DEAR AMY: My husband had weight loss surgery about five years ago and, although hes lost an incredible amount of weight, no one prepared me for the extreme psychological changes.
He is healthier and has more energy and confidence, but the negative changes blew me away.
He has become obsessive-compulsive. He writes down everything that goes into his mouth. He weighs himself every morning completely naked and documents it to the ounce. He has become self-absorbed and is worrying only about himself.
Along with that, he is going through a midlife crisis. He bought a couple of sports cars and cruises around on the weekends. He goes out a couple times a week by himself for drinks.
Hes lost so much weight that he looks like an old man. His skin is hanging off of his body and he will not have it removed.
Everyone tells him to his face that he looks good, but they tell me hes way too thin, or they ask if hes sick.
Ive checked some weight loss websites and Im reading about the effects of extreme weight loss on a marriage and family.
Apparently, Im not alone. We tried counseling, but he refuses to admit the change in him. He blames me for not accepting him since the weight loss.
I am now self-counseling, reading others stories, and trying to learn how to cope.
What do you think, Amy?
Distressed
DEAR DISTRESSED: The psychological impact of extreme weight loss is being increasingly studied, because our current obesity epidemic is making extreme obesity, and extreme weight loss, more common.
Some of your husbands habits (keeping a detailed food and weight diary, for instance), are recommended after surgery as a way to keep the weight off. His other habit drinking alcohol is NOT recommended. And going out a couple times a week without you is not good for your relationship. Plastic surgery to remove extra skin is very expensive, and carries some risk. (But then, this also applies to sports cars.)
He may have slipped into compulsive behavior or an eating disorder, but you do need to understand that this change has brought on a whole-life transformation (for him), that is altering not only his own physique, health, and outlook, but also the way the world relates to him.
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There is no question that some of your husbands behavior is not good for your marriage, and yet you are completely focused on him and his changes, without understanding that in order to stay together, you will also need to change.
You may be mourning the man your husband was before his weight loss, but that man is gone. The guy who replaced him might be a jerk, but if you want to stay together you should both focus on change and compromise.
DEAR AMY: What do you think of people who have long coughing fits in restaurants or coffee shops where others are eating?
I say that they should get up and excuse themselves until theyre done, or, if the cough is chronic, they shouldnt come out at all until theyre well. They should do this out of consideration for other diners, who might catch whatever they have.
My wife thinks I lack compassion, although she agrees they should at least excuse themselves until their coughing fit is over.
What do you say?
Unempathetic
DEAR UNEMPATHETIC: I agree with your wife. Unless it is your waiter who suffers from a coughing fit while serving you, your first reaction should be one of compassion, rather than assuming that you might catch whatever illness the person has.
And if you have a suppressed immune system, making you susceptible to illness, maybe it is you who should stay home.
The thing about a coughing fit is that it is a fit. It comes on suddenly, and the person coughing assumes that it will end soon. Be nicer!
Amy, I am a pastor, and discretion is an important part of our pastoral role. The pastor friend would have violated this if he had told her.
Pastor
DEAR PASTOR: I was focused on his role as a friend, rather than a pastor. Thank you for the clarification.
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Link:
Ask Amy: My spouse's extreme weight loss has caused extreme problems - The Mercury News
