In March, I scheduled a doctor’s appointment. I was at my all-time-high weight. I felt miserable in so many ways. I feared that my eating habits and lack of exercise had caused me to get type II diabetes. I was a mess.
Fortunately, my blood sugar was at a decent level.
My blood pressure was a tad high, but not terrible.
My swollen legs had edema, so my doctor prescribed me a diuretic.
He also made a comment that really made me think.
“I think you should consider undergoing gastric sleeve surgery for weight loss,” my doctor told me.
Maybe it’s pride or a fear of complications or of permanently altering my insides, but I have never even considered any type of weight-loss surgery. At 44 years old, 200-plus pounds overweight and with the hope gauge on empty, I actually started mulling over the possibility.
That said, I told my doctor I’d like to try it on my own one last time before seriously contemplating that last-chance option. (Thankfully, I found an optimal health program that doesn’t make me do it on my own, but that’s a fun subject for another blog — or you can send me a message.)
Two months later, and I’m progressing at a terrific pace. Don’t take my word for it. To quote my doctor during Thursday’s follow-up appointment, “Keep up the good work!”
While I’m still way overweight and don’t exactly have a clean bill of health because of that, I’m definitely headed in the right direction. My blood pressure is in a healthy range and I hope to get off those meds soon. The swelling in my legs is lowering and I hope to ditch the pills for edema soon, too.
While I’ve lost a good chunk of weight over the past two months, I’m just as excited about the health, energy and optimism I’m gaining. I was playing Russian roulette with my unhealthy ways, but now I’m quickly taking the bullets out of that gun.
Exchanging big smiles with my complimentary doctor wasn’t the only NSV (non-scale victory) I had this week. Some others:
• I put on a pair of pants that had been in the laundry for a while and they are very loose now.
• I had enough energy to clean a very messy garage with my 11-year-old son’s help.
• A couple of people have made kind remarks about my slimmer appearance.
• A handful of people thanked me for helping them lose weight because I’m living my life out loud.
• It continues to be easier for me to move — from walking around town or at the store to doing simple things.
• I often find myself engaged in productive and interesting conversations about health with friends and family members.
There’s more.
Despite watching my weight strangely creep up a couple of pounds over the weekend, I also had another scale victory.
This week’s weigh-in results:
- Starting weight (March 6): 373.7 pounds
- Last week’s weight (May 6): 331.2 pounds
- This week’s weight (May 13): 327.5 pounds
- This week’s loss: 3.7 pounds
- Total loss: 46.2 pounds
Would love to hear more about the program your using.. I’ve been stuck at 275 lbs much to long.
Hey Chad! Thanks for the message. I’ll send you an email.
I’m delighted to read this post, Jody — way to go! Your recent posts about making better food choices has prodded me to make a few better choices, too.
This may sound cheesy, but your willingness to “live out loud” on this journey is really a positive influence. (It doesn’t hurt that you’re a great writer.) Thanks for having the guts (sorry) to do it!
You’re so kind, Pam! Thank you. I’m really happy you’re making some better choices. That’s awesome to hear and makes me want to keep on keeping on with these posts. Thanks and best of luck!
Congrats, Jody! I’m sure you’ve seen the news stories about how a big percentage “Biggest Loser” contestants gain weight back. It shows just how much a person’s body will fight to hold on to the weight, and it’s a lot harder to lose and keep it off than people realize. So I’m super-impressed and motivated to keep trying to eat better.
Thank you, Valerie! That story was really depressing, but I tried to put a positive spin on it with my blog last week. Nothing’s gonna stop me from trying! Good luck with your eating. I bet you make awesome healthy food!
Hey Jody, I’ve been following you via Twitter for well over a year now and appreciate all your info not only on the Jazz, but your struggle with weight issues. I myself was at a high of 382 a few years ago, which contributed to a jones fracture in my foot and a degenerative hip joint. I lost 55 lbs prior to my hip replacement last year, but I’m struggling with my eating again and have put about 30 back on. Please share with me what you’re doing. Thanks for being so open to sharing. You are an inspiration!
Wade,
Thank you so much for the nice compliments. I’m kind of an open book. I know it drives some people on Twitter nuts, but I like to share my life experiences with others. I’m a loud mouth. What can I say? LOL.
Sorry to hear you’ve had some struggles, too. Man, it’s SO hard! I would love to share my program with you. I’ll send you an email.
Thanks again and best of luck!
Jody, I just wanted to say it’s awesome that u are having nsv’s. Myself I only look at the numbers which is what throws me off. I would like to hear more about this program your doing that is giving you the tools to be successful. Once again congratulations on your victories 🙂
Your brutal honesty and personal courage are inspiring! You aren’t afraid to address the fears and failures as well as the victories and strengths. Keep going! I would like to know more about your optimal program.
Hi Marie,
Thank you for your kind words. Some think I’m crazy, but I do find value in living my life out loud, especially when I think what I’m going through can be beneficial to others.
I will send you an email about the program.
Thanks again!
Jody