A New Year...

It's January so that means a new set of resolutions... things we promise to change, do more of, do less of, stop doing altogether, etc.  Year after year, I make resolutions, from the serious to the silly... and I'm not sure I've ever lasted more than a couple of months at the most.

So for 2015, I have come up with a list of things I would "like" to do this year.  Is that the wussy way out?  Perhaps.  But, I don't know about you, but I am tired at failing at my resolutions.  Somehow, even with the best intentions, life usually gets in the way.  So, I decided to list things I would like to do/accomplish for 2015 – sorta like a bucket list…

1.     Continue on my path to wellness and a more healthy lifestyle

2.     Experience new adventures in activity

3.     Decide what I want to be when I grow up… and what it’s gonna take for me to get there

4.     Love more

5.     Live life to the fullest

Now here’s what I’m thinking for the first two.  The rest will be discussed later.

1.     Continue on my path to wellness and a more healthy lifestyle… 2014 was not a good year for my scale.  My weight pretty much stayed where it had been in 2013… until around October when I somehow gained 10 pounds.  Seriously, I don’t know how it happened – my eating habits didn’t change, I wasn’t drinking more than normal, exercise was going as it always had… Hmmm maybe there is my answer!  I’ve started 2015 with a 21-day sugar detox to jumpstart some weight loss (and lost 4 pounds in first week).  No sugar, no articificial sweeteners, limited carbs to whole grains (and pretzels – I can’t give up pretzels for some unknown reason), and (here’s the biggie) NO ALCOHOL!  Made it through my first week without any major slippage – I did add a few drops of Mio to my water.  Even went out with friends Saturday night and no alcohol at all!  What’s going to happen after the 21 days?  Good question… stay tuned

2.     Experience new adventures in activity…The gym is my friend.  I really do enjoy going to the gym and working out – once I get there.  I’ve changed up my workout routines throughout the year, but am still looking for that magical regimen that will burn 500 calories in 30 minutes and sculpt beautiful abs, arms and thighs….LOL.  My thought for this one is to add a new fitness related activity each month – this month, I’m trying some new classes at the gym, including yoga.  I like what I’ve tried so far – my biggest obstacle is the time of the classes – none are before 6 pm, which for me is my down time.  I like working out first thing in the morning or on my way home from work, around 4:30.  Once I get home, you need a cattle prod to get me back out of the house for anything, let alone a workout.  But I’m gonna try.  Maybe I’ll find a class that I absolutely love and nothing will stop me!  Next month… I’m gonna overcome my aversion to the elliptical machine.

What are your resolutions or goals for the year?  

Beginning My Journey

So... I forgot to mention in my background post that I have dealt with weight issues almost my entire life!  Honestly, I don't remember a time I wasn't overweight, although I have seen pictures from my childhood and apparently I wasn't a fat kid!

But for as long as I can remember (at from middle school age on), I have been self-conscious about my weight - and my self-esteem has suffered because of it.  I'd lose weight from one diet or another and then it would come back on. Growing up, family dinners were a part of my life - and they weren't exactly healthy by today's standards - bread was served at every meal (even if it was just plain ol white bread with butter) and a meal wasn't complete without potatoes or some other starch.  I've always enjoyed salads and veges, but obviously, not as much as I should have!  Evenings were spent watching tv with popcorn or chips and dessert (but with diet soda).

As an adult, I've tried to lose weight.  Weight Watchers, Atkins, low-fat, low-carb, the list goes on and on.  But it always comes back and likes to bring it's friends with it.  Today I am at my heaviest weight ever (but I'm not saying what that is).

My husband was also overweight, which didn't help matters.  We would diet together until one of us would give up.  But about 2 1/2 years ago, he decided to make a change - and had the lapband surgery.  It was a struggle the first year for him, but something clicked after his one year bandiversary and he's now lost over 130 pounds!  He looks and feels terrific and has given me the motivation to do it too! 

Don't get me wrong, I don't ever anticipate anyone calling me skinny...but I need to be healthier - get off the meds for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar and be able to enjoy all the things life has to offer.  My goal is to lose 100-135 pounds. 

So last year I attended the informational seminar and met with the surgeon who did DH's surgery (Dr. Gellar in Louisville).  Insurance required me to have 6 months of physician monitored weight loss attempts... so I started those monthly visits in July.  The last one was in December so I got all my paperwork turned in and went for my consultation at the weight management center on Jan 18.  They told me they would send everything to Dr. Gellar and touch base with his office at the end of the following week.

So imagine my surprise when I got a call from Dr. Gellar's office on the 21st telling me everything had been approved and I was scheduled for surgery on 2/22/11!!!!  I literally jumped for joy!

Last week was my pre-op testing and this week I've been cleared by the cardiologist and have the last appointment with the pulmonologist on Thursday for clearance.  After that, it will be just waiting - something I'm not very good at!

For the past week, I've been watching every YouTube video I can find from others who have gone through this journey and have been so inspired!  It's not the easy way out that so many people think it is... it's simply a tool to help me achieve my goals.  I know it's not going to be easy - I have seen what my hubby has gone through, as well as friends who have had the procedure... but if the past couple of years have taught me anything, they've taught me that things will only change if I make them change!  I have to take the chance and put myself out there!

Stay tuned...