Weigh in day with the doctor. This day always brings about some anxiety and big hopes for a substantial weight loss. I wore a pair of outdoor shorts under my pants and chose a form fitted stretch Under Armour shirt for its lightweight qualitites. Waiting for them to call my name is rather annoying and exciting at the same time. There is so much emotion going thru my mind on these weigh-in days that each one always brings something new. When i got on the scale, I removed my pants, socks, shoes, watch, eyeglasses, hat and anything else I could get away with. Every ounce counts at this point in the game. I watched the number appear in digital format in the screen which is just below eye level for me at 5'7". The number read 375.2, and I was feeling disappointed. Without question it was a loss, yet only 2 lbs from the previous months weigh-in. The nurse noticed my face and said, "At least you didnt gain" and she is right. My requirement is to lose every month of the 6 months monitored diet, stay the same weight, but never gain. If you gain any amouth of weight, regardless of the reason, your 6 months starts over again from day one. Which is my biggest fear each time I stand on the scale for the size 8 nurse whom has never had to deal with weight issues herself. Must be nice. LOL The doctor increased my physical activity today from 15 mins in the am and 15 minutes in the pm, for 5 days, to 25 minutes in the am, and 25 minutes in the pm, for at least 6 days. He also lowered my daily calorie intake from 2200 cals a day to 1900. "Basic physics he always tells me" "You have to burn off more than you take in. Bottom line." Again very hard to hear from someone in optimum fitness. But truly who better to hear it from.
For years I always hid my feelings and emotions behind food, and until my late 30's I am just starting to realize that I am a Food Addict. The first time that I had to say those words, I felt quite embarassed. But the harsh reality is just that. I am addicted to food. Instead of using it to nourish and fuel my body, I have always used it as a mood alterer. Continuing my Psychotherapy in food addiction has been a big struggle and some days almost unbearable. I started sessions the last friday in October of 2009. My sessions are usually 50 minutes long, and I need to drive about 45 minutes to get to them. They are tentatively every friday, right up until approximately 6 weeks post surgery. My therapist whom I call "Stalin" is really a big key to my success, as just like the Bariatic Bypass Surgery, is just a tool to the final goal.
My session went well today. Stalin agreed to increase my activity level and to my amazement suggested yoga. I guess we will see where that leads. Homework involved staying mindful of what I am doing in each and every moment in my life, and keep focused on the ultimate goal. ME. Its been very hard for me adjusting to this new lifestyle, as I have never put myself first and am in the process of changing that. I said to stalin "If you ask any given person at random, Who is the most important person in your life?" 9 out of 10 times the person will list someone other than themselves. Thats my biggest problem. I have to put me first in order for this invasive surgery to be the intricate tool to achieve a healthy lifestyle.
My next session is next friday the 7th of May. To be honest, I railed against the sessions at first, and now secretly, I look forward to them. Working on cleaing out all the negativity in my life. I need to be stress, panic, and anxiety free for weeks before surgery. Now is the time to 86 the gloom and doom. Have a great night. See you tomorrow.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
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The realization of Morbid Obesity
I have always been a food person with a huge appetite. I indulge in everything from greasy fast food to decadent desserts. My portion control is nonexistent.
The most challenging thing for myself thus far,is adhering to a strict nutritional plan and cutting out most of my favorite "comfort" foods. I learned early on that these comfort foods were triggers and would instantly effect my appetite and the way I felt. If I have a tiny piece of dessert or some fast food, it triggers my hunger and its almost impossible to back down from eating more and more.
I am now realizing that food is a very powerful drug. I can use it to make myself very sick or I can decide to use it to optimally fuel and energize my body. I am now researching different foods and learning about the multitude of ways nutrient dense foods positively impact my body. Knowledge is power and learning how and what i'm eating is vitally important.
I describe myself as "the fat kid at school," even going back to kindergarten. It seemed like my food intake was always monitored, limited, and criticized. If it were an official category in the Guinness Book of World Records, I'd hold the title for the most diets attempted in a lifetime. During my 20's I had seen my fair share of therapists, doctors, and had been to countless weight clinics and programs. I had clinical diagnoses for depression and eating disorders, and had been hospitalized and medicated for both. "No matter how hard I tried, and no matter what I told myself each day, the binges would occur. Obesity penetrated every corner of my life. In many public restrooms I could not fit in the regular size stall and would have to use the handicapped one. If I flew anywhere, I had to buy two tickets and dehydrate myself so that I would not have to use the plane's bathroom during the flight—and just forget the whole seatbelt issue.
