To paraphrase Dr. Phil, this is the changing day in my life.
Since this is my first diary entry, an introduction: I am a 56-year-old female, divorced for 24 years with no children or siblings, who retired early at age 54 from the airline industry. I currently live in Georgia but hope to sell my home and move closer to my 86-year-old mother in Florida in the coming year. Once there, I will go back to the working world.
Physically, I am 5'4" and weigh around 245 pounds. I am very healthy, rarely ill but not physically fit. My figure is apple-shaped with a large belly. I need to lose 100 pounds or face the very realistic possibility of diabetes, as I have a genetic tendency for it and am slightly insulin resistant now. I also know it will be difficult to get a good job if I am obese. How to reach my goal with positive, consistent and permanent changes in my eating habits and lifestyle is why I'm here.
Psychologically, I am showing classic signs of chronic depression. The causes are too numerous to list here but known to me. Obviously, my weight is just one sign of this condition. I am a classic case of how the psychological and the physical can affect each other.
I've read Dr. Phil's book and know its message and plans are realistic, powerful and doable, especially for older persons. The emphasis on working from the inside to fix the outside makes great sense to me. It is an area that other diet plans do not address.
To date, I have followed the WLC food buying, preparation and eating plans fairly well. I don't eat out at all; my kitchen is cleansed of bad foods, condiments and beverages; I control portions, etc. What I haven't done is to start any kind of exercise program. I have no excuse for this, as I have the time and can do many things at home like walking, yoga and weights. However, a gym membership is out as money is extremely tight right now.
Presently, I'm frustrated and unhappy because I've actually gained weight on the WLC eating plan. After decades of trying everything to lose weight without great success, this is yet another disappointment. As I write, gastro-instestinal surgery looks like my last hope for salvation. But I know that's just a knee-jerk reaction to something that requires more and deeper inner resources to conquer.
This week, I plan to get the appointments for physical exams and work-ups I've been putting off to get off to a better start in the WLC program. I want to be tested for those conditions affecting weight gain that are mentioned in Dr. Phil's book. I have reason to believe that some of my weight loss problem is due to them. My mother, for example, has been treated for low thyroid for decades; until she was, she too suffered weight problems.
Courage, Barbara. Be patient and stay the course. |
