Weight Loss
I don’t believe I have mentioned yet that I began a weight loss program at the beginning of 2007. Well, I did. I suppose I didn’t mention it because I wanted to make sure that it actually worked. Well, it has. As of today, I’ve lost 27 pounds. I am working toward another 35 by summer for a total of 55 pounds lost. How did I ever end up with 55 extra pounds? That is embarrassing and astounding to me. Those 55 pounds are basically the 2 - 5 pounds a year the average adult over 35 years old gains each. I spent those 11 years in denial that I would end up so heavy.
So why, after 11 years, decide to lose weight? First, I felt awful. Tired all the time, couldn’t focus, felt like I was going to explode, couldn’t do the activities I wanted, couldn’t find stylish clothes to fit… That list could go on and on, but the main reason to lose weight was that I am facing surgery at the end of March and I didn’t want to go into surgery 55 pounds overweight. I sought the help of a bariatric physician who specializes in weight loss and chose a medically supervised modified fast. My diet for the past two months and next two months consists of four shakes, one bar, one frozen entree, unlimited vegetables, a couple of hard-boiled egg whites and a minimum of 64 ounces of water a day. Tough for the first couple of days, until I started feeling so completely fantastic.
After the first month, I entered a state where I am never hungry and rarely think of food (except for pizza and beer). I usually enjoy a nice, small meal out once a week and have a drink or two on the weekends. It’s a very livable plan. I also signed up for a year of maintenance so that I keep my weight loss. I visit weekly with a nurse and a dietitian. I visit monthly with the doctor. It’s a great plan and I highly recommend it. It also costs a good deal of money, but my health had deteriorated to the point that it was a good financial move.
After two months, people are really starting to notice. They mostly notice in my face. A couple of weeks ago, a co-worker starred at me and kept asking me what I had done to my hair. I finally had to tell her that it wasn’t my hair, but my weight. That was funny. Will I be unrecognizable by summer? I hope not.
Here’s a photo of me last summer and one from this morning. I will update again soon.
That, my dear, is awesome - I’m proud of you!
You will be in my thoughts and prayers, both for the continued weight-loss efforts, as well as for the impending surgery.
I’m fighting a similar battle, weight-wise, and I think I’m getting close to a/the tipping point where I can’t/won’t allow myself to be in denial any more.
Keep it up!
Big time congratulations. I went through a similar deal about 3 years ago where I lost 70 pounds over a year. I’ve gained half of that back, though
I lost mine during a time where I trained all by myself and didn’t go out eating with all the trainers and the boss. I also got an hour’s worth of exercise in each day when I was on the road. This last year has been bad because my routine has been entirely disrupted. When I start the Rockies again in a month (maybe), hopefully I can get back in the routine and get to work again.
TK!
Didn’t have time to read the post, but did see the pictures…what’d you do to your hair?!
Just kidding. That’s fantastic. Although I haven’t lost as much weight since the first of the year, I have lost a couple of inches from the waistline. Me pants are actually loose again.
You guys are great!!!!
I lost 20 pounds and have kept it off. You can DO it. It is so worth it - banished migraines, anxiety, sleep trouble, plus you just feel so confident! This health hack helped me do it: www.marksdailyapple.com.
Feel free to email me for pointers…I tried several different eating plans/diets (Atkins, vegetarian, you name it) and have managed to learn quite a bit. You are looking great so keep it up!
TK says: Sara, thanks for stopping! Your comment really looks like spam, so you should probably watch that. However, I found Mark’s site interesting and so have allowed your comments. I should mention that I probably wouldn’t have done this program 10 years ago because it wouldn’t have seemed “organic” or “natural”. The reality is that being 55 pounds overweight is also not organic or natural and neither is causing yourself to need surgery by increasing your estrogen level (due to excess fat) so high that your uterus develops polyps which it then “naturally” works 24/7 to try to expel from your body. This program is a temporary fix and will be followed by a very natural diet, low in fat and calories and very high in nutrition, along with the support of a good nutritionist for one year. Thanks again for your encouragement!
I am so impressed and awed by you in every way. Bless you for sharing this so honestly. As God is my witness, I swear you went from looking young for your years to looking, quite simply, young.
I gained my extra 50 in the worst way — in less than a year at age 40. I have genuinely heart-wrenching, legitimate excuses that could wring tears from the eye of a potato, but it is the biggest regret of my life. Excess weight is the only risk factor I had for breast cancer. I also developed hypothyroidism (low thyroid), which makes it so much harder to take off even one pound.
At age 43, I lost 40 of the 50 lbs. on the high protein, low carb diet. Then I married Luis and, a couple of miscarriages later, I gained the 40 back plus an extra ten. Were it not for my mastectomy and chemotherapy, I would still be at a dangerously high weight.
Due to the bone damage caused by my hip tumor, my capacity for exercise is limited. I need a really effective diet and yours obviously works.
Thanks again for sharing. I will keep you in my prayers.
Terrie,
I’ll email you privately, but let me just add that I have been in pain since August and can’t do much more than the basics of daily household life. My current clinic wouldn’t help advise me on a diet because their official position is that no one should be on a plan under 1800 calories. Well, if a person can’t exercise yet needs to lose weight, they will never do so on an 1800 calorie plan. I am paying for this doctor out of my own pocket (at least through flex monies). This plan is fantastic! It’s called Optifast and I highly recommend it. Here is the website for my clinic: http://midwestweightcontrol.com/ Call and ask for Kathy and mention my name. Hopefully, she knows of doctors in other states that participate in the program. Also, you can order food through them if your own doctor monitors the program.
Congratulations on your weight loss. It’s certainly a motivating thing to hear!
Hey TK!! Good for you!! I am proud of you and will be praying about that for you!! I need to lose a few pounds from eating too much chocolate this Christmas! You have inspired me so I will press on! Take care of yourself!! You look great!!
Thanks for allowing my comment - didn’t mean to be spam, I was genuinely excited to see your progress! I have been so happy about losing weight and getting healthy I get a little overly enthusiastic about it!