahead and had wt loss surgery I was “400lbs” it was a what I needed at the time – for many years I struggled with the effects – I never have been sorry – but couldn’t get it all off, 2005 I made a real heart decision and I worked at getting the wt off with all that was within me – Today I am 145lbs and size “4″ – yes difficult but worth it. Today I am able to share my story and help others – Just like you are doing. My heart goes out to you for all you have and are going through. Continue your journey stay positive – my prayers are with you.
Betty it is nice having you visit our blog. I am sure that Robin will see your posts the next time she visits.
Congratulation on your own success story. You have done a marvelous job bringing down your weight from 400 pounds to 145 pounds. I hope that you will visit often and share with others for we all need to know that people are doing well after weight loss surgery.
Terry