Thursday, January 22, 2009

Whoa-oh, We're Halfway There............

And no, this is not a tribute to Bon Jovi. (although I will say that "Livin' on a Prayer," "Wanted Dead or Alive,"  and "You Give Love a Bad Name" were some great therapy songs in the 80's.)

Since I mentioned therapy, let's go there. "The first step is admitting you have a problem." Well, I have many, but let's just focus on one for now. I AM A STRESS EATER. I have alway been. The biggest stressor I've ever experienced was my dad's illness and death two year ago and immediately afterwards, I stress-ate my way to a 40-pound weight gain! I hated being overweight, but that only led to more overeating. It was a vicious cycle. I knew December was going to be a hard month, because that's the anniversary month of Dad's going into the hospital for the last time. But I also knew that Dad would have wanted me to win this battle, because he battled his weight for as long as I can remember. (One of the many, many ways I am so like him.) So a couple of weeks before Christmas, I told Lee that I would always miss my dad terribly, but that I was determined to honor him by losing weight during the holiday season. That very day, a postcard came in the mail advertising a new weight loss program that was opening in my GYN's office. I took it as a "sign" and immediately made an appointment. Well, that was 5 weeks ago and as of this morning's weekly weigh-in, I have officially lost 20 pounds! (19.6, but I rounded up) 

I am feeling much better about myself. I am feeling much better period. I love the encouragement and compliments from Lee. I love that that he and the kids are eating healthier now, too. I love being able to fit into clothes that have been hanging in my closet for over 3 years............. with tags still on. 

So, here's to reaching the halfway point! And here are some before, during and current pics of the process thus far. (and yes, the "before" ones are hard for me to post!)

Pressing on,
Mel
12-07-08
                                                
 12-19-08                             

12-29-08

01-14-09
01-22-09