Meet My New Friend
Twelve and a half weeks ago I visited my nurse practitioner who said, "It's time." Actually, it was way past time. My weight was up. So were my cholesterol and my blood sugar. Even my famous low blood pressure had begun to creep up. The only thing that was "down" was my bone density. And that wasn't good.
The antidote to all of these things, of course, is the dreaded diet and exercise combo.
So I grit (gritted?) my teeth, bit the bullet (a fat-free bullet), and joined Weight Watchers. I was fortunate that my first meeting was with a leader that I liked. Her story is that she lost 70 pounds and it took her three years. Probably not typical. But certainly believable. And admirable. Beyond Irene, there's the group. I tell you, there is a real feeling in this group. The members really do care about each other and the support is superb. There's no one trying to dominate. People give serious thought to each others' dilemmas and remember to check the next week.
I've attended twelve weekly meetings so far, and have lost 14.8 pounds. Not a record-setting loss, but a loss I'm feeling good about. It isn't just about the scale, either. I've found it easier to go up stairs. Today I'm wearing a pair of pants that hadn't fit in quite a while. My nurse practitioner visit last week showed the blood pressure down a little and follow-up blood studies are scheduled for early July.
This is going to have to be a part of my life for ever, though I hope it doesn't take three years to meet my goal. So I thought it was time I wrote a little bit about it. I imagine that some of my readers know what I'm talking about. This blog isn't going to morph from quilting and thinking to dieting in its main content, though I believe there will be posts on this topic from time to time.
I've not told very many people about this yet. I guess I've been afraid of failure and humiliation over that failure. But after last night's meeting, I had the strong feeling that it was time to go public. Comments on the blog are welcome, as always. But if you're someone I know IRL, please don't mention it. I don't know why (and at this point don't care why), but it's not something I can talk about unless I bring it up.
And now I've got to go. 'Cause I've got a date with Ken.
.
Comments
I love Ken's salad dressings but haven't seen that spray. My favorite is the lite Oriental dressing. It is so flavorful a little goes a long way. I especially like it on vegetables or over rice...
Good Going... I did weight watchers about 31 years ago. Lost 22lbs then and got pregnant.. stayed away from WW after that! lol
I too didn't tell anyone. Didn't want the diabetes police (aka family) to keep asking "can you have that?".
Wishing you much success and sending you great big hugs of healthy support!
I have been a little behind in my blog reading and need to refer to your post of the shopping bag you made. Do you know where you purchased the fabric or the line it comes from? The family is swedish and that would certainly make some great gifts.
TIA
Patty
But I needed to change what I ate for other health reasons, so I went on the IBS diet, which is to eat lots of soluble fiber foods like bagels and rice and white bread, and much less meat, esp less red meat, plus I have to eat foods with potassium, to supplement all the potassium pills I take.
I'm happy to say that my weight went down 9 pounds, but even better, my cholesterol, LDL, and blood sugar went back to normal levels [actually the high end of normal, but at least they are down.].
Most doctors see patients who don't want to work on healthier habits, but rather, just take pills. Therefore some doctors just pull out the prescription pad right away. But good for those of us who work at being healthier.
Slow and steady is the best way to lose Nancy, so don't get discouraged. Find something that weighs 15 pounds and pack it around for a few minutes. You'd be surprised how heavy it gets!! 14.8 pounds is ALOT!!
Love ya, keep up the good work.
Micki
Go Nancy Go!!!
The weight loss is great! Even better is that you have taken charge of your health and have stuck with it for 12 weeks!
Good on ya, as my Aussie son-in-law would say.
I wish you well on your journey . . . and the facts that you have more energy and can already feel a difference in the way your clothes fit are awesome. Even more so is how you've found a supportive environment.
Here's to making healthier choices ~ on all fronts.