MILEPOST 182 - "LUCKY 13!"

MILEPOST 182! LUCKY 13!

13 is my new lucky number.

Thirteen months ago, I made a decision. I committed my life to the Ideal Protein weight loss program.

Thirteen months ago, I weighed over 350 pounds. Thirteen months ago, I could not squeeze my body into a normal size toilet stall in a public restroom. Thirteen months ago, I lived on Rolaids to control the terrible indigestion and acid reflux that had become a normal part of my life. Thirteen months ago, I could not close the bath sheet I used as a towel around my body. Thirteen months ago, I controlled my diabetes with oral medications and injections. Thirteen months ago, I snored so loudly that Bob would have to leave the room in order to get any sleep. Thirteen months ago, I used my handicap parking sticker to park as close as possible to the entry of any building, since I could not walk any distance without becoming winded. Thirteen months ago, I wore size 4X or 5X clothing. Thirteen months ago, I was depressed – dependent – and disgusted with myself and with my life. And, thirteen months ago, my husband was ashamed to be seen with me!

“Pause for a moment. Breathe in slowly and deeply. Hold it for a few seconds, then slowly release. Feel the miracle of your breath. Say thanks!” PosPositive

Today, I have met my goal weight of 170 pounds. (168.4) Today, I can fit into any stall, any booth at any restaurant, and any chair with arms . Today, I don’t even know where the Rolaids are – I have not had indigestion since beginning the program. Today, I can wrap a normal sized towel around my body, and there are no gaps. Today, I have eliminated all but one of my diabetes medications, and that one has been reduced from four pills a day to one – my blood sugar level is an average of 86. Today, I no longer snore, and when I awake during the night, my husband is right there next to me. Today, I can walk from any parking spot to the mall – and I enjoy doing it. Today, I wear a size 10 or 12. Today, I am strong, independent, and embracing life with enthusiasm and excitement. And, yes! TODAY, MY HUSBAND IS PROUD TO BE SEEN WITH ME AT HIS SIDE!

I knew I was getting close! I knew that today could be the day! I started the day like any other day – Bob was working out of town, so I made my call to him at 5:30 a.m. I got up and made coffee. I visited with Toni via SKYPE on the computer. I showered and dressed and then went to my weekly weigh-in. I wasn’t sure just what to expect, since I had changed to Phase 2 of the program only 2 weeks ago. I was eating differently, and we had made a trip to Montana, and had spent a couple nights working in Idaho with Rob. I have been pretty successful in managing my diet while on the road, because we are on the road a lot, so it has been necessary.

I stepped on the scale and watched as it approached my new weight. It stopped at 168! I was overwhelmed. I told Misty (my coach for the day). “I think I am going to cry!” And, cry I did! I immediately sent a text to Toni and Bob with the news. As I left the weigh-in room, all of the staff who has been so supportive of me throughout this journey was anxiously awaiting my news! Did I – or didn’t I? They could tell by my face that I had made it! The entire office was sharing tears and hugs. Even my doctor – who has been nothing but professional – gave me a big hug and had tears in his eyes.

I HAVE REACHED MY DESTINATION! But, now what!

I had concentrated so hard on the journey, that I failed to plan what to do once I got there. I will be on Phase 3 of the program for 14 days, then will go into the maintenance phase, which I will have to follow for the rest of my life. The challenge is to manage my diet so that I don’t continue to lose weight, but also refrain from gaining.

I also reached another conclusion. Although this part of my journey is over, my entire life is a journey. As with any road trip, once you reach your destination, you don’t just stop there. There are museums to explore. There are parks, monuments, restaurants – all there for you to discover. There are new people who enter your life – those who leave footprints on your soul.

“The best angle from which to approach any problem is the ‘Try’ Angle.” Unknown

This will be my final post to this blog. I will be facing new and different challenges from this point forward. I will have to learn to maintain the new me. As I mentioned before, I have a lot of extra skin now that I will have to decide what to do with. I will be seeking new activities that will keep me active and entertained at the same time. And, it will have to be something other than shopping – which I have discovered that I do enjoy although for the past number of years, I have convinced myself that I did not.

"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning." - Albert Einstein

I have had such positive responses to this weekly update that I have decided to create a new blog that will deal with the new challenges that one faces after losing a lot of pounds. I don’t know what the new blog will consist of, because this is new and uncharted territory. I will need some help from you – my faithful followers – to help me come up with a fitting title for the new blog. One that will relate to maintaining the new me, while referring back to the weight loss. I am kind of leaning towards, "My better half - life following weight loss". What do you think?

There were times during my blogging, that I was a little disappointed that the original post is buried somewhere deep in the bottom of the blog. But, during this journey, I have discovered that my life, like the blog, is today. Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow is in the future. I must live for today, and face each new challenge on a daily basis.

“We must embrace pain and burn it as fuel for our journey”- Kenji Miyazawa

Some of the things I have shared with you are of an extremely personal nature. Some were happy and some were painful. I was not sure that I could share some of those details, but I found it to be a very therapeutic approach to overcoming some of the problems associated with weight loss. Your comments and insight have helped me along the road, and I cannot tell you how much I have appreciated your support and love.

“We cannot control the wind, but we can control our sail as it catches the wind.” PosPositive