S05.E15: Lupe & Ashley D

[PrincessPurrsALot]

Quote

A woman's emotional distress may be blocking her weight-loss journey since she's shed more than 300 pounds and still can't walk; a woman is struck with sudden paralysis, throwing her emotional stability into dangerous territory. 

This is the regular episode topic.  It will unlock after the episode airs on the East Coast.  This is not for live chat.  Thanks and happy posting!   

[Armchair Critic]

It's been fun, hope we have more new shows to live chat on yet. Now I need to get up and move around before my legs turn to mush like the people on this show...

[Anchorabu]

mom and I really have enjoyed these live show chats!

Now mom and I are trying to make it through Skin Tight or whatever. Mom keeps covering her eyes lol. 

[Ivylady]

Ugh. I just caught the beginning of Skin Tight, and Sarah looks like she might have gone too far in the other direction. She looks very skinny.

[DC Gal in VA]

I really hope that both Ashley and Lupe keep on succeeding but, sorry to say, I see trouble ahead for Ashley and her husband. As she gets healthier, slimmer, and more active, she may resent him getting bigger and bigger, eating everything in sight, and setting a piss poor example for their adorable son.

[DC Gal in VA]

Good catch Lizz on noticing scratches on Gilbert's neck during the show; totally missed that.

Really didn't see a domestic violence situation coming.

Wonder if Lupe's weird, twisted right foot will be addressed. I had a hip replacement several years ago but my foot wasn't twisted from it.

[55Unicorns]

12 minutes ago, Anchorabu said:

mom and I really have enjoyed these live show chats!

Now mom and I are trying to make it through Skin Tight or whatever. Mom keeps covering her eyes lol. 

See you next week, Mom!

[Toaster Strudel]

Lupe made so much progress!  I was hoping to see her leg fixed at last.  It's for the next update, I guess!

[WhitneyWhit]

So I wonder what Gilbert is going to do for money now that Lupe is gone? He was her full time caretaker and in her original episode, she said he didn't work. Find another woman who is praying that God will send him her way? I really hope she stays gone because he proved himself to be a total piece of shit.

To quote Dr. Now "Dis not good situation" I don't see a good outcome for Ashley with her husband gaining every pound she loses. I'm worried he'll somehow convince her to go back to her old habits since he flat out said he won't go along with the diet.

[Cherrio]

Solution at hand. Gilbert can move in with Ashleys husband when he becomes bed bound.

Gilbert is a total piece of shit.

I was close to puking during the sex/stitches convo.

[Tabbygirl521]

26 minutes ago, Cherrio said:

Solution at hand. Gilbert can move in with Ashleys husband when he becomes bed bound.

Gilbert is a total piece of shit.

I was close to puking during the sex/stitches convo.

I was about to barf, just readin about it. It delayed my dinner. Still shuddering. 

[PinkyMcPinkerson]

Go, Lupe, Go! Waddle out of there and get someone to wash that man right outta your hair!

 

But seriously, I predict her magically using actual bathrooms, washing her own butt and suddenly able to move around now if she's done with Gilbert.

He was her whole inspiration for fictional role of 'woman who can't get up' (except for all those times she could, of course.)

[chickenella]

2 hours ago, 55Unicorns said:

See you next week, Mom!

Where is everyone going next week? I think TLC is doing that 4 night event about life changing situations, I've seen the ads for it, can't remember the name. So no 600 pound life next week. Where are we all going to snark?

[DeeReynolds]

Unpopular opinion, but I was kind of taken aback when Lupe was whining in a voiceover about how Gilbert isn't there for her and when is it going to be about me? Umm... hasn't Gilbert spent 9+ years bringing you copious amounts of tacos and wiping your butt? I think it's been about you for a very long time my dear. Not to defend what a piece of shit Gilbert is though in general.

[Bunnygirl]

Dr Now said Lupe's hip and femur had fused together some years ago from lack of use, so I assume that's why her foot is turned out in that weird way. Also, someone mentioned upthread that the show wasn't on next week, but my guide says it's going to be an update show about Brittani & Sean.  