What I have tried to date has simply not been successful. I have been to weight watchers countless times, Nutri-System, Jenny Craig, Slim-Fast, Atkins, starvation, you name it. All to no avail. I would lose the weight without question, and subsequently put all of it back on with an additional 100 pounds or more. Its truly a sick vicious cycle. From experience, diets have not been successful for me. I have always been able to lose the weight, but unable to succeed in continued maintanence. This is truly the definition of Insanity. Doing the same behavior, and expecting a different result.
I was at a routine visit with my primary care doctor in the fall of 2008, which in fact was the visit that completely changed my life in so many ways. I had met with the nurse first who takes all of your information and vital signs prior to being seen by the physician. I was telling her about all of my hems and haws and whoa's is me issues. During this time she was called away breifly leaving me in the room to sit idle and think of my physical health and its direction, or lack there of. Curiosity got the best of me and I happened to glance at my chart, and quite honestly almost had a heart attack. The words MORBIDLY OBESE screamed at me as if they were jumping off the page and burning a hole in my soul. At that point, was the very first time in my life that i felt FAT. Prone to panic and anxiety, I instantly started to sweat, figit, and became extremely uncomfortable in my own skin.
During my session with my PCP, I expressed my concers about my health which is heading down the toilet in a spiraling manner. To date I have uncontrolled hypertension, severe sleep apnea, morbid obesity, periphial edema. diabetes, chronic fatigue, migraines, unable to stand for more than 10 minutes at a time, and other comorbities to say the least. I am existing at this point, not living. My doctor suggested it was a good time to look into a surgical intervention. I remember saying to him, "does this mean you are going to wire my jaw shut?" With a slight pause and a bit of a giggle, he said not it does not. Today was the first day I had ever heard of such a procedure called Gastric Bypass Surgery. Of course we have all heard the term "stomach stapling" or "obesity surgery" yet to put the name in action, I was immediately intriqued.
Since that day, I have been researching on-line, at the library, and with other people involved in the Bariatric Surgery program, whether they are choosing to go with the Gastric Banding commonly known as "Lap Band" or the more invasive procedure of Gastric Bypass Surgery. I found myself for the past year teeter-tottering back and forth looking for everyone and anyone to give me the "right" answer to my surgery dilemma. This was my first huge mistake. I now realize that I need to make the decision that is right for me, and me only. I have made a final decision to have Bariatic Bypass Surgery which is empowering especially at this point when I have never had control over food. In all honesty food has controlled me.
My earliest thougths revolve around food. It seemed like everything I ate was under scrutiny. Often times I found myself sneaking to eat something that I knew i shouldnt, or that would one day lead me to the place I am at now, or should I say was at when I started this journey of 412 pounds. Obesity leads to depression and total loss of hope in all aspects of your life. Through the years I probably could not list one person that would say, "Eric is an unhappy person". Reason being, I always put on my happy face. Which in all reality is quite contraire to how I truly felt on the inside. Hopeless. Morbidly obese as I was and still am has caused nothing but pain and suffering in my life and I have had to wear a mask of humility all of this years. Its now time to change my path in which I have total control.
Truth be known I sometimes feel like the worst critic when it comes to weight issues. When I see someone whom is morbidly obese, it makes me take a look at my own self and start to feel angered and helpless, to the point that I want to say something to them to get the spark going just like it happened for me, way back when at my doctors visit. However, thats not reality. You have to be ready to make change in your own life when you are ready or it will not be successful. For years I was a cigarette smoker. I started very light and social, and ended with a 17 year, 2 pack a day habit. I would contstantly hear from friends and family that I have to quit smoking due to my health, and in fact made me smoke more. Call it rebellion or retalitory, however I needed to stop for me, and not anyone else. As of January of 2008 I have been cigarette free by choice and truly enjoy breathing.
On December 5th, 2008 I attended Step One: Introduction to Bariatric Surgery session at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. As I walked into Auditorium A, I was both shocked and relieved. I was shocked by how many people were in the room, and relieved that I was not the only morbidly obese person choosing to change their life. Candidates for bariatric surgery at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center must attend an Introduction to the DHMC Bariatric Surgery Program session before entering their program. This is a two-hour session where members of the Bariatric Surgery Team explain the DHMC specific program requirements, discuss types of weight loss surgery offered, and answer questions. A representative from Patient Financial Services discussed insurance guidelines. No pre-registration was required. You are welcome to bring family members or friends for support. This seminar is specifically geared for the DHMC Bariatric Surgery Program patients. Information presented at this meeting pertains ONLY to DHMC bariatric surgery patients.
