Tuesday, September 8, 2009

the road is long, but final destination is worth it

As many of you know from following my blog, I am always struggling with weight issues. I had a doctor appointment last week because I couldn't get my blood pressure meds refilled without a doctor visit. I am on 1 water pill per day for the high blood pressure. Well, this was one of the best doctor visits I've ever had with my lady doctor. She spent a lot of time with me asking questions about my eating habits and tried to dig deep into the issues I have with being an emotional eater. She really, sincerely wants to help me lose the weight to have a healthier life and not have the knee problems or diabetes in the years to come, which runs in the family. She wants me to lose it slow over the next 2 years and the goal she set for me is very realistic. She wants me to write down everything I eat for 6 weeks and come back to see her. She said I needed the accountability. I also have to keep track of my blood pressure daily. She wants me to exercise 3 times per week. I left there feeling like someone really does care about me and believes in me. Why can't I believe in me? Why is it so hard for me to do? I think I like myself enough to want to take care of myself. I have so much to live for. So, I have a journal started to write down everything I eat and I write down my blood pressure at different times of the day. I have to confess though, that I didn't write down the many pumpkin & apple cinnamon donuts I ate over the weekend. The scale will tell all, so I have some work ahead of me. No more donuts! I have even decided to try out the local Jazzercise class with my neighbor. I will try again! 6 weeks will be here before I know it.

14 comments:

Crooked Eyebrow said...

You can do it and it sounds like she has set reasonable goals for you to achieve!

You can do it mimi!!

Mrs. Cline said...

I believe in you! YOU CAN DO THIS.

So proud of you for even admitting publicly that you are on this journey.

I totally know you can do this. :)

E said...

I understand where you are coming from on this. I have always struggled with believing in myself, especially when it comes to weight loss. I lost 40lbs on Weight Watchers in 2002 and have gained it all back plus some. I am going to always struggle with weight. It is something I have to pray through daily.

You can do this. I believe in you!

Bacardi Mama said...

You can do this...I have great faith in you. Anytime you need to vent, just call or email me. You have set very realistic goals.

Lisa said...

You can do this, Rhonda! I'm trying to get back on the exercise wagon myself, and it's hard. And it hurts. And I'm tired. And it's hard...oh, I said that already ;)
I think it's great that you have your doctor working with you on this.

Carolyn Vaughn said...

You can do it. Once you start exercising you'll feel so much better and when you start losing the weight you want your skin to be tight. If you ever feel out of sorts, go for a brisk walk. You'll walk faster and feel better afterwards - all those endorphins. One of the important things is to not allow the foods that are your weaknesses in the house. When you write your journal regarding what you eat, maybe you might want to jot down what you were feeling when you ate what you listed. Your doctor may find it helpful to know that and be able to help you more successfully. We're all rooting for you.

chrissy said...

ohh, I totally understand. Starting out by being completely honest with yourself in your journal is the best way, even writing in those donuts! Sorry!
Mimi, it's great that you have your Dr. on your side and that you feel a commitment from her!
You can do it Mimi!

Sharon - Mom Generations said...

There is always a trigger for changing habits, and yours comes through loud and clear. "I have so much to live for." You have so much love and caring and kindness and humor for everyone else... now you need to, as you write, BELIEVE in yourself. I care so deeply for you and this is why I am going to say this... my Dad had high blood pressure and his physician wanted him to exercise. This was decades ago. He did not have a weight problem, but that didn't deter his blood pressure from soaring. It was in his genes. As you know, my Dad died of a coronary at age 47. All he talked about was having grandchildren to hug and love and "spoil." He dreamed of taking them on his boat and watching them dive off the side. He longed to hold them and teach them all about the things he loved... like the ocean and his mom's farm in Michigan. He didn't get a chance to do any of these things. As his daughter, I have missed out on all this love for my children. I beg you to BELIEVE in yourself and think of yourself as the most special person in the entire world... because you ARE. Take all the love you have for everyone around you and multiply it by an infinite amount and there will still be enough for YOURSELF. PLEASE keep that journal and fill it with YOU... a healthy, healthy YOU. Please. You are needed here in this wonderful, wonderful world... !!

Sharon - Mom Generations said...

I have a possible hint for you that I have borrowed from a best friend of mine who struggles with high blood pressure and weight issues dealing with her metabolism. She bought a giant calendar... one of the ones you find at a place like Staples... one you can hang... and she hung it on a door in her kitchen. This way, she has to LOOK at it as she makes her meals and snacks. She has to LOOK at it as she contemplates heading out for a donut or heading out for a walk. It keeps her "honest" as she says!! It's like... in your face!! I did this when I was training for my Sprint Triathlon... I bought the huge hanging calendar and filled it in every time I finished my run or bike or swim, and I filled in what I ate each day. After seeing a week or so of how GOOD I had been, I didn't want to mess up that calendar at all!! And, being in the kitchen, right next to my grandchildren's cookie cabinet, the calendar made me stop and think before cheating. Of course, I did cheat. I mean, come on!! But I would have 2 chocolate chip cookies instead of 4. Bottom line... it worked for my friend, who is now walking 2 miles each day. And it worked for me. Thinking of you...

JackeeG4glamorous said...

Writing down what you eat is a good step towards self awareness! and doughnuts are an evil downfall...of mine too!
I'm down 21.8 lbs in six short months. Mostly by writing down what I ate and by setting reasonable goals. Eating healthy choices each day with a spatter of delicious splurges. In the beginning, six months sounded so long ago, now I'm glad I went on that journey! You can do it too

Anonymous said...

what a healthy attitude! before you know it, healthy eating will be coming right along ;)

ps. i actually hear YOUR voice now when i read your blog since meeting you!

mommy boo of two said...

You can do this! I know you can, you are being very realistic about it and have set some great goals. You have many supporters to keep you motivated (and you know we will). You can do it!

Unknown said...

You can do it, Mimi! Hugs!

Jen @ One Moms World said...

I totally believe in you Rhonda. As I have shared before... I struggled for 4 years after my 2nd daughter was born. I was too indeed an emotional eater. It's all like a mind game it seems and I just had to really set myself up mentally.

I'm so happy your doctor took the time for you and sit down to discuss options. That is the great part... there are options and YOU CAN DO THIS. Big (((HUGS)))