[DC Gal in VA]

On 4/13/2017 at 1:48 AM, Bunnygirl said:

Dr Now said Lupe's hip and femur had fused together some years ago from lack of use, so I assume that's why her foot is turned out in that weird way. Also, someone mentioned upthread that the show wasn't on next week, but my guide says it's going to be an update show about Brittani & Sean.  

Oh thank you for this Bunnygirl. Oh My Gawd, Sean, the one that started out at 919 pounds, was sent home to lose weight, and after a couple of months, gained 84 pounds to top out at 1,003 pounds! I believe after he was put in the hospital to lose weight he was in the 700's. A nasty, spoiled, manipulative man-child and his super enabling mom. Can't wait for this update.

Edited to add that Sean's rate of weight gain puts him in league with James K who, when sent home with specific instructions to lose weight, returned to Dr. Now showing a 158 pound weight gain in four months!  Actually, he and James K are almost like giant, man-baby twins separated at birth, with the same nasty attitudes and voracious appetites.

Ah, Sweet Baby James K.

Edited April 14, 2017 by DC Gal in VA

[Bunnygirl]

14 minutes ago, DC Gal in VA said:

Oh thank you for this Bunnygirl. Oh My Gawd, Sean, the one that started out at 919 pounds, was sent home to lose weight, and after a couple of months, gained 84 pounds to top out at 1,003 pounds! I believe after he was put in the hospital to lose weight he was in the 700's. A nasty, spoiled, manipulative man-child and his super enabling mom. Can't wait for this update.

You're welcome ?!

Sean infuriated me the way he was positively GLUED to that damned Gameboy every time Dr. Now would try to speak to him. Sorry mods! Off topic, we'll save it for next week!

[PrincessPurrsALot]

Lupe's hip and femur fused when she was in a coma.  That also created the divide in her double chin. There is a large scar from the breathing tube.  She has a lot of physical issues still to deal with. 

[notyrmomma]

Full disclosure, I haven't seen the full show yet, but Dr. Now managed to piss me off, again in the part that I did see.  When he told Ashley that all her symptoms were in her head, I REALLY hope they did exhaustive medical tests to rule everything out and we just didn't see it.  What she was describing was classic multiple sclerosis symptoms, and she's getting around that age that its more common to be diagnosed (women in their 30s-40s).  Did they do a brain MRI with and without contrast dye?  How about a spinal tap?  Did they even consult a neurologist--how about an MS specialist?  Numbness is not something to just wave off as someone's imagination.  I was diagnosed with MS when I was 38 and about 260 pounds--luckily my neurologist saw beyond my weight (there is no cure for MS, but there are meds to slow its progression, which is vital to staying out of a wheelchair--and for the record, yes, losing weight helps with MS, but it won't cure it.  I am now down to 150 pounds and I still have numbness and tingling).  He's a great bariatric surgeon, but he needs to stop commenting on health concerns outside his specialty.

ETA: @Armchair Critic its funny that you mentioned Noosa yogurt in the live thread.  I learned about it from this show too! LOL  It's my favorite treat (the honey flavor).  I fill the fridge when it is on sale.  Unfortunately, it has a ton of sugar and fat, but it's still probably better for you than eating a cake or cookies.  Halo ice-cream is another treat for me, it's high protein lower carb.  Its expensive as hell, but worth a once in a while splurge.

Edited April 13, 2017 by notyrmomma

[dahling]

Thank the merciful fates that Lupe wasn't pregnant. My head was screaming during that part. They've been having unprotected sex? They're DISAPPOINTED she's not pregnant? Dear sweet Jesus, who would have taken care of that baby? I'll tell you who - a foster parent, eventually. Lupe's poor, broken body was in no condition to carry a baby, much less care for one, and Gilbert can once and for all fuck off and die. I'm totally shocked Lupe actually left him, but really happy for her that she had what appears to be a nice cousin in San Antonio to escape to. But I'm still worried she'll go back. 

