Saturday, April 02, 2011

12 to 13 pounds away ..

I am 12 to 13 pounds from my one year goal in under 8 months!

This morning the scale was fluctuating between 232 and 233. It couldn't seem to make up it's mind. Obviously I do not have one of those high tech digital scales. I am strictly old school with my spring and dial scale.

It is the scale I started with, sort of. It only weighs up to 300 pounds. So, until I was under 300 I used the scales at mom's house. Now that I am under 300 (by over 60 pounds) I can use my scales at home.

What else has changed in the last 8 months? I am glad you asked !

Eight months ago I was still unemployed after over 2 years. I must also admit that I was most probably almost unemployable. I was over 350 pounds and walking with a cane. (How unimpressive is that in a job interview?) In out age of discrimination enlightenment, weight is still discriminated against, probably more than we realize.

There are stereotypes about the overweight. Some of them are true about some of the overweight individuals. Yes, some are lazy. Yes, some lack willpower. Yes, some are weak. Yes, some just do not want to lose weight. However, it has been my experience that those same things can be said about any addiction or addicted group. Some fit the stereotype.

So, eight months ago, morbidly obese and out of prospects for work, I changed me.

Today, I am obese. My BMI is 35.3. Eight moths ago it was 53.2. At my heaviest recorded weight (DR visit) it was 55.0.

Eight months ago, I walked with a cane and then only when i deemed walking absolutely necessary.

Today I am working (for 3 months now) on a job where i walk 5 to 7 miles a day. I am working as an electrician at a major university hospital. (University of Kentucky - Go CATS)

Today I eat about 1100 to 1200 calories a day instead of 3500 calories a day.

I walk without pain, mostly. I still have tendonitis in my heel, but back and knee pain is mostly gone.

Today, I don't look at tasks with the same drudgery with which I used to view it.

I get my own stuff.

I walk. A lot.

I can wear a pair of 40inch waist pants. (8 months ago .. 60inch waist)

I wear XL shirts. (8 months ago .. 3X or 4X)

Eight months ago, I thought I could. Today, I know I can.

Come on, last 12 to 13 pounds. I am ready to see you gone.

I am walking .. downhill .. to my goal!




3 comments:

Patrice and Higgins said...

WOW!!! Way to go and keep up the good work!

Retro Girl said...

You are amazing. Such an inspiration - an example of determination and strength!! I am utterly in awe. I think so many people would benefit by reading your story! Truly encouraging.

Hug Miss TJ for me - been meaning to send her my wishes for a speedy recovery. Hope she is feeling much better very soon. Love you all!

Gill said...

You my blog friend are an inspiration! And may i just say, you look awesome!
hugs.