Weigh-In-Wednesdays

I began my journey to Become a Healthier Me on January 7, 2013.  Do to my excessive weight, my weight loss at the beginning will seem extreme – so please do not feel discouraged because you have not lost this much weight in 16 days.     With that said, I am pleased to announce that I lost 14.8 lbs. in 16 days. 

"In Your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall." Psalm 18:29

I still have a long way to go on my journey, but I know that with God’s help and with His strength I can  crush the army of Satan and all of his obstacles he will place on my journey; and I can scale any wall that Satan will try to place in front of me in order to block – or cause me to give up.  I know that the Battle of the Bulge is a lifelong battle, but in the end I will be victorious because I am a soldier in God’s army. 

The past two weeks I have had a few challenges:

 First, I was trying to figure out the amount of calories I am to eat in a day.  If I eat the amount that most calorie calculators tell me to eat at the beginning to lose weight, I will gain weight.  For some reason they must believe that all morbidly obese people sit around all day eating boat loads of food.   So after talking with one of the bariatric doctors she calculated that I should eat below 1800 calories a day.  I shared with her that sometimes I find it difficult to eat all that I am to eat in one day.  She told me that if I am full/comfortable, then don’t eat any more.   She said, “Listen to your body, it will tell you when it has had enough food.”  So I find that anywhere from 1400 to 1600 calories a day is enough for my body.  I am satisfied not full. 

Another challenge has been getting in enough protein and vegetables in my diet.  I have found that if one of my snacks is a protein shake I feel rejuvenated.  I have a NutriBullet.  It is so much better than an ordinary juicer.  Since I am not a lover of vegetables I have found that if I mix fresh veggies like spinach, carrots, kale, beets etc… with a fruit (I like blueberries) and my protein powder I have a very tasty and healthy snack that includes at least two helpings of vegetables and one helping of fruit.  I am still trying to find other ways to get my vegetables down. 

Now some blessings this past week:

1)       I started a facebook group of friends and family who will commit to be my prayer warriors and encouragers along with helping me to be accountable in my Journey to Become a Healthier Me.  If you would like to be a part of this group please let me know.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/becomeahealthierme/

2)      I received word that my disability insurance carrier was going to change effective March 1^st.  I became a little anxious since I am in the process of have gastric bypass surgery.  As I continued to read the letter my eyes popped and my heart skipped a beat – God be praised! One of my choices for insurance is Geisinger – the very medical group all my doctors are in and the name of the hospital that I will have the surgery!  Our God is so good – all the time!

3)      My dear husband, Jim, is so encouraging.  He is so easy to cook for and does not complain about the food I serve him.  He does not bring into the house foods that tempt me.  I know that one day I will be able to be in the same room as some of those foods and not be tempted or fall into temptation to eat the food. 

4)      Everyone in my life – family and friends, are on board and very supportive on my journey to Become a Healthier Me.  I am so thankful for each of them and their words of encouragement mean the world to me.  They lift me up daily. 

5)      Most of all but not least, I praise the Lord for lifting me up out of depression and despair as He brings me new hope for a new beginning. 

“You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!” Psalm 30:11-12

P.S. As for this week’s Planks Challenge – I will continue with my wheelchair exercises.  One day ladies I hope to do Planks!  The water challenge – no problem – I average 96 oz. of water a day.  

Becoming a Healthier Me – Journal Entry 1/22/13

“So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.”  1 Corinthians 9:26-27

Wow, those scriptures hit me on the head like a ton of bricks!  How can I be an example to others if I am not discipline enough in my own life?

As I begin my journey to a Healthier Me, I have been undertaking a great amount of soul searching- introspection - and I have to be honest with myself, “I have a lot of splainin to do!” (To coin a phrase from Ricky Ricardo on I Love Lucy). 

I have restarted – jumped started – my battle of the bulge.  I am reading the book Winning the Battle of the Bulge It’s NOT About the Weight, along with the study guide, by Mary Englund Murphy.  She compares the battle of dieting or the battle of bulge to that of being a soldier in the Army.  Actually she says that “Losing weight is not just a battle; it’s a war – a lifelong war made up of daily battles.  Battles fought not at the refrigerator, the dinner table, or the cookie jar, but in our minds and spirits.  Battles fought against an enemy we seldom recognize and with weapons we are disinclined to use.  You may feel ready to surrender, but don’t give up yet.  Together we will enlist in God’s army, work our way through boot camp and special training, recognize our true enemy, and allow God to arm us with weapons to win the war.” 

One of the questions she asks is: “List attitude adjustments you need to make.”  You mean I need an attitude adjustment?  Not me?  I can just see my husband and sister rolling their eyes right now!  Of course I need an attitude adjustment.  So here I go – I am opening myself up to everyone to help me become more accountable. 

1.       I need to commit to the battle as a life-long battle.  Losing weight is not about dieting and reaching your goal.  It is a life-long commitment to be and stay healthy.  Healthy physically, mentally and spiritually. 

2.       Be honest.  When I record in my food diary I must be honest and record every bite.  I must be honest with myself and most of all with my Lord – the Commander in Chief of His army. 

3.       Be positive.  I cannot tell you how many times I look into the mirror and say, “You are ugly, You are fat, You are worthless, You are pathetic, You are….”  Well you get the idea.  I say and think a lot of negatives when it comes to how I see myself – inside and out. 

4.       Food is not my enemy – but my thoughts and feelings towards food are my enemy.

5.       When I reach a plateau or even not lose as fast I think I should lose, I am not to get discouraged and give up as I usually do.  I didn’t get this way overnight and I cannot expect it to come off overnight either.  There are lessons to learn at every step forward and every plateau.  Instead of giving up – seek guidance – from the Lord and nutritionist. 