[AnnaBaptist]

Looking back at Ashley's thread from Season 4, the husband was always quite overweight and unsupportive. The posters also talked about how there were no sheets on the beds and how gross that was, and speculated that was because the husband was away at work and while her son did some laundry, he probably did not do more than the bare minimum. I'm trying to recall if they showed any beds in this episode. They emphasized her being up and about and getting more active than in the original episode. I would think that now that she is more mobile and active, more laundry gets done and sheets get put on the bed.

Someone in live chat thought that Ashley's face did not look much different after she lost weight, but I disagree. When she was 700 lb., her face had the shape of Binky Barnes in the children's show Arthur:
 

Now her face just looks round. Her face is also very prominent because she puts her hair back in a tight ponytail - not surprising as she is walking much more and it is probably summer in Texas. When they showed some clips in the recap part at the beginning, there was a shot of her with her hair down and attractively styled, and I thought she looked very nice. 

How tall is she? She carried her weight very well. When she was at 470 lb., my husband came into the room and I asked him to guess her weight. He thought she was about 350 lb., which would have been my guess, too.

I'm really pulling for her to lose enough weight to get the skin surgery. That would make a world of difference for her.

[simba barracuda]

Just went on Gilbert's Facebook; looks like they're still together?

[Trees]

1 hour ago, notyrmomma said:

Full disclosure, I haven't seen the full show yet, but Dr. Now managed to piss me off, again in the part that I did see.  When he told Ashley that all her symptoms were in her head, I REALLY hope they did exhaustive medical tests to rule everything out and we just didn't see it.  What she was describing was classic multiple sclerosis symptoms, and she's getting around that age that its more common to be diagnosed (women in their 30s-40s).  Did they do a brain MRI with and without contrast dye?  How about a spinal tap?  Did they even consult a neurologist--how about an MS specialist?  Numbness is not something to just wave off as someone's imagination.  I was diagnosed with MS when I was 38 and about 260 pounds--luckily my neurologist saw beyond my weight (there is no cure for MS, but there are meds to slow its progression, which is vital to staying out of a wheelchair--and for the record, yes, losing weight helps with MS, but it won't cure it.  I am now down to 150 pounds and I still have numbness and tingling).  He's a great bariatric surgeon, but he needs to stop commenting on health concerns outside his specialty.

Same here.  Diagnosed in my 40's but had had episodes of numbness off and on for years, with doctors (one a neurologist) telling me it was "nothing".  The last internist I saw about it told me, "You have some sick reason why you *want* to have MS and you're going from doctor to doctor trying to convince one that you have it.  You need get your anxiety under control."

Reason for all the doctors: HMO in Chicago (2 doctors).  Moved to Michigan.  New doctor.  Had to change insurance. New doctor.  And this was over a period of 20 years.

Eventually, I had another MS attack and saw an eye doctor who realized it was MS.  I went to 3 different neurologists to confirm it, due to all the history of know-it-all doc like Dr Now who want to dismiss it as your own fault if they don't know an easy answer.  (Update: I have "benign MS" and it's not causing me any problems today. Lucky).

Oh, my blood was just boiling for Ashley.  She was so upset trying to reconcile how those physical problems she knew she had could be just imaginary.  That was me (minus the obesity) years ago. 

Shame on Dr Now. That's just bad medicine.  Get another opinion for her.

Even Lupe - she had a serious medical condition with her hip and her strangely-contorted leg.  Also, those legs looked very skinny - no muscle? How about sending her for intense physical therapy instead of yelling at her that she can do it if she just wants to?

[Toaster Strudel]

Banging your wife with her hundred stitches still raw, just returning from the hospital to begin her home recovery, and who cannot stand up for more than 5 seconds is rapey.  He's disgusting.

[KateHearts]

When they showed Lupe's messed-up dehiscing abdominal incision, I couldn't believe they'd let it go that long. She's lucky she didn't end up massively infected. That really showed Gordon's true colors- shrugging and saying, "hey, I got needs," while his wife is busting open her sutures and in obvious pain. So what does he do? Grab a bomber, slug it back and laugh.  And what's with the cigar stuck under his hat?  What a disgusting human being... then to return with flowers and tell her that "baby, you're the one"?  Retch, retch, retch.

