I did it! I did it! I did it! So, National Weight Control Registry - here I come! Just let me at em'. I've been waiting for this day, yup my one year anniversary of maintaining, just so I could join up and become a part of this rare group.
It was back on July 9, 2007 that I hit my original goal of 133 lbs. Well, my goal was 135 lbs, but I surpassed it with a nice loss that particular week. In the next couple of months, I took it down 11 more pounds, but I still consider July 9 to be my "original hitting goal" date. So here I am, one year later and well under that 133 lbs. So, I'm calling it - one year of maintenance for me.
And what a year it's been! My life is a complete one-eighty of what it used to be. I used to be this miserable, inactive, self-conscious, lethargic, unproductive, anxiety ridden person. Not anymore! I am incredibly active, a social butterfly, full of energy and highly productive. My weight related anxieties have completely ceased. I was always worried about my health and what I was doing to myself by having all that added weight on me. I mean I was
certain, absolutely certain, that I was putting myself at risk for many, many debilitating and deadly, completely avoidable diseases. I knew it wasn't a matter of "if", but "when" disaster would strike.
My fear of chairs is gone too! I know this sounds silly, but chairs were a big issue for me. I was always worried about them. Especially in social situations. Would I fit in them, would they be strong enough to hold me, how would I look in them? I hated the fact that I always "spilled" over them and had to stuff myself in there. SOOO self conscious about it. Yuck. I still to this day (wonder if it will
ever stop) look down at my seat and just gaze and adore all the room I have on either side of me. Going to the beauty parlor, riding on public transportation, sitting on beach chairs, lawn chairs, folding chairs, it's all a big kick for me. Told you I was silly. Oh and after avoiding airplanes for close to 15 years, yup fear of those tiny seats (and the dreaded seat belt extender), I went on a plane!
Oh and I've become the biggest clothes horse too. Who knew that something that was absolute H E double hockey sticks (an understatement) could turn into such absolute pleasure? Shopping and clothing in general was such a horror for me. HORROR! Now it's one of my biggest sources of joy. I love getting dressed in the morning. I get to "visit" all my gorgeous stuff. I have a closet full of incredible clothing. Every outfit is a winner. Something I've always dreamed about, having a nice outfit to wear every single day of my life has become a reality. Even my underwear drawer gives me pleasure. I love looking at all my teensy underwear all folded up neatly and taking up so little space. Oh my gosh, did I just "say" that
my underwear is teensy and takes up so little space? Yes, I did!!!
And the best part - going to the doctor. My cholesterol is perfect, the total, the "good" cholesterol and the "bad" cholesterol. All below where they should be. My vitamin levels - perfect. My blood pressure - perfection (no more meds!).
Though it's been a joyous, joyous year - it has been a struggle at times too. That's for sure. Can anyone say ROLLER COASTER???? Staying at this weight is not always so easy. "Fat Robin" is still deep inside of me. Some days she's just not all that deep either. She's right there on the surface, dying to get out. But that's okay, because "healthy, fit and trim Robin" is up for the task. I can take "Fat Robin"! I know how to keep her at bay. I've got lots and lots of healthy habits in place. I still estimate my calories, making them healthy, nutrient rich, satisfying ones, plan ahead, eat mostly at home, cooking all my food, (I've got some great recipes that I rely on), pack foods and take them with me, shop for food almost daily, exercise regularly and weigh myself if not everyday, then very frequently. Oh that's just what I did when I was
losing weight. Uh huh!! It's been exactly the same for me. Exactly. The only difference is that every now and then I add in a splurge meal.
I've accepted the fact that this is how it will have to be. I know that morbid obesity for me is just a scoop of ice cream away. I will always have to be super vigilient. Can't let "Fat Robin" take over. I will always have to make my health, my weight a number one, tippy top priority. No more leaving it on the back burner. But I'm okay with it. The rewards are so great that it is worth it to me. I now have a life filled with much more joy and happiness and waaaay less worries and misery. I always imagined that life at a healthy weight would be wonderful, but I never had any idea it would be
this wonderul.
If you'll excuse me now, it's getting late and I've got some cutting up and packing of salads to do and a long brisk walk that needs to be taken.
One Year Down, A LIFETIME to go.....
Well done!!!