6.       The life long battle will get difficult, challenging, and road blocks from the deceiver himself but I must remember that the Lord is in the battle with me; He will and can help me through and around each battle – each challenge the enemy sets out for me. 

Yes, I am in a lifelong battle, but I must remember that I am on the Winner’s side – God – The Battle is already won – the prize is there at the finish line just waiting for me to run my course and cross that finish line to claim my prize!    

I hope that one day I can say as the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:6-8, “As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.”

Dear Heavenly Father, You have armed me with strength for the battle of bulge.  Everything I need to fight this battle you have already provided.  It’s mine for the taking – I must use the weapons you provide to fight the battles that will come my way.  "In Your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall." Psalm 18:29.  And all God’s people say, “Amen!”

My Journey To a Healther Me

Last week I announced that I was going to share a major life change and become a healthier me.

As most of you are aware, and of course just by viewing photos of me, you know that I am – well to coin the medical term – morbidly obese.  I have struggled with my weight almost all my adult life.  Like so many people I have dieted, loss weight, gained weight plus more, dieted and ….. Well you get the idea… yo-yo dieting.  Unfortunately all this yo-yo dieting has taken a toll on my body.  

Along with all this yo-yo dieting I have suffered with multiple chronic health issues for almost 30 years.  Between eating like most Americans – larger portions than we need, and taking multiple medications that promote weight gain, my weight has gone to an all-time high.   

Upon several years of soul searching, prayer, seeking guidance from family, friends, and doctors, I have finally received peace that gastric bypass surgery is the right lifestyle change for me to become a healthier me.   Some of the things that helped me decide were:  extremely low metabolism; I have become non-weight bearing do to weight and chronic health conditions; certain personal needs; and a husband who now has debilitating chronic health issues that will only become worse over time. It’s time for me to be able to take care of my needs, do more around the house, and take care of my husband for a change.  

I know that many of you may think this is way too drastic or why can’t you just lose weight dieting?  Please know that I have not come by this decision lightly.  And I am NOT taking the “easy” way out!  There is NO easy way when it comes to gastric bypass.  It will be the hardest thing I will ever do in my life.  It will totally change me – literally inside and out.  

What I desire of each of you is to be my prayer warriors.  If all goes according to planned I will have surgery June or July of this year.  In the mean time I am to lose a certain amount of weight prior to surgery; take behavior modification classes; diet classes; support groups; and multiple doctor visits and exams. 

I plan on journaling my progress, thoughts and prayers on my personal blog, http://beelieve-ahealthierme.blogspot.com/ .  I ask that if you desire to follow my progress, be my prayer warrior, or just jot an encouraging word, that you would click to follow my blog so you can get updates.  These blog posts will be separate from my other blog/website - http://www.beelieveyoucan.net/  .  Also, the facebook support group page is:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/becomeahealthierme/  If you wish to join the group please let me know.  

I have quite a journey ahead of me.  Hold on tight because I moving forward and not looking back.  

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”   Philippians 4:13

Journey To A Healthier Me - Update

It's been a while since I have posted an update relating to my Journey To A Healthier Me.

First, my weight loss journey. This has been a struggle for four weeks with the scale not moving. I will not give up but I certainly would appreciate you prayers and encouragement. I know this is just a temporary set back.

Now my other health issues.

My fibromyalgia, arthritis, and neuropathy have been quite painful lately. Now that I have been approved for SSI disability, my health insurance has changed; I have a new primary care doctor who is very understanding and willing to help me to become a Healthier Me. Thank you Lord for answered prayers. Pray as the two of us work together to better control my pain. It will take some time. Last night was the first night in several days that I have been able to sleep (still getting up every couple of hours to pee as usual). I appreciate those who have prayed for me through my prayer request on Facebook. Keep praying!

Pray that the doctor can get an approval for me to go to water therapy near us. This would require out of network approval, but this rehabilitation center is the ONLY one that provides water therapy in our whole county!

He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:29-31 (NLT)

Praise the Lord for HIS strength!

Journey To A Healthier Me - Update

It's been two weeks since I last posted. Time sure flies. These past couple of weeks I have been busy...for me that is. The past few months I had been planning a family reunion to be held this past Saturday, but an unexpected guest choose to crash the party - Hurricane Irene! I was really upset that we had to cancel, but we had to make sure everyone was safe. We did get lots of heavy rain and wind in our area, other areas in our state as well as much of the northeast got hit pretty hard. My thoughts and prayers go out to those who were affected by the hurricane. One "mixed" praise in all this - where we were to have the reunion/picnic (which is on our church property), had three trees come down. Praise the Lord no one was present at the time.

A Little Encouragement Can Go A Long Way

"Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken."  Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NLT

I love this picture!  I cannot tell you how many times I have had to stand on the scale at the doctor’s office and wanted to either run or cry!  For the first time in a long time, yesterday I was excited to stand on the scale at my doctor’s office.   The nurse even said, “Wow, I usually have to push and prod people to stand on the scale.”  I replied, “Just wait until you see why I am jumping on the scale!”

Update: Good News and Bad News

Good news first:

My journey to a Healthier Me is coming along….slowly…but each pound lost is one step closer to my goal of a Healthier Me. 

Here we go – drum roll please…….. I am down 40 lbs. since I began on June 6^th.    For those of you who have been following my Healthier Me Journey I truly appreciate your continued support and prayers.  I have a long way to go, but I know with God all things are possible!  

When one thinks about all the things that are against me in my journey it truly is God who is moving mountains!  I have doctors who say I cannot lose all the weight without weight loss surgery because of all my health issues and because of my health issues I am to do non-weight bearing exercises.  But with all that is against me I am now averaging 2 lbs a week weight loss.   Lord, “In Your strength I CAN crush an army; with my God I can scale ANY wall.”  Psalm 18:29