[Complexity]

24 minutes ago, simba barracuda said:

Just went on Gilbert's Facebook; looks like they're still together?

What did you see to draw that conclusion? I looked and didn't see anything indicating they had gotten back together, but I'm not FB friends with either of their accounts so maybe I can't see some of their posts.

[DC Gal in VA]

Did anyone find it odd that Gilbert was obviously drinking too much and just flat out drunk during the scenes at the end? I watched the original episode on Lupe and, as I recall, there were no scenes of him being drunk or drinking alcoholic beverages of any kind. Also, in none of Lupe's comments complaining about Gilbert did she ever say anything about drinking, just comments on him trying to hook up with women online and constantly cheating. Then, all of a sudden, he's a stone cold alcoholic. Just doesn't add up. Of course, it could be the usual TLC shitty editing or straight up manipulation.

Geez, their dynamic as a couple was totally screwed up but I don't agree with Lupe saying to her cousin at the end that it was Gilbert holding her back. Bullshit. Lupe needs to own her own part in getting to such a dangerously large size. Although I admired Lupe for calling out Gilbert on his cheating ways even when she was at her highest weight, I think she also needs to realize that all along she was cheating on him too with her true love, food.

After all, by her own admission, she was morbidly obese before she met Gilbert, interestingly, online. Whose fault was that? I believe she even said that she wasn't open with him (read, a lie of omission) about how big she was and he said he initially wasn't happy that she hid that from him. Guess there was no face-timing during any of their chats! Also, she said that she was actually looking for someone to care for her. Not exactly a healthy basis for a loving and functional relationship.

Edited April 13, 2017 by DC Gal in VA
To add additional comments.

[Thriftykins]

2 hours ago, notyrmomma said:

Full disclosure, I haven't seen the full show yet, but Dr. Now managed to piss me off, again in the part that I did see.  When he told Ashley that all her symptoms were in her head, I REALLY hope they did exhaustive medical tests to rule everything out and we just didn't see it.  What she was describing was classic multiple sclerosis symptoms, and she's getting around that age that its more common to be diagnosed (women in their 30s-40s).  Did they do a brain MRI with and without contrast dye?  How about a spinal tap?  Did they even consult a neurologist--how about an MS specialist?  Numbness is not something to just wave off as someone's imagination.  I was diagnosed with MS when I was 38 and about 260 pounds--luckily my neurologist saw beyond my weight (there is no cure for MS, but there are meds to slow its progression, which is vital to staying out of a wheelchair--and for the record, yes, losing weight helps with MS, but it won't cure it.  I am now down to 150 pounds and I still have numbness and tingling).  He's a great bariatric surgeon, but he needs to stop commenting on health concerns outside his specialty.

That bothered me too.  They did an MRI but it seemed like that was about this.  Dr. Now has a tendency to take a very lazy approach when the symptoms are something he's not used to.  I think Ashley really needs a 2nd opinion if this is still happening.

[Thriftykins]

Props to Lupe for coming so far in her weight loss journey.  I hope she can get her leg problems fixed soon.  But she still looks really fat for someone close to her target weight.  She had what, 50 pounds to go at the end?

 

I must not have been paying attention that closely because I couldn't work up a good anger at Gilbert.  I didn't even notice him coming on to her after surgery.  I do remember that they talked about sex a lot.  And that cigar under the hat looked stupid.  I hate those cigars with the stupid plastic tab on the end.

[Ocean Chick]

Gilbert just needs to stay on the curb Lupe kicked him to.  And good for her for losing the 50 lbs of makeup she'd been wearing - that looked awful.  Wonder if she wore it like that because Gilbert said he liked his women to look like whores?  Seriously, if he couldn't jerk one off when she got home from surgery instead of forcing her to have sex, then he SHOULD be kicked to the curb permanently.  I can't believe he found other women who wanted to bang him.  I wouldn't touch him with a 20 foot pole wrapped in condoms.