This meeting was the very foundation that I needed to take my mind to the place that it needed to be. There were questions varying from huge to minor. I had 2 thing to say. The first was a comment. Several of the people in the room were unable to weight themselves at home and get a true reading, as most scales only register up to 350 lbs. I had to chuckle and empathize, as I was dealing with the same thing. That is until my partner Kent, showed me a way to be able to weigh myself at home, until my weight gets under the 350lb mark. He had me stand on two scales, one leg on each, added both numbers together, and bingo. My weight was off by only 2 lbs at my doctors visit. Everyone in the room, including the DHMC staff was amazed that we did that. Most were thankful. The second thing that I had to say, was I was truly terrified at the risks involved in Bariatic Bypass Surgery. Dr. Laycock one of the surgeons in the Bariatic program responded, " the risks are to stay obese, not to undergo my procedure". Truly a lightbulb moment for me. Hes completely right. I made it through the introductory session unscathed.
After much thought and sleepless nights, I mailed in my $250.00 (non-refundable)registration fee on January 9th of 2009. The Bariatric Program Fee includes unlimited access to RemedyMD online website and email contact with program staff and other patients via patient forum and chat rooms. Also includes educational seminars and amterials. Now it bacame real. I am truly registered and enrolled in the program. This is the first day I have felt good in a very long time. Good in the sense that I am gaining back some control that I had truly lost over my eating and food choices. Patients who are under the age of 24 or over age 60, have serious heart, lung, liver or kidney disease, who have or have had cancer must be cleared by the Bariatric Surgery Team prior to registering. They must send in a recent comprehensive history and physical exam and note from their primary care doctor supporting the decision to proceed with bariatric surgery. Patients who have had cancer must have a clearance from their oncologist.
Step Two: Patient Financial Services
Patient Financial Services should be contacted PRIOR to registering for the program.
Step Three: Mail in Registration Fee
Step Four: Register Online
Step Five: Program Packet and Checklist
Step Six: Bariatric Educational Seminars
Step Six is to view online three Bariatric Educational Seminars.
Step Seven: Weight Loss
Step Seven: Ongoing weight loss is highly encouraged. We have a "no weight gain" policy from Program entry.
Pre-operative weight loss allows you to enter surgery in a healthier condition and demonstrates your commitment to making nutritional and lifestyle changes.
Tips for Weight Loss
Begin reading labels on food products. Look at the amount of fat, calories, sugar, and carbohydrates in the foods you are eating. Our bodies need a variety of protein, fat, and carbohydrates but any of these nutrients in excess can lead to additional weight gain. Learn more about label-reading from the US Food and Drug Administration, the American Diabetes Association, and lifeclinic.
Eliminate or decrease beverages high in sugar, such as regular soda, juice (including "No Sugar Added" juice), and Kool-Aid. Even Gatorade and V-8 are not sugar-free. Begin to try sugar-free products and artificial sweeteners, such as Equal, Sweet-n-Low, or Splenda.
Switch to lower-fat products. Avoid fried foods and butter/margarine. Try a nonfat butter spray, such as "I Can't Believe it's Not Butter" margarine spray, on vegetables, toast, etc. Cook with small amounts of olive or canola oil, or try a nonfat cooking spray. Be cautious, since a "low-fat" label may not necessarily mean low calorie, such as "low-fat" cookies.
Try to eat three regular meals per day, and limit snacks to when you are actually hungry.
Keep a record of everything you put in your mouth throughout the day, and then evaluate how frequently and how much you are eating. The fitday website offers a free online membership, which can calculate the amount of calories, fat, protein, carbohydrate, and even some vitamins/minerals you get from the foods you eat.
Try smaller portion sizes, using smaller plates, smaller utensils, and taking more time to chew your food. You may find you are actually very satisfied with a smaller portion of food.
Decrease food availability. Avoid putting pots of food on the table at a mealtime, which encourages eating without hunger. Put leftovers away before you begin to eat, and only have a second portion if you are actually hungry.
Purchasing individual-sized portions or smaller packages of foods can help to control or decrease caloric intake. Avoid bringing more than you need to the table or sitting room when snacking or eating a meal.
