In 2007, at 366 pounds, I was hospitalized for undiagnosed, very out of control diabetes. I had been laid off from my job a few years earlier, after having been with the same company for 22 years. Devastated and uncertain about my future, my health suffered tremendously.
I came very close to dying from diabetes, and this is when I knew something needed to change. So, I decided to get healthier. In July of 2009, I began a doctor-supervised weight management program. Thanks to a special diet, journaling my food intake, using strict portion control, and exercising, I was able to lose 125 pounds by April 2010.
Falling Back into Old Habits
No more sleep apnea, no more diabetes medication, no back or joint pain. I had tons of energy and a huge boost in self-confidence. I started going out and making friends. Restaurants and BBQs replaced portion control and exercise. And eventually…I surpassed the 300-pound mark – a weight I promised myself I would never see again. I told myself that I was still healthy. My cholesterol levels were still ok, my blood sugar levels were good, and I was in denial that my sleep apnea had returned. At some point during this time my scale began reading “over limit.” I had no idea what my actual weight was.
Weight Loss – Take 2
In June, 2014, I rejoined a weight management program. I weighed 264 pounds at my last weigh-in, a loss of 90 pounds. My back and joint pain are gone. I have more energy. And my self-esteem is bouncing back. I remind myself every day that weight loss is not maintained through diet alone, but that it requires a permanent lifestyle change. And the results are SO worth the effort.
During the past few months on a weight loss program, I’ve not only lost 90+ pounds; I’ve gained some valuable insights I’d like to share with you that will hopefully ease some of the tension that comes with facing the need to lose weight.
The reasons we overeat vary from person to person. One thing I do is pay attention to what triggers my overeating. Our bodies are machines, and our food is our fuel. But for many of us food is our best friend and a coping mechanism. Now that I’m more aware of my overeating triggers, I’m able to be more mindful about whether I’m eating because I’m hungry, or I’m eating because of some other reason.
Not Every Day is a 100% Success
Nor does it have to be. Losing weight over a given period of time is more realistic than losing weight every week. Sometimes, no matter how hard I’ve worked, I’ll stay the same weight for a couple of weeks before I start losing again. My advice is to be persistent. Don’t give up. Whether you have a bad day or a bad week, each day is a new opportunity to start fresh.
Weight Loss is About More than Just Dropping Pounds
It’s also about gaining better health. There are many obesity-related issues that can be controlled or even eliminated by losing weight. No food is more satisfying to me than being healthy. I have more energy, greater self-esteem, and lower healthcare costs. There is joy in knowing I’m capable of walking 5, 6, or even 7 miles every day. My routine health checks have gone from every 3 months to every 6 months. I no longer require medication for my diabetes, because it is under dietary control.
My Weight Loss is Not All About Me
When I get healthy, it’s not just for me. It affects those around me, too. I’ll be around longer to enjoy my loved ones. I’m active enough to play with my grandnephew. And I’ve inspired friends and family to get healthier, too.