Ashley is doing well.  Her husband, on the other hand, seems like he's decided it's HER turn to take care of his disabled body.  He's going to end up on a new edition of this show fairly soon.  If he doesn't die from a heart attack first.

I wish both these women well and can't wait for a future follow up.  Hope Lupe gets hip and neck surgery.  Hope Ashley gets her tummy tuck.

[simba barracuda]

Hi Complexity!

I'm really bad at linking, so I'll just say that his page lists him as " Married to Lupita Donovan" , and on his April 6, 2017 post he indicates that they are at a hotel in San Antonio. So, makin' assumptions over breakfast here?.

 

Also, going to need to book passage in the handbasket (and want to upgrade to the gas-soaked drawers level) b/c when I typed in "Lupita" autocorrect kept spelling her name as "Lusitania" and it took all my strength to not keep it that way?

[gonecrackers]

Hoping to get to my DVR tonight for this one but have been soaking up the comments so I can tell what's coming.

One comment on Dr. Now - no doctor can handle everything. I've noticed him blaming things before on it being 'in the head'. I hate that line of BS toward a patient because it's rarely true. At the very least he could send them to specialists to have the appropriate testing/diagnoses & they can rule out whatever it is - he can't do everything. These folks have very abused bodies & must have other health issues that need attention. Maybe his ego is too big to do that but it's a disservice to his patients & potentially dangerous for them as well.

As for Lupe & Gilbert, I was initially surprised they were still together at the beginning of this update. Not too surprised he's still been cheating - that is a character flaw that is difficult to change. She could lose tons of weight & have surgeries & look like a supermodel but people who cheat are cheating for other reasons - & he knew what he was getting when he married her, so I am suspicious that she's actually his meal ticket. He sounds downright abusive, so I really hope she stays away from him, takes ownership of her own issues, & heals physically & emotionally. She won't be able to do that with him around.

[cpcathy]

I got so damn SAD when Gilbert was disappointed in Lupe not being pregnant, but not because I wanted her to be pregnant. I'm making a generalization but some men are just so gung-ho about getting pregnant even when it's a bad idea for their wives to carry a child. I'll never understand it. I've seen it over and over and I have personal experience with a similar situation.

[Thriftykins]

38 minutes ago, Ocean Chick said:

Gilbert just needs to stay on the curb Lupe kicked him to.  And good for her for losing the 50 lbs of makeup she'd been wearing - that looked awful.  Wonder if she wore it like that because Gilbert said he liked his women to look like whores?  Seriously, if he couldn't jerk one off when she got home from surgery instead of forcing her to have sex, then he SHOULD be kicked to the curb permanently.  I can't believe he found other women who wanted to bang him.  I wouldn't touch him with a 20 foot pole wrapped in condoms.

Ashley is doing well.  Her husband, on the other hand, seems like he's decided it's HER turn to take care of his disabled body.  He's going to end up on a new edition of this show fairly soon.  If he doesn't die from a heart attack first.

I wish both these women well and can't wait for a future follow up.  Hope Lupe gets hip and neck surgery.  Hope Ashley gets her tummy tuck.

I think I failed to notice Gilbert's flaws because after the overwhelming horribleness of Steven Assanti, I just became numb to it.

 

Ashley's husband is the sole breadwinner in the family.  It could get really bad if he couldn't work any more due to his weight.  Isn't he a long haul trucker?  How does he pass the periodic physical the Department of Transportation requires?  A previous patient--I think his name was Chad--was a trucker who lost his job due to his ballooning weight.  He has a followup soon, and the teaser text says he gets back to trucking finally.

Just now, cpcathy said:

I got so damn SAD when Gilbert was disappointed in Lupe not being pregnant, but not because I wanted her to be pregnant. I'm making a generalization but some men are just so gung-ho about getting pregnant even when it's a bad idea for their wives to carry a child. I'll never understand it. I've seen it over and over and I have personal experience with a similar situation.

I'd guess it's just because they want to be a father.  I don't like kids but my brothers couldn't wait to get their wives pregnant.