Increasing activity, as tolerated and directed by your primary care physician (family doctor), can help you lose and maintain weight loss. If you have specific limitations, do what you can. There are different exercises for upper body and lower body, as well as some exercises you can do sitting in a chair. Some activities, like swimming, do not put as much pressure on joints. Find opportunities during your day to be more active, such as parking your car further away, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and getting up to change the channel on the TV, instead of using the remote.
Step Eight: Evaluations
Step Nine: Final Instructions
Today is April 29th 2010 and I have intently been working on Step 7: Weight Loss since January 2009. I am also working on Step 8: evaluations. I have my first visit with the Bariatric Surgery Program nurse practitioner and dietitian in May. I am really exited for this process to continue forward. It has been a very long journey from that first day at the information seminar to this present moment. The weight loss has been an amazing struggle for me. At my weight, exercise is not in my vocabulary. Incorporating movement into my life has been a very slow process. When I began this journey in January, I weighed 412 pounds. Today i am 377. I weigh in at the dr's office once a month. Tomorrow April 20th is my weigh in for April. I am hoping for a loss. My 6th month doctor monitored diet and weight loss will be completed at the end of June this year. My projected goal for surgery will be either end of July or August of 2010.
I wish i would of started this journey sooner, but just like with my weight and eating habits, I pretended they didnt really exist. Also, I am not one to journal on a regular basis, which is why many of my diet attempts have been unsuccessful. Its all about accountability and what you choose to do with the informed choices placed before you. My intenions are to write here daily. Stay tuned for tomorrows updated weight and other notes of interest.
The most challenging thing for myself thus far,is adhering to a strict nutritional plan and cutting out most of my favorite "comfort" foods. I learned early on that these comfort foods were triggers and would instantly effect my appetite and the way I felt. If I have a tiny piece of dessert or some fast food, it triggers my hunger and its almost impossible to back down from eating more and more.
I am now realizing that food is a very powerful drug. I can use it to make myself very sick or I can decide to use it to optimally fuel and energize my body. I am now researching different foods and learning about the multitude of ways nutrient dense foods positively impact my body. Knowledge is power and learning how and what i'm eating is vitally important.
I describe myself as "the fat kid at school," even going back to kindergarten. It seemed like my food intake was always monitored, limited, and criticized. If it were an official category in the Guinness Book of World Records, I'd hold the title for the most diets attempted in a lifetime. During my 20's I had seen my fair share of therapists, doctors, and had been to countless weight clinics and programs. I had clinical diagnoses for depression and eating disorders, and had been hospitalized and medicated for both. "No matter how hard I tried, and no matter what I told myself each day, the binges would occur. Obesity penetrated every corner of my life. In many public restrooms I could not fit in the regular size stall and would have to use the handicapped one. If I flew anywhere, I had to buy two tickets and dehydrate myself so that I would not have to use the plane's bathroom during the flight—and just forget the whole seatbelt issue.
What I have tried to date has simply not been successful. I have been to weight watchers countless times, Nutri-System, Jenny Craig, Slim-Fast, Atkins, starvation, you name it. All to no avail. I would lose the weight without question, and subsequently put all of it back on with an additional 100 pounds or more. Its truly a sick vicious cycle. From experience, diets have not been successful for me. I have always been able to lose the weight, but unable to succeed in continued maintanence. This is truly the definition of Insanity. Doing the same behavior, and expecting a different result.
I was at a routine visit with my primary care doctor in the fall of 2008, which in fact was the visit that completely changed my life in so many ways. I had met with the nurse first who takes all of your information and vital signs prior to being seen by the physician. I was telling her about all of my hems and haws and whoa's is me issues. During this time she was called away breifly leaving me in the room to sit idle and think of my physical health and its direction, or lack there of. Curiosity got the best of me and I happened to glance at my chart, and quite honestly almost had a heart attack. The words MORBIDLY OBESE screamed at me as if they were jumping off the page and burning a hole in my soul. At that point, was the very first time in my life that i felt FAT. Prone to panic and anxiety, I instantly started to sweat, figit, and became extremely uncomfortable in my own skin.
