Today I went to consult with Georgia Bariatrics about their weight loss program. They recommend 2 weeks of a liquid diet combined with weekly injections and daily pills that will burn the fat. After that I can decide to continue the liquid diet or switch to a modified meal program to continue the weight loss. Praying about it. I'm desperate. Maybe something which gives fast results in the beginning will encourage me to continue the struggle. The diet is supervised by a Bariatric MD and Certified Nutritionist. What do you think?
Saturday, December 29, 2012
December 29, 2012
I just returned from a 2 week journey to see friends in India. After coming home I noticed a picture of myself one friend posted on Facebook of me and I was devastated to see how much weight I had gained over the past 3 years. When I first went to India in 2001, I only weighed 130 pounds. When I left India in 2009, I weighed 180 pounds. Today I weigh 224 pounds.
Self-disgust and humiliation does not even begin to descibe how I feel. There are many reasons I can offer: hormonal changes, thyroid issues, stress and grief of caring for and losing my younger sister to breast cancer, loneliness after moving back to the States to care for my sister and aging parents. The weight slowly crept up on me and I can honestly say that I did not realize how much until I saw this picture (I'm the one on the right side).
Today I'm taking medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and thyroid. I'm not diabetic YET, but I'm probably headed in that direction if I don't get things under control. I have knee problems, ankle problems, foot problems, and shortness of breath.
I've researched a variety of weight loss programs: weight watchers, nutrisystem, jenny craig, a couple of local bariatric weight loss programs taking vitamin injections and following strict diets. Frankly my income does not allow me to consider any of these options long term. And sadly my health insurance will not pay for any professional weight loss programs.
So I'm starting this blog as to be a diary of sorts and to help me track my journey and struggles. I do have a goal weight of 124-130 pounds. My journey begins today.
From today, I will try to give up soft drinks and sweet tea and only drink water. The whole time I lived in India I mainly drank water and lots of it. It is something I can learn to do again and I know that drinking 64 ounces of water a day is key to every weight loss program I have read about. So I will try to do this. Another goal is to do stretching for 10-15 minutes every day and also to try and walk 15-30 minutes a day, 6 days a week. I can probably do that on my lunch hour during the week, and also take the dogs for a walk at the park on Saturdays.
I've purchased some vitamin B12, 1 and 6 -- all recommended for those trying to lose weight.
I'm not sure how to do meals yet. I know WHAT to do, but implementing will be difficult in the beginning since my mother prepares dinner every night. Most of what she cooks would not be good for someone trying to lose weight. But I can control the other meals and will try to follow principles of fiber, fruit, protein for breakfast, raw or steamed vegetables for lunch, and light snacks of nuts or fruit or yogurt during the day.
A big issue for me that contributes to defeating feelings are my father's constant comments either to me or to others about my weight. His intentions are good but he has no idea how deeply his words hurt me and cause me to want to give up. He himself struggled with weight issues until he was in his sixties. Then he lost his weight through severe dieting and exercising after his retirement. And he has managed to maintain his desired weight. But he constantly harps about my weight or the weight of other family members and it's effect is the opposite of what he intends. He's been told how hurtful it is, but he forgets and continues to make comments. I somehow have to find a way to ignore his remarks and not allow his words to discourage me. But honestly, it is very hard for me to do so. So we'll see how it goes.
I don't know how often I will post on this blog. I've been told by friends that keeping a food diary is helpful. I will try to keep up with things the best I can and hopefully but posting my successes and failures, it will also help others who stumble upon my blog.
I just returned from a 2 week journey to see friends in India. After coming home I noticed a picture of myself one friend posted on Facebook of me and I was devastated to see how much weight I had gained over the past 3 years. When I first went to India in 2001, I only weighed 130 pounds. When I left India in 2009, I weighed 180 pounds. Today I weigh 224 pounds.
Self-disgust and humiliation does not even begin to descibe how I feel. There are many reasons I can offer: hormonal changes, thyroid issues, stress and grief of caring for and losing my younger sister to breast cancer, loneliness after moving back to the States to care for my sister and aging parents. The weight slowly crept up on me and I can honestly say that I did not realize how much until I saw this picture (I'm the one on the right side).
Today I'm taking medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and thyroid. I'm not diabetic YET, but I'm probably headed in that direction if I don't get things under control. I have knee problems, ankle problems, foot problems, and shortness of breath.
I've researched a variety of weight loss programs: weight watchers, nutrisystem, jenny craig, a couple of local bariatric weight loss programs taking vitamin injections and following strict diets. Frankly my income does not allow me to consider any of these options long term. And sadly my health insurance will not pay for any professional weight loss programs.
So I'm starting this blog as to be a diary of sorts and to help me track my journey and struggles. I do have a goal weight of 124-130 pounds. My journey begins today.
From today, I will try to give up soft drinks and sweet tea and only drink water. The whole time I lived in India I mainly drank water and lots of it. It is something I can learn to do again and I know that drinking 64 ounces of water a day is key to every weight loss program I have read about. So I will try to do this. Another goal is to do stretching for 10-15 minutes every day and also to try and walk 15-30 minutes a day, 6 days a week. I can probably do that on my lunch hour during the week, and also take the dogs for a walk at the park on Saturdays.
I've purchased some vitamin B12, 1 and 6 -- all recommended for those trying to lose weight.
I'm not sure how to do meals yet. I know WHAT to do, but implementing will be difficult in the beginning since my mother prepares dinner every night. Most of what she cooks would not be good for someone trying to lose weight. But I can control the other meals and will try to follow principles of fiber, fruit, protein for breakfast, raw or steamed vegetables for lunch, and light snacks of nuts or fruit or yogurt during the day.
A big issue for me that contributes to defeating feelings are my father's constant comments either to me or to others about my weight. His intentions are good but he has no idea how deeply his words hurt me and cause me to want to give up. He himself struggled with weight issues until he was in his sixties. Then he lost his weight through severe dieting and exercising after his retirement. And he has managed to maintain his desired weight. But he constantly harps about my weight or the weight of other family members and it's effect is the opposite of what he intends. He's been told how hurtful it is, but he forgets and continues to make comments. I somehow have to find a way to ignore his remarks and not allow his words to discourage me. But honestly, it is very hard for me to do so. So we'll see how it goes.
I don't know how often I will post on this blog. I've been told by friends that keeping a food diary is helpful. I will try to keep up with things the best I can and hopefully but posting my successes and failures, it will also help others who stumble upon my blog.
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