[CouchTater]

4 hours ago, notyrmomma said:

ETA: @Armchair Critic its funny that you mentioned Noosa yogurt in the live thread.  I learned about it from this show too! LOL  It's my favorite treat (the honey flavor).  I fill the fridge when it is on sale.  Unfortunately, it has a ton of sugar and fat, but it's still probably better for you than eating a cake or cookies.  Halo ice-cream is another treat for me, it's high protein lower carb.  Its expensive as hell, but worth a once in a while splurge.

My goodness.  I just discovered Halo Top ice cream last week, and luuuuuuuuv the vanilla bean.  An entire pint is 240 calories, and it's delicious!

While it's no Haagen Daz, it's a game-changer for me in my get-fit efforts.  I highly recommend it.

[Trees]

28 minutes ago, Michael Stabosz said:

I'd guess it's just because they want to be a father.  I don't like kids but my brothers couldn't wait to get their wives pregnant.

Proves their manhood?  I'm thinking that's why Gilbert wanted it.  If he has any friends, imagine what they must think of his wife (in relation to their sex life)?  Think what it would "prove" if she produced his baby?

HOPING this never happens.  That kid would be doomed.

[Kid]

2 hours ago, Toaster Strudel said:

Banging your wife with her hundred stitches still raw, just returning from the hospital to begin her home recovery, and who cannot stand up for more than 5 seconds is rapey.  He's disgusting.

AMEN!!!

[mmecorday]

Quote

It looked like a set of balls growing under her face. 

Like The Judge in the movie "Pink Floyd: The Wall."

Quote

Now her face just looks round.

I'm probably going to go to hell for this, but ...

[xwordfanatik]

I've just started watching, but read the comments before.  It's good to hear Lupe is going to stop with that horrible makeup, or at least cut it down.  

What a terrible idea for her shitty husband to want her pregnant, just to prove he's some kind of macho stud.  I hope it never happens, either, Trees.

Ashley just seems like such a nice woman.  It really sucks that her husband won't be supportive.  I wonder if he'll be featured on the next season?

So we'll be seeing Brittani and Sean next week?  I think I read Brittani is doing well, hope it's true.  Turkey leg mama's boy Sean though, haven't heard anything about him.  I hope he surprises us, but I am not too hopeful there.

[Thriftykins]

20 minutes ago, Trees said:

Proves their manhood?

That's a really cynical way to look at it.  The people in my family aren't like that.  They genuinely like kids and wanted to raise them.  And maybe Gilbert was the same way.

Edited April 13, 2017 by Michael Stabosz

[notyrmomma]

3 hours ago, AnnaBaptist said:

Someone in live chat thought that Ashley's face did not look much different after she lost weight, but I disagree. When she was 700 lb., her face had the shape of Binky Barnes in the children's show Arthur:

I said this on the original thread and I still think it's true.  Her face looks like the underbelly of a stingray.

But really, losing all that weight really does make her look young...like 12 years old young...like totally getting carded to buy lottery tickets young...getting questioned at a theater for trying to buy tickets to an R rated movie young...you get the idea ;)

[SunnyBeBe]

I think that I'm really different from most of the patients on the show like Ashley.  I guess her personality is just very passive, but looking at the family members around her, who was VERY OBESE, it really boggles the mind.  I think that I would be quite vocal about how THEIR health was suffering too and in fact, I've known people who got surgery, who were no larger than they are.

Her husband and that lady, was that her mom?  Very dangerous looking.  I missed some early portions.  This would be the perfect time to instill good nutrition for the entire family.  It's just whack-a-doodle to me why they think that the kids should eat garbage, develop poor eating habits, become obese and suffer like them......I suppose I'll never understand it.  Maybe, one day there'll be laws about it.  Years ago, you didn't have to put children in a safety seat in the car.  It took awhile, but, the law finally addressed it.  

[hnygrl]

Okay show, I forgive you for the hot mess that was steven/justin.

GOOD FOR YOU, LUPE!!!! Dump that chump!!! He NEVER treated her well. Ever. 