During my session with my PCP, I expressed my concers about my health which is heading down the toilet in a spiraling manner. To date I have uncontrolled hypertension, severe sleep apnea, morbid obesity, periphial edema. diabetes, chronic fatigue, migraines, unable to stand for more than 10 minutes at a time, and other comorbities to say the least. I am existing at this point, not living. My doctor suggested it was a good time to look into a surgical intervention. I remember saying to him, "does this mean you are going to wire my jaw shut?" With a slight pause and a bit of a giggle, he said not it does not. Today was the first day I had ever heard of such a procedure called Gastric Bypass Surgery. Of course we have all heard the term "stomach stapling" or "obesity surgery" yet to put the name in action, I was immediately intriqued.
Since that day, I have been researching on-line, at the library, and with other people involved in the Bariatric Surgery program, whether they are choosing to go with the Gastric Banding commonly known as "Lap Band" or the more invasive procedure of Gastric Bypass Surgery. I found myself for the past year teeter-tottering back and forth looking for everyone and anyone to give me the "right" answer to my surgery dilemma. This was my first huge mistake. I now realize that I need to make the decision that is right for me, and me only. I have made a final decision to have Bariatic Bypass Surgery which is empowering especially at this point when I have never had control over food. In all honesty food has controlled me.
My earliest thougths revolve around food. It seemed like everything I ate was under scrutiny. Often times I found myself sneaking to eat something that I knew i shouldnt, or that would one day lead me to the place I am at now, or should I say was at when I started this journey of 412 pounds. Obesity leads to depression and total loss of hope in all aspects of your life. Through the years I probably could not list one person that would say, "Eric is an unhappy person". Reason being, I always put on my happy face. Which in all reality is quite contraire to how I truly felt on the inside. Hopeless. Morbidly obese as I was and still am has caused nothing but pain and suffering in my life and I have had to wear a mask of humility all of this years. Its now time to change my path in which I have total control.
Truth be known I sometimes feel like the worst critic when it comes to weight issues. When I see someone whom is morbidly obese, it makes me take a look at my own self and start to feel angered and helpless, to the point that I want to say something to them to get the spark going just like it happened for me, way back when at my doctors visit. However, thats not reality. You have to be ready to make change in your own life when you are ready or it will not be successful. For years I was a cigarette smoker. I started very light and social, and ended with a 17 year, 2 pack a day habit. I would contstantly hear from friends and family that I have to quit smoking due to my health, and in fact made me smoke more. Call it rebellion or retalitory, however I needed to stop for me, and not anyone else. As of January of 2008 I have been cigarette free by choice and truly enjoy breathing.
On December 5th, 2008 I attended Step One: Introduction to Bariatric Surgery session at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. As I walked into Auditorium A, I was both shocked and relieved. I was shocked by how many people were in the room, and relieved that I was not the only morbidly obese person choosing to change their life. Candidates for bariatric surgery at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center must attend an Introduction to the DHMC Bariatric Surgery Program session before entering their program. This is a two-hour session where members of the Bariatric Surgery Team explain the DHMC specific program requirements, discuss types of weight loss surgery offered, and answer questions. A representative from Patient Financial Services discussed insurance guidelines. No pre-registration was required. You are welcome to bring family members or friends for support. This seminar is specifically geared for the DHMC Bariatric Surgery Program patients. Information presented at this meeting pertains ONLY to DHMC bariatric surgery patients.
This meeting was the very foundation that I needed to take my mind to the place that it needed to be. There were questions varying from huge to minor. I had 2 thing to say. The first was a comment. Several of the people in the room were unable to weight themselves at home and get a true reading, as most scales only register up to 350 lbs. I had to chuckle and empathize, as I was dealing with the same thing. That is until my partner Kent, showed me a way to be able to weigh myself at home, until my weight gets under the 350lb mark. He had me stand on two scales, one leg on each, added both numbers together, and bingo. My weight was off by only 2 lbs at my doctors visit. Everyone in the room, including the DHMC staff was amazed that we did that. Most were thankful. The second thing that I had to say, was I was truly terrified at the risks involved in Bariatic Bypass Surgery. Dr. Laycock one of the surgeons in the Bariatic program responded, " the risks are to stay obese, not to undergo my procedure". Truly a lightbulb moment for me. Hes completely right. I made it through the introductory session unscathed.
After much thought and sleepless nights, I mailed in my $250.00 (non-refundable)registration fee on January 9th of 2009. The Bariatric Program Fee includes unlimited access to RemedyMD online website and email contact with program staff and other patients via patient forum and chat rooms. Also includes educational seminars and amterials. Now it bacame real. I am truly registered and enrolled in the program. This is the first day I have felt good in a very long time. Good in the sense that I am gaining back some control that I had truly lost over my eating and food choices. Patients who are under the age of 24 or over age 60, have serious heart, lung, liver or kidney disease, who have or have had cancer must be cleared by the Bariatric Surgery Team prior to registering. They must send in a recent comprehensive history and physical exam and note from their primary care doctor supporting the decision to proceed with bariatric surgery. Patients who have had cancer must have a clearance from their oncologist.
Step Two: Patient Financial Services
Patient Financial Services should be contacted PRIOR to registering for the program.
Step Three: Mail in Registration Fee
Step Four: Register Online
Step Five: Program Packet and Checklist
Step Six: Bariatric Educational Seminars
Step Six is to view online three Bariatric Educational Seminars.
Step Seven: Weight Loss
Step Seven: Ongoing weight loss is highly encouraged. We have a "no weight gain" policy from Program entry.
Pre-operative weight loss allows you to enter surgery in a healthier condition and demonstrates your commitment to making nutritional and lifestyle changes.
Tips for Weight Loss
Begin reading labels on food products. Look at the amount of fat, calories, sugar, and carbohydrates in the foods you are eating. Our bodies need a variety of protein, fat, and carbohydrates but any of these nutrients in excess can lead to additional weight gain. Learn more about label-reading from the US Food and Drug Administration, the American Diabetes Association, and lifeclinic.
Eliminate or decrease beverages high in sugar, such as regular soda, juice (including "No Sugar Added" juice), and Kool-Aid. Even Gatorade and V-8 are not sugar-free. Begin to try sugar-free products and artificial sweeteners, such as Equal, Sweet-n-Low, or Splenda.
Switch to lower-fat products. Avoid fried foods and butter/margarine. Try a nonfat butter spray, such as "I Can't Believe it's Not Butter" margarine spray, on vegetables, toast, etc. Cook with small amounts of olive or canola oil, or try a nonfat cooking spray. Be cautious, since a "low-fat" label may not necessarily mean low calorie, such as "low-fat" cookies.
Try to eat three regular meals per day, and limit snacks to when you are actually hungry.
Keep a record of everything you put in your mouth throughout the day, and then evaluate how frequently and how much you are eating. The fitday website offers a free online membership, which can calculate the amount of calories, fat, protein, carbohydrate, and even some vitamins/minerals you get from the foods you eat.
Try smaller portion sizes, using smaller plates, smaller utensils, and taking more time to chew your food. You may find you are actually very satisfied with a smaller portion of food.
Decrease food availability. Avoid putting pots of food on the table at a mealtime, which encourages eating without hunger. Put leftovers away before you begin to eat, and only have a second portion if you are actually hungry.
Purchasing individual-sized portions or smaller packages of foods can help to control or decrease caloric intake. Avoid bringing more than you need to the table or sitting room when snacking or eating a meal.
Increasing activity, as tolerated and directed by your primary care physician (family doctor), can help you lose and maintain weight loss. If you have specific limitations, do what you can. There are different exercises for upper body and lower body, as well as some exercises you can do sitting in a chair. Some activities, like swimming, do not put as much pressure on joints. Find opportunities during your day to be more active, such as parking your car further away, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and getting up to change the channel on the TV, instead of using the remote.
Step Eight: Evaluations
Step Nine: Final Instructions
Today is April 29th 2010 and I have intently been working on Step 7: Weight Loss since January 2009. I am also working on Step 8: evaluations. I have my first visit with the Bariatric Surgery Program nurse practitioner and dietitian in May. I am really exited for this process to continue forward. It has been a very long journey from that first day at the information seminar to this present moment. The weight loss has been an amazing struggle for me. At my weight, exercise is not in my vocabulary. Incorporating movement into my life has been a very slow process. When I began this journey in January, I weighed 412 pounds. Today i am 377. I weigh in at the dr's office once a month. Tomorrow April 20th is my weigh in for April. I am hoping for a loss. My 6th month doctor monitored diet and weight loss will be completed at the end of June this year. My projected goal for surgery will be either end of July or August of 2010.
I wish i would of started this journey sooner, but just like with my weight and eating habits, I pretended they didnt really exist. Also, I am not one to journal on a regular basis, which is why many of my diet attempts have been unsuccessful. Its all about accountability and what you choose to do with the informed choices placed before you. My intenions are to write here daily. Stay tuned for tomorrows updated weight and other notes of interest.
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