Ashley is now the smallest adult in her family. If hubby doesn't weigh at least 500, I'm not who I am. And mom waddles when she walks. She's pushing 400 easy. It's a miracle she's doing as well as she is, with no support whatsoever from anyone in her life. That woman (and now Lupe as well) is my hero. Lost almost 400 pounds in SPITE OF mom and husband vehemently refusing to cooperate.

[Anchorabu]

15 hours ago, 55Unicorns said:

15 hours ago, Anchorabu said:

 

See you next week, Mom!

Look forward to it!! ?

[Hockeymom]

Ashley was really doing well. The entire family just seemed to be moving in slow motion. She walked so gingerly. I kept thinking she was injured or recovering from surgery. Even her husband, mother, and mother-in-law, had that same pokey pace. It's good her son is starting school. He can be with kids his own age instead of doing laundry. As Ashely fights for her independence, a job might be on the horizon. She may up being the breadwinner if hubby keeps eating.

As for Lupe, she needs to solve the Gilbert problem. She's totally going back to him. Yes, he was a jerk. Yes, he cheated on her. But, she picked him, flaws and all. He was good enough to wipe her ass for nine years. Now, she's blaming him for creating the mess he bought into. She got exactly what she bargained for. Now she wants something better. That's great, but don't blame him. He didn't change, she did.

Don't get me wrong - he's not my dream date. The less I have to hear about Gilbert and his "needs", the better. But he held up (literally) his end of the bargain until she changed the terms. Lupe needs to decide if she wants to retrain Gilbert, or cut him loose.

[AVM]

Talk about nightmares ,My God what a horrible show  Lupe's insane husband and  the ever expanding Ashley's family. Both women did not look human ! i think  Ashley needs to watch the skin removal show to see what loose skin looks like ,and Lupe needs to be  put into  a protection program to keep her pig husband away ,Sex with a woman with hundreds of stitches and drains coming out of her body is beyond  abuse.  Husband asked "Whats that green stuff mold "     I wanted to smash my TV

[SPLAIN]

4 hours ago, DC Gal in VA said:

Did anyone find it odd that Gilbert was obviously drinking too much and just flat out drunk during the scenes at the end? I watched the original episode on Lupe and, as I recall, there were no scenes of him being drunk or drinking alcoholic beverages of any kind. Also, in none of Lupe's comments complaining about Gilbert did she ever say anything about drinking, just comments on him trying to hook up with women online and constantly cheating. Then, all of a sudden, he's a stone cold alcoholic. Just doesn't add up. Of course, it could be the usual TLC shitty editing or straight up manipulation.

 

I see their relationship as co-dependent. They are both in an unhealthy place in so many ways. Two dysfunctional beings for sure. It is also a DV relationship.

I saw Gilbert as being an abuser the first time he was shown on this show. DV isn't always obvious. It was subtle. Here is a guy who doesn't work and was content with Lupe being overweight and taking care of her needs. It was how he could control her and make her feel dependent upon him. The manipulation and guilt trips he laid upon her was part of his abuse. Once she started to lose the weight, he knew he was not able to control her. He may have had suspicions and paranoia of losing her as she began to lose her weight.  As he sees her developing some self-worth, he turns to alcohol to deal with the feelings he is experiencing. I have no doubt Gilbert was a drinker before appearing on this show. I believe it has intensified due to his insecurities and his feelings that he is losing his control over Lupe. As we watched Lupe rising as she began losing weight, walking a lot more, feeling great about herself, we watched Gilbert taking a nose dive. He sought comfort in his alcohol.

I don't think it was at all unusual that any drinking problem Gilbert has was not mentioned previously. Lupe didn't mention DV prior to last night's episode either. I see a co-dependent and DV relationship where some things were just not discussed or brought up.  The cheating seemed to be something that truly bothered Lupe and it makes sense why that was mentioned on the air. It was quite sad, but not unusual, that it took him to cheat on her again for her to leave the home instead of leaving him due to the drinking and the domestic violence.

As for Gilbert wanting a baby, IMO it was part of Gilbert's plan to control Lupe. He can no longer control her because of the weight loss, but to ensure she doesn't go anywhere, impregnating her will not only cause her to gain weight, but having a baby will surely keep her tied to him forever unlike that piece of paper called a marriage certificate which can be discarded once she files for divorce.

ETA: I forgot to add, the whole sex after surgery scene was just...I can't find the words. There aren't enough words to describe how I felt as I heard Lupe mention it and I then saw her ripped belly. My god, what a sick fuck Gilbert is. He is a low-life POS abuser. He has something going on mentally and just out of curiosity, I'd love to know what his background life was about. It doesn't excuse him, mind you. This whole thing about sex, needing sex, seeking sex and affection constantly on top of his abusive ways, forcing sex on his wife who just had major surgery. I just can't get the image out of my head!! It is horrible. Lupe is not right in the head either if she thinks he only has a drinking problem and once he stops drinking all will be fine.

Edited April 13, 2017 by SPLAIN

[aliya]

1 hour ago, Michael Stabosz said:

That's a really cynical way to look at it.  The people in my family aren't like that.  They genuinely like kids and wanted to raise them.  And maybe Gilbert was the same way.

They have been married/together 9-10 years. She has been big all of this time and likely had fertility issues associated with weight, and she was sick for a long time. It would not be surprising if, since she has lost weight, they tried to have children. Many people get married and look forward to a family.

I think he was all kinds of wrong to have sex with her after the surgery like that, but I'm not going to say he's trying to prove his manhood or whatev by wanting children.

[Brooklynista]

32 minutes ago, aliya said:

They have been married/together 9-10 years. She has been big all of this time and likely had fertility issues associated with weight, and she was sick for a long time. It would not be surprising if, since she has lost weight, they tried to have children. Many people get married and look forward to a family.

I think he was all kinds of wrong to have sex with her after the surgery like that, but I'm not going to say he's trying to prove his manhood or whatev by wanting children.

I would only disagree with that because nothing about Gilbert seemed nurturing or loving.   I agree with those who say a baby would have been a new way to exert control over Lupe.  Same as having sex with her with raw stitches.  There's no way that was anything but painful for her if he was riding to the point of busting stitches open.  That's not a person who operates from a place of love.  That was a power play. "Give it me or someone else will."

Gilbert doesn't want kid because he loves kids.  He wants a kid because he needs to maintain dominance.

Edited April 13, 2017 by Brooklynista

[Complexity]

3 hours ago, simba barracuda said:

I'm really bad at linking, so I'll just say that his page lists him as " Married to Lupita Donovan"...

I saw that, but disregarded it for two reasons: (1) They are still legally married. I don't know if Lupe filed for divorce, but even if she did, it's too soon to have been finalized. And (2) since Gilbert does not want to be separated or divorced, he'll be reluctant to change his relationship status on FB until he has no other choice.

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...and on his April 6, 2017 post he indicates that they are at a hotel in San Antonio.

Actually, that's what gives me hope that she hasn't gone back to him. Lupe moved to San Antonio when she left him. She's now living with her cousin who's taking care of her. I think his presence in San Antonio was him "visiting" her (God, I hope he didn't force more sex on her!). Notice he still lists his home as in Houston and his stay in San Antonio was in a hotel, not a house. I think he's going to stalk her, trying to get his meal-ticket back. I just hope she sticks to her guns and keeps him far, far away from her (and from her body!). No woman deserves to be married to a disrespectful cheating drunk (and that's putting it nicely).

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Also, going to need to book passage in the handbasket (and want to upgrade to the gas-soaked drawers level) b/c when I typed in "Lupita" autocorrect kept spelling her name as "Lusitania" and it took all my strength to not keep it that way?

I do it the lazy way: copy and paste. ?

3 hours ago, cpcathy said:

I'm making a generalization but some men are just so gung-ho about getting pregnant even when it's a bad idea for their wives to carry a child. I'll never understand it.

I think some men misguidedly associate getting a woman pregnant